Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: Steering Column Smoke, turn signal switch, buick regal

Question
Hi,

I own a 1993 buick regal grand sport and a 1992 buick regal custom.  I had small amount of smoke coming from the steering column one day a few months ago in the 93 grand sport, it only happened once and has not happened since then.  The other day I had the same thing happen in the 92 regal, a little smoke from the steering column.  Isn't it strange that I've seen this in both cars, and what might cause this because I've taken the car to the mechanic and he thinks I'm seeing things!!!

Answer
Hello Marc,
I don't think you were "seeing things".
It's remotely possible the smoke is coming from under the hood, and just up thru the column.
But there are many wires inside the column, and not unheard of for smoke to come from inside it, for sure.
I would assume you smelled it also.

There are turn signal wires, hazzard flasher switch wires, cruise control wires, windshield wiper control wires, horn wires, ignition switch wires, key-in-switch signal wires, illumination light wires,....any one of them being shorted to ground, or just making a LOOSE connection can develop heat, and smoke, and could possibly do it without even blowing a fuse. A little grease in the contacts of the turn signal switch, or horn ring wiper could easily smoke.

Van