Wheel catches - Smoke from dash

[AAnnddrreeww]

I was taking a buddy of mine home today, and when I went to turn to the right there was a LOT of resistance in the wheel. I turned more and I felt a 'snap,' then smoke starting coming out of the steering column, the dashboard and the vents/radio unit. There was also an acrid, burning smell accompanying the smoke.

Oh, also, all my electrical things still work. Radio, gauges, headlights etc all still work.
However my aftermarket baja lights (roof-mounted) do not so I have a feeling that it was the insulation burning that I smelled and the power cords to the switches that got fried and wrapped around the steering wheel.

I guess I don't have a question anymore :X

 

[TheJackal]

Yes, probably so.

I don't know who did your installation, but it's very important to make sure all wiring is away from the steering linkage, transmission selector, heater plenum, or anywhere else that moves or gets hot.