Smoke from steering column on 96 GL

[dianmichele]

Hello,

This problem started whenever I would put the wipers on. A very small curl of smoke would come up from the steering column, then it would go away...and it wasn't every time, just sometimes.

Now, whenever I start the car, I get more smoke and more of a burning smell. I'm assuming it's an electrical issue with the whole column, but has anyone ever had this problem before? If so, what was the approx cost of the fix?

Thanks in advance for any help! I'm in Calgary Alberta in case anyone has any recommendations for a mechanic!

[Doug Tatham]

If you're drawing too much current through so that it's burning wires, you'ld have blown a fuse by now. I'd pull the steering wheel and remove the plastic cover and check out the wiring. You may have a loose wire, or something may have been spilled in it. Clean your wiper switch carefully, use electronic parts spray, to make sure there isn't any grease in it.