98 explorer won't start or turn over

[lordjande]

about a week ago the steering collumn started smoking so i just parked the car as its a secondary car and yesterday i went to drive it to the shop to get it looked at and it wouldnt start or turn over. seems the battery just went dead .. the weird thing is the battery is only about 2 weeks old.
i didnt leave on the headlights or radio.
any ideas on how to get this car running again?

 

[Turdle]

Honestly--in this case-
you must afford the tow bill-
With a smoking steering column symptom-I wouldn't try to start it.
There is a short circuit in the electrical system which could start a fire--

Please have it towed to the shop--

 

[lordjande]

anyone have any idea how much such repairs would cost? or no anyone who would be willing to purchase the vehicle as is?

 

[budwich]

The suggestion to tow it is good ... but if you know how to do any mechanical stuff, take apart the steering cowling (taking proper precautions with the air bag) and check things out.... it will likely be obvious what the problem is (smoke /smell).... it is most likely your MFS which have been know to "smoke" which is bad for its health and yours... fix $50.