smoke from steering column when using wipers

robblaw · 12-05-2012, 03:07 PM

whenever I use my windshield wipers in my 04 Forenza S on the "hi" or fastest option, billows of smoke begin to emit from the small space between where the wheel attaches to the steering column. It seems to only be on this setting. I had the recent headlamp wiring recall done a few months ago but this didn't seem to fix the issue as they said it might. any ideas what is causing this? fuse? wiring? any suggestions how to fix it or what/where to look? thx.

7-even · 12-06-2012, 10:07 PM

hi. the headlight recall is for the headlights not the wipers. if your getting smoke there must be an electrical shortage somewhere that starts to burn and smoke when power is put through the wires. well this can be dangerous because it can cause a car fire. id go have this looked at as soon as you can.

robblaw · 12-06-2012, 10:36 PM

I had it looked at once and they said it wasn't an issue....so how would i go about checking the wiring (i.e. what specific wires are for the wipers?) and should I look for anything in particular that may be an indicator for an electrical fire or an electrical shortage? Could it be a fuse? are there any links that could give me a diagram of the wiring assembly? thx again.

robblaw · 12-06-2012, 11:00 PM

BTW...someone told me that it could be "gunpowder emitting from the airbag." I hope this was just some kind of sick joke but he looked serious...ummm, isn't that a major lawsuit vs. Suzuki if it explodes randomly and injures and or kills me? talk about a random dysfunction.

fordem · 12-07-2012, 07:08 AM

I try not to make posts like this, as I do recognise that you're looking for assistance in resolving a problem, but it's also important that you recognize your limitations, and the questions you're asking indicate that you are out of your depth on this.

No - a fuse can not cause this, fuses are fire protection devices - a fuse will not cause a fire, they are there to prevent them - mind you - when someone replaces a fuse with one with a higher rating a fire may result, but the fuse was not the cause. What you need to look for is melted insulation, in the area from which the smoke is coming.

I suggest you take the car to an auto electrician, and preferably not the one who did the work on the headlights - they would/should have known that the headlight repair (which deals with a specific connector) would not in any way be impacted by the wiper settings

Next - there is no "gun powder" in an airbag, talcum powder - yes, gun powder - no - you rarely find gun powder in ammunition any more, not unless you're dealing with antique firearms - and if you open up that steering column and trigger the airbag due to a lack of experience, there will be no lawsuit, or at least no settlement in your favour - there are specific handling procedures to be followed, you neglect to follow those procedures and you have no grounds for a suit.

7-even · 12-07-2012, 01:39 PM

thanks for jumping in fordem. hes exactly right just bring it in and have someone check on it. and dont use the wipers you dont need a fire

robblaw · 12-12-2012, 09:46 AM

@fordem: I pbly am out of my element on this one. i mean, i know enough about why it may be happening but not enough to go in amongst all that wiring and diagnose the pblm (unless of course there was burnt wiring, etc). the problem is, every mechanic i take it in to says nothing is wrong. maybe ask an electrician?

7-even · 12-13-2012, 06:16 PM

ok first i just want to say that no mechanic in his right mind should be sending you off in a car that has smoke coming out of the dash and telling you everything is fine. if they did they should be reported to the BBB. thats just crazy!!!! ok now to your question, no you shouldn't go to an electrician. i dont think they would even know what to do. what you should do is go to a mechanic, turn on the wipers and show them the smoke coming out. car wiring is a big part of their job. in the mean time i would suggest taking out the gauge cluster (its simple i think theres 2 or 3 screws on the top side then gently pull the molding piece till it pops free. remove the gauge surround. then there are either 2 or 3 screws holding in the gauges, one on either side and one in the top middle. pull the gauges forward tilt them. unplug the wires. then remove them) with a flashlight look way i the back. there are wires there. one set on the left and one on the right. i believe its the ones on the left that should be spliced together, purple i think. inspect all the wires and look for any signs of burning or melting. its possible more wires need to be spliced. if everything is ok put the gauges back together thats not your problem. since the smoke happens when you turn on your wipers the switch could be bad and the stalk might need to be replaced. this is my disclaimer DO NOT start to mess with the steering wheel or its components. you could get seriously hurt if the airbag goes off. get the car to a mechanic. ok so let us know what you find out or if you have any other questions