smoke from steering column
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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smoke from steering column
2000 Explorer, a small wisp of smoke rose up from the steering column, I took the cover off and coud'nt see any burnt or overheated wires. Everything on the multi function switch works fine as does all positions on the ignition switch. The smoke rose only when the switch was turned off. Any idea whitch switch would give me this problem?
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 354
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From: Itasca, IL USA
Check to see if the OD swith on the end of the shifter still works. I had a switch wire with the insulation rubbed through where it flexes as you move the shifter. Easy fix. It kept blowing the fuse. I think the fuse is also for the rear defroster grid.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 130
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From: Mass
ok same thing happened to me about 4 months ago. It only seemed to happen to me when either hazards were on or turn signal. To fix it, I picked up the flasher rely thingy (i think thats what they call it) a small blue plastic box with 2-3 plugs sticking out. This was located behind near your feet or shins below the steering column. I also picked up a new multifunction unit, the whole assembly with hazards, wipers, turn signal and high beams. It only took a few hrs to do in my driveway. After I pulled them, both pieces smelled burnt. Anyways replaced them and all is good. Let me know if you want a write up on how to perform task to replace them.
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Thanks for the help all. I will get backto you later as my son has it right now 170 miles away.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2007
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From: Helena,MT
I have discovered over the years that things don't work well after I let the smoke out of the wires. It always becomes obvious at some point as to which ones it was!
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Minnesota
I had the same thing happen on a 99 explorer a few years back. Did it about once every two months. We traded it before the problem was figured out since everything worked fine. Our shop manager thought it was caused by excessive dust
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: NC
Same thing happened to me about 2 yrs ago.('00 explorer 5.0) Soon there after the horn went on and stayed on until it burned out. Actually blew before I could find the fuse. Further investigation found that the cruise switch shorted the horn. May not be your problem as you don't have cruise but thought could be horn.
Cheers
Cheers
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: NC
I replaced the actual horn itself under the hood and it started working again. Unfortunatly automotive electronics are far from my strength but if I recall it was not all that expensive, <$30, and may be worth replacing.
I found that the cruise control switch had gone bad as well and replaced it too. So I am not sure which came first the chicken or the egg.
Cheers
I found that the cruise control switch had gone bad as well and replaced it too. So I am not sure which came first the chicken or the egg.
Cheers
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