steering column smoking!

[moremoney]

As I was driving along, smoke started rising from my steering column. It lasted about 15 minutes and stopped. Now when the turn signals click into the off position, there is still a quick, almost ticking, clicking sound that doesnt stop. The lights work, hazards work and everything else (although I havent checked the cruise control). What is wrong and how much will it cost?

[Greenblurr93]

Sounds like you fired something, the only way to tell is to tear it apart and see what got cooked... if you do it yourself, shouldnt cost that much, but if you bring it to a shop, be prepared to pay out the ass in labor

[chigger_ns]

Behind your steering wheel is the signal switch box. You will have to take this out and take the box apart. It is a white plastic and has tiny screws holding it together. Be very careful and pay attention when taking it apart. There are contact points under slides. these points can collect carbon and also get pitted.
I fixed one of these by taking out a hunk of carbon and re greasing the contacts with a dielectric grease.