Smoke Coming out of steering column

[L22]

I have a 1990, olds 88...120,000 Miles. I was driving along, smelled something burning, looked down...Smoke coming out of steering column. I stopped the car for a few minutes and started back up, tried to make it home(I did). It smoked again and stopped..

Any ideas...has this happened to anyone?

Thanks

[maxwedge]

From here not specifically, usually related to the signal switch or wiring in that area.

[L22]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

From here not specifically, usually related to the signal switch or wiring in that area.

Would I have to remove the steering wheel to get to the switch and/ or wiring. I've never had the steering column apart before.

[L22]

Originally Posted by L22

Would I have to remove the steering wheel to get to the switch and/ or wiring. I've never had the steering column apart before.

It appears from the Autozone repair manual that I will need to get a steering wheel puller to remove the wheel. Is this a do it your self job? How difficult is it to remove a steering wheel? Thanks

[MagicRat]

If you have no airbag, then its easy to pull the wheel with a puller.

However, imo your column is toast (no pun intended). The column is quite complex inside with many electrical components, including items for the wipers, washers, cruise, hazards horn, and main and auxlilary power (as well as turn signals), any one of which may be defective. Dissassembly and reassembly is time consuming. Finding the defective part(s) is a pain, and you probably will have to raid another column for the replacement parts.

So, same yourself lots of time and effort. Find another column that is the right color from a wrecking yard and install it. Such columns came in all full-size FWD GM cars. You may have to swap your steering wheel though to ensure a match.

[L22]

Didn't have the time to attempt this job, so I took the car to shop. Turns out it was a faulty turn signal switch.