Weird problems with a 99 Explorer.

This morning I was going for my 'N' road test in my mom's 99 Explorer, when I turned the ignition on, smoke starting billowing out of the steering column right where the turning signal rod goes in. I turned the car off right away, and it stopped, and about five minutes later we turned it on again and it didn't smoke, so fortunately I was able to take my test. Which I passed with flying colors. :D Another issue, which I don't know if it is relevant to this problem, but the horn hasn't worked for a couple of weeks either.

Then, tonight as I left work, I was sitting at the side of the road for 15 minutes trying to get it in gear. It would not move out of park, it was totally stuck. I tried wiggling it, forcing it, going gentle, going slow, etc... and eventually I had to turn the car right off, power and everything, THEN put it into drive, turn the engine back on and I was able to go.

Anybody have any ideas as to what my be causing these problems? We took it into a dealership today in order to get a copy of the keyless entry FAB or whatever its called, and we mentioned the smoking and they said to investigate they would have to completely remove the steering column. The shifting problem hadn't happened to that point, so I was able to ask them about it.

So, yeah. If you guys had any clues as to exactly what the hell is going on, that'd be super.

Thanks!

Anybody?

Did you ever resolve the smoke? My recently new-to-me '99 Explorer had some smoke come out of the steering column today, around the hazard flasher button.

Its most likely the turn signal/hi beam/wiper combo switch causing the smoke. My 99 did the same thing. about 55.00 u.s. for the part if I recall correctly..

99's had a problem with these switches. Replacement switches were put in under warranty, and when they fail they smoke.

oops.. it is possible for the horn issue to ne related to the switch issue. I am not sure about the shifting issue, but the mechanic will pull the steering column cover off to do the switch, and should be able to advise you whats going on at that point I think.

The multifunction switch is easily replaced yourself. Remove the trim around the steering column. There are 2 torx headed bolts that hold the switch to column. There are 2 wiring connectors on the bottom. If you have never done one before, it may take about a half hour. As far as shifting out of park, do you have brake lights? Usually the problem is a faulty brake light switch or connector. Look for a loose wire in connector also.

I was kinda curious how you started it in drive? I never tried to but I thought park or neutral were the only gears you could start it in.

If you try to move it out of park without your foot on the brake it won't move. A lot of people don't know this is the new saftey protocol. If you did get it to start in drive your foot is now already on the break.

I knew you could shift out of park with foot on the brake, However I didn't know you could start the vehicle in any gear other than park or neutral?

This morning I was going for my 'N' road test in my mom's 99 Explorer, when I turned the ignition on, smoke starting billowing out of the steering column right where the turning signal rod goes in. I turned the car off right away, and it stopped, and about five minutes later we turned it on again and it didn't smoke, so fortunately I was able to take my test. Which I passed with flying colors. :D Another issue, which I don't know if it is relevant to this problem, but the horn hasn't worked for a couple of weeks either.

Then, tonight as I left work, I was sitting at the side of the road for 15 minutes trying to get it in gear. It would not move out of park, it was totally stuck. I tried wiggling it, forcing it, going gentle, going slow, etc... and eventually I had to turn the car right off, power and everything, THEN put it into drive, turn the engine back on and I was able to go.

Anybody have any ideas as to what my be causing these problems? We took it into a dealership today in order to get a copy of the keyless entry FAB or whatever its called, and we mentioned the smoking and they said to investigate they would have to completely remove the steering column. The shifting problem hadn't happened to that point, so I was able to ask them about it.

So, yeah. If you guys had any clues as to exactly what the hell is going on, that'd be super.

Thanks!not sure about the smoke, but you might want to check all of your fuses on the problem with the shifting out of park. possible that your horn shorted out, and melted wires.

once the magic smoke comes out you can't put it back in

The smoke could be caused by a short in the steering column's harness, the ignition switche, or a fried multifunction switche connecter terminal! The inability to shift into gear is most likely the shift interlock solenoide malfunctioning because of posible damage to the harness. The horn may be in-op for the same reason. I would advise allowing a shop to remove the column shrouds and assess the condition of the harness, switches, and components for any issues before it results in electrical fire!