Smoke coming from the Column area.

[3fifty]

Sometimes when I start the Jeep, it doesnt start. It tries to. Then I smell something burning. Smells like plastic. I took the column plastic off and started it up.

Smoke!


This black round part has a tab broken and it moves left to right as well.



So now it is sitting. Im afraid its going to catch fire so I parked it.

Where do I start with this?

[xjfever]

The part that smoke is coming from is the ignition switch, and that is common for it to smoke a little when it goes out. As long as the battery is connected there is power present there. I would disconnect the battery, until you can replace the switch. they are around 50 to 60 bucks at auto-zone.

[3fifty]

This have anything to do with my HVAC switch melting yesterday? I replaced it and the plug with a less melted one from the JY.

It was smoking before my HVAC controls went out as well.

[xjfever]

It is possible, but I don't know. My ignition switch went out last summer and it was smoking a little at start-up. I replaced it and all is good now.

[3fifty]

Standard Motor Products Ignition Switch

or

Niehoff Ignition Ignition Switch without Lock Cylinder

Can I remove my lock cylinder and reuse it?

[xjfever]

Yes, you will have to reuse the factory lock cylinder.

[CJ7-Tim]

Originally Posted by 3fifty

This have anything to do with my HVAC switch melting yesterday?

Yes.

You need to add an extra ground, short in length, from the blower motor negative side to the metal body. Otherwise the fan motor is grounding through the HVAC switch and the steering column, resulting in enough heat to melt them.

[3fifty]

I replaced my headlight switch and ignition switch. I put the proper fuse in for the blower motor and it blew it as soon as I turned it on high.

I have read that the blower motor needs replaced if this occurs. I bought one, just need to find the time to actually get it in now.

Is this correct or should I be replacing the blower motor resistor first?

[CJ7-Tim]

Originally Posted by 3fifty

.....Is this correct or should I be replacing the blower motor resistor first?

The blower motor resistor only controls the fan speed. If the blower motor still works, and you have all the fan speeds, add an extra ground wire from the negative side of the motor to the body. Keep the ground wire as short as possible.

[3fifty]

Im not opposed to that but I want to fix the problem not just get around it.

[CJ7-Tim]

Originally Posted by 3fifty

........I want to fix the problem not just get around it.

The stock wiring is inadequate. Corrosion and age add extra resistance to the fan circuit. Resistance equals heat. Adding an extra ground meets electrical code and may prevent a dashboard fire.

[3fifty]

Thanks for all the help.