Smoke from steering column

[Slowstang96]

So I finally get one thing fixed only to have another problem. I'm driving today and turn on the wipers, within about a minute, smoke starts coming out of the steering column accompanied by a nice electrical burning smell. I turned the wipers off and it stopped pretty quickly. About 15 minutes later the same thing happened again but this time the wipers were not on. I killed the ignition (car will run w/out key or ignition in the on position) and it went away. I'm going to tear into the column to see what I can find.
Obviously the ignition is not right since a key isn't necessary and you can turn it "off" while still driving the car. But could it be something in the wiper / turn signal switch also? Just trying to see if this is a common problem. Motor Trend's website shows a recall for ignition possibly causing smoke / fire. When I called the dealership, they ran my VIN and said there were no outstanding recalls on my car. Anyway, I may be looking to re-wire the whole damn thing but wanted to see if anyone had experience this before.

 

[HISSIN50]

Park it and disconnect the battery till you figure out what it was. There is a good chance it was the ignition switch. It's 20 bucks or so at the dealership. Do check over the MF switch, its connector and wiring.

Here's an article that might help with the Ignition switch replacement

 

[Slowstang96]

Pulled all the trim off and everything looks ok. I figured I'd see some charred wire, but nothing that I could see. I ran the car for a few and turned on the blinkers and wipers hoping to replicate the problem but no luck. I'll probably just go get a new ignition switch and MF switch to keep on hand. Unfortunately this is my dd now that I sold my truck so I'll prob just replace both to be safe.

 

[Fett]

Park it and disconnect the battery till you figure out what it was. There is a good chance it was the ignition switch. It's 20 bucks or so at the dealership. Do check over the MF switch, its connector and wiring.

Here's an article that might help with the Ignition switch replacement

+1

I would say it is the ignition switch, there was a safety recall on them because they would burn and possibly catch fire. If you disconnect the connector to the switch you should see signs of burn and molten plastic in the connector and on the switch itself.

It is a safety recall and is still active....as safety recalls never expire. Go to your local Ford dealer and ask them to run an oasis, I bet the recall shows up and you get your new switch replaced for free.

 

[Slowstang96]

I'm sure if I complained they would fix it, but I opted to get a replacement from Advance Auto for $10. Put it in and drove it to work tonight w/ no problems. Time will tell. The old module didn't show any (noticeable) signs of burning. Hopefully that does it. If not, I'll have to shell out $80 for a new MF switch.
Hey, while I was at it I replaced the cylinder as well. Moving up in the world, have to actually use a key to start it now!

 

[mustangmike6996]

you let the magic smoke out....

 

[magnj]

you let the magic smoke out....

You shouldn't have done that!