Smoke from steering column?

[LittleBigFoot]

I started up my truck today and a little trail of smoke trickled out of my steering column but the turn signal. It's happend before but now it's got my attention. The engine doesn't smoke at all. This ever happen to anyone before?

2000 Ranger
3.0L V6

 

[Ranger5.0]

sounds like you have an electrical issue brewing in there. Head to the dealer and ask about it. Other then that, you need to track down whats smoking, then figure out WHY befor you replace anything. Btw, is it insured for fire?

 

[RobbieD]

That's not good. Yeah, you do need to have it checked out.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

As of today it's insured for fire.

I can't help but think that it's something to do with the cruise control that seems to light engines on fire a lot. lol

I'll take it in tomorrow....

It happens only every once in a blue moon, so idk, we'll see.

 

[snake]

I've heard of this happening before, seems like it might be the mutlifunction switch. I know if I don't push the turn signal down far enough I hear some arching, but no smoke yet. If it only does it with the key on, it probably won't burn up in the garage, if that's any consolation. (it is for me, everything is insured- but I'd hate to lose the house. Harder to replace than the truck...

 

[LittleBigFoot]

I totally get ya, snake.

Did/does Ford offer any factory warranty? I havn't heard about anyone else havin this problem and I'm wondering if anything would cover repairs or a new truck if it lights up.

And on that note, just what does it take to void a warranty on a ranger? lol

 

[MAKG]

You can't void an entire warranty without screwing with every covered part of the truck. To do otherwise is illegal (it's an unfair business practice).

However, you can get a claim denied if the dealer can establish that a modification you made or maintenance you skipped caused a problem they serviced.

This is clearly an unfused short to ground somewhere. I would expect a safety recall, but I don't see one on the NHTSA database.

 

[Will]

Two words

Fire Extinguisher.

Actually, a blade switch on the battery terminal would be a good idea. Might save the truck. Nothing worse that an electrical fire and you can't get the battery cable off.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the cruise control related fires start on the brake pressure switch on the end of the master cylinder, under the hood. this is undoubtedly unrelated, but equally dangerous.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

Thanks Sludge, I know I can always trust a cert. Ford tech. Hows the job goin by the way?

And Will, I'm one step ahead of you. My new girlfriend works at Checkers and she picked up a battery kill switch for me today.

I think she's a keeper

 

[Bent Bolt]

It's the multi function switch and/or connector. Fairly common problem. Get it repaired before it burns down your truck ASAP.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

I'll take her in tomorrow mornin'.

How much do you think it'll cost to have Pep Boys do it? Are the parts available that I could do it myself? I'm pretty damn good with a soldering iron

 

[Ranger5.0]

hey, so whats the low down, ever get a solid answer?

 

[LittleBigFoot]

I havn't been able to get her in yet. My normal repair shop has been really buisy and when they can take a look I have school or work. Friday afternoon is looking like I'll get her in. I havn't seen smoke since, wich is a good thing. I still do have that fire extinguisher on hand tho....


I'll update when I get her in.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[Ranger5.0]

its insured for fire, right?