smoking steering column

[MSE OP]

as the title says, I have seen wiffs of light colored smoke eminatting from said location twice now, I haven't changed anything in that location, although there are new wires under the dash farther below. The wires are for the alarm system and speaker wires.

[Dr.Dan]

Uhmmm.... that's NOT good... :eek:

you better get that checked out ASAP before it melts through and starts a fire..

[MSE OP]

maybe if my car burns to the ground I will get a new one but I just want to know why its doing it, thought maybe somebody on here would have an idea

[Dr.Dan]

It could be anything from the ignition switch to improper wiring of the alarm... to anything in between.
Without physically inspecting it, it's all guessing :rrg:

[Number6]

The smell of burning or overheating insulation is never a good sign and never to be ignored. Sounds like you've got an overloaded circuit and although you say the smoke came from an unaltered area it still might relate to the modifications you mentioned depending on how you tapped into the original wiring to provide power to the alarm and your sound system, both of which can take alot of power to run. Did you put inline fusing into those circuits? I think I would have an automotive electrician have a look.

[Lesster]

Is the vehicle equipped with steering wheel controls for the radio and/or the heater system? In GM's they occasionally give off a couple whiffs of smoke. They usually quit working shortly thereafter.

Either way get it checked by a professional. If you don't have steering wheel controls the item that is likely to fail is something necessary for safety.

A fire is a real possibility in any case!

[wazzzy]

What vehicle? I remember some recall notices about that but for which ones I don't know.

[Al_Kendrick]

What vehicle? I remember some recall notices about that but for which ones I don't know.

There was a recall for Cavaliers, a few years back.