Smoke from the steeing column

[richd111]

Every few months or so, I get this weird thing with the left blinker. It will start ok, but then it will stop blinking and a few seconds later, smoke will rise from the steering column. Then if I wait a minute or so, it will work again without a problem, like nothing ever happened. I can go 6 months or more between incident.

Something else I noticed for the first time when this happened the other day. I was listening to the AM radio. Never had interference before, but after the blinker went out, I tried using it again right away, and got a blast of static. I tried it 3 times, and got blasted every time. After I waited a minute or two, all was normal again. I had shop look at it a few years ago, but they couldn't see anything wrong. Any suggestions?

 

[mdrut]

loose connection or more than likely a bare wire...Need to have it fixed, it could possibly cause a fire..

 

[leebo]

You're burning something. More likely than not it's like Mdrut said.....loose connection or bare wire. I'd guess the turn signal wire has a part where the plastic is missing for whatever reason. Have you blown any fuses??? Either way.....GET IT FIXED. Trust me on this one. I've just spent around 15 hours rewireing all of my aftermarket "toys" from my last fight with stupidity.

 

[NITELIFE]

My steering column emmitted a small puff of smoke a while back. It was still under warranty so I took it in to the service dept. They said something definitely shorted in there (I can't remember what it was- I'll have to go look it up and I'll let you know) and actually fixed it. It has been about a year now and I have not had a problem with it.

--mark

 

[FitzMatt]

Take it back!! It should still be under warranty right? Even if it isn't, tell them they didn't fix it!! But get that bad boy in there, fires and loose wires are bad.

Matt

 

[01EB5.0]

I had a similar problem where if i put on my high beams, then turn them off all the headlights go off. Also my winsheild sprayer didn't always work. I brought it in after hearing of other people haveing trouble with the multifunction switch (turn signal stalk). Ford checked it and found the wires fuesed together in there. The wires move when you use the turn signal and after a while I guess the insulation wears off and it shorts out. I would bring it in ASAP as it sounds yours is more serious then mine. i naver had smoke, just a very warm turn signal stalk/steering coloum.

 

[richd111]

Thanks....

...for the advice. I knew that's what needed to be done. I did have it in once, and they didn't find anything, so I wanted to hear if anyone else had the same problem.

And no, alas, it is not under warranty anymore.

I'll let you know what they find!