Smoke from steering columb

[bakken78]

I was driving along yesterday when I saw a puff of smoke coming from my steering columb. The first time i saw this was a few months ago and I thought I was just seeing things and ignored it. But when it happened again yesterday I knew something was not right. It was just a little puff but still, smoke is SMOKE and it's not good.

My question is: is there any fusible links in the colubm or any other service bulletins that pertain to this? If not i'm gonna have to do some poking around in there before it catches fire. Thanks

 

[mrboyle]

Check the ignition switch (the electrical part) they are known to cause problems.

 

[Stic-o]

use to happen in my wifes '99. Everyone thought I was crazy. Replace the multi ###tion switch. That should fix it for now...our's started back up a 2 years later

 

[Grey Owl]

I wouldn't ignore it for too long. Those "little puffs" could become a really big one (read: your vehicle on fire?). Steering columns don't smoke...

 

[spindlecone]

Bottom line is: you got smoke coming out from any electrical componant,you have a major, potential problem that needs to be addressed, ASAP

 

[Copespitter]

Back in 99' my work bought some brand new Rangers. I remember one of the trucks had the same problem from the get go. To my knowledge it was never fixed and hasn't caught on fire yet.
I don't understand why Ford continually has problems like this.

 

[merc2dogs]

very short while ago I was at a light and noticed a wisp of smoke coming from the steering column, pulled over and couldn't find anything, kept going noticed another wisp or two. Stopped again and did a serious inspection and noticed that the smoke was coming from the brake wires, which while not shorted were melted together. went through and checked the lights etc and noticed that the fuse also had heat marks brown with discolored semi-melted spots on it. checked everything out and couldn't find anything wrong with it, but have developed the habit of taking my foot off the brake when sitting at lights, havent had any issues with it since.

ken