smoking from air bag.

[CutThroat96]

yeah so i was driving in my cutlass and my steering column started smoking from in between the wheel and where its bolted on. i took out the air bag fuse and it stopped thank god.... but it only smoked when the car was running. if the car was off but key was on, it didnt.

 

anyone know how to take the column apart (if possible) to repair these wires?

[digitaloutsider]

It's not from the airbag, it's from the dielectric grease on the turn signal switch. It's normal.

[CutThroat96]

then why did it stop when i took the fuse out? and how do i fix it?

[digitaloutsider]

It was just a coincidence it stopped at the same time.

 

You don't really "fix" it. If you're honestly that worried about it, pull your wheel off and clean some of the dielectric grease off of the turn signal switch contacts. Really though, it's nothing to freak out over..

[1990lumina]

Lol, I love how someone says "Yeah, I was driving today and my steering column starting smoking"...and the answer is "That's normal" LOL

 

[Brian P]

best solution is to get the signal switch replaced. It's pretty common on the '94-97 W-bodies for the switch to act up. Also common on pre '94 however it's easier to get to. If you're not afraid of disconnecting the airbag system and have snap ring pliers you can pretty much go at it.

[1990lumina]

Plus DiscoStudd has a wireup on it I believe...maybe he'll chime in for u

[cutlsp]

Plus DiscoStudd has a wireup on it I believe...maybe he'll chime in for u

another spelling slip we really need spell check on this forum

any ways contact DiscoStudd for the web address to his write up for the repair i'm sure he can help you.

[DiscoStudd]

Here ya go:

 

http://www.likeabigdog.com/column/94upsignal.htm

 

Like everyone else has said, it's highly doubtful that the smoking had anything to do with the airbag. If there was any kind of problem (electrical or otherwise) with the airbag, either the idiot light would light up, or the airbag would've gone off already...

[CutThroat96]

thanks but, my signal works fine.

[digitaloutsider]

He gave you the instructions so you could see how to take off the wheel and clean up the grease so it won't smoke anymore.

[CutThroat96]

ok so this is safe to drive with? if my air bag explodes in my face and breaks my nose and makes me blind, will you pay my medical bills?

[DiscoStudd]

If you pulled the fuse and the "Airbag" light is lit up on the dash, then there's no chance the airbag will go off in your face. If you want to take it one step further, then disconnect the "CPA" connector under the dash (instructions are in my write-up...)

[CutThroat96]

well i mean if i hook my air bag back up. if i disconnect the cpa will my air bag light be on?

[DiscoStudd]

if i disconnect the cpa will my air bag light be on?

Yep.

[CutThroat96]

ok so what if i connect the air bag back on and it starts smoking again?

[Brian P]

Joking or not, if you think someone will be held liable from an accident from this, stop right there. Take it to the dealer.

[Lee]

I have a smoking air bag in my 91 Regal, but she doen't ride in it very often so I'm okay with it.

 

My two cents, If it isn't smoking after driving it a few days....put the fuse back in....if it starts smoking with the fuse in....you know it's the air bag.

 

If not the airbag, and the signals work well........"normal enough to get by."

[cutlassdude96]

has anyone had there air bag recall done :?:

[dsgrntld187]

:shock: Air Bag recall?

[CutThroat96]

did some research. the 2nd one.

 

http://www.internetautoguide.com/auto-recalls/67-int/1996/oldsmobile/cutlass-supreme/sl/

[THe_DeTAiL3R]

did some research. the 2nd one.

 

http://www.internetautoguide.com/auto-recalls/67-int/1996/oldsmobile/cutlass-supreme/sl/

 

Interesting. I'd go to the a dealership (if it's free) just for the hell of it.