Umm does this happen to anyone else?

[3pt1lumina]

Ok so this is a random question. I was driving my Lumina today and my hand slipped off the steering whee and onto the column... Come to my surprise the column was warm. (btw it was cloudy) I checked to see if I smelled anything such as burning wires or something because I know these cars do that but nothing. Later after dark I drove the car and it was still warm.

 

 

I can say I've never really paid attention to this and I'm wondering if I should be concerned or not? If anyone feels like driving their W then letting me know if u discover this happening please let me know. The hottest place is right next to the turn signal and tilt lever.

 

See... I told you guys this was random.

[Euro]

might get kicked into the General...but i dunno

 

my column only gets warm when it sits outside all day in the 90 degree heat

[3pt1lumina]

oh yeah I definitely had no idea where to post this. I figured "steering column" went with "brakes, steering etc" but I am 1/2 asleep after a long day so I dont know lol

 

 

see the sun wasnt out when this happened, it was cloudy. then driving at night it was warm too but not as warm as during the day... Im stumped

[Euro]

lol i actually never saw the "Steering" part...my bad

 

 

im stumped too..maybe your turn signal stalk is getting too hot... that happens on some of our cars right?

[DaveFromColorado]

actually that does happen to my 92 Z all the time, after driving the colum gets warm, not sure why, may be heat transfer from the engine up the colum, but that's just a theory ...

 

--Dave.

[1990lumina]

If it is closest to the multi stick deallie, then I'd say it is heat generated from the wiring in the column, but that heat transfer from the engine sounds like a pretty good theory.

 

I'll check my Lumina next time I drive it

[DaveFromColorado]

yeah, theory, but I didn't honestly believe it, I just refused to believe my wiring actually gets that hot.

 

--Dave.

[Guest Anonymous]

I haven't had that happen, but mu HUD unit has got very hot in the past.

[3pt1lumina]

ok my turn signal for the right only works if I hold it up..... this just started happening. is my column getting hot because my wiring is shorting out or what?? I like dave's theory but do you still think it applies after finding this out??

[DaveFromColorado]

no, that theory never really applied 100% - it's usually the multifunction switch that causes those problems - like turn signal related issues, I'd suggest replacing that part before it gets any worse.

 

--Dave.

[THe_DeTAiL3R]

Yup I've read numberous posts about smoke coming from people's steering column, some say it's the grease or whatever and that it's normal. But if you have to hold your signal light for it to work then the switch is most probably worn out and time for replacement.

 

I'd recommend a brand new signal light switch too, since they wear out so damn often a junkyard switch would be a bad idea (plus it's a bit of work to get it out anyhow). Not a hard job, you'll probably just need a steering wheel puller. I don't think you'll need a lockspring remover unless you have airbags (my 88 didn't need one but my 95 did). Discostudd has a writeup in the FAQs.. follow that (just skip some of the steps you probably woun't have to do).