1997 Steering wheel catches fire

Hey guys, I'm new here looking for some advice on an issue with a 97 Intrepid 3.5ltr.

After an 8 hour road trip going down a dirt bumpy road, she steering wheel started smoking. It appeared to come from the crack between the wheel and the column.

I took the column covers off to look for wire damage but was unable to locate any. Under dash wiring looks fine as well and wasnt hot.

Yestarday it happened again only faster and thicker smoke, so I brought it home and disconnected the battery since it appears to be a always hot type of problem uneffected by the ignition switch.

This morning I plugged the battery back up, let it warm up and drove 1/2 mile and it started again.

I havent ripped it all apart again yet but I doubt I will find a problem. All the fuses are good and original (not replaced by higher amperage). Smoke only comes from Steering Wheel - not Heater vents or underdash. Also all column controls function - well, dunno about Airbag but theres only a couple ways to test that and I dont wanna destroy the car to check :icon16:

Does anyone have any idea what module could be going out or what else the problem could be? If you have any thoughts, make sure to hit me up with them.

P.S. I replaced the Foglamps with 55w. bulbs about 3 months ago and I always use them but I doubt they are causing an amp. problem since I'm sure the fuse would have blown :sly:

The ignition switch and the multifunction switch are the only thing that has power when the key is off, one of those 2 switches are possibly shorting to something inside the switch, a bad connection, or at the harness connector itself. You will need to dissasemble the column cover and run the car so see where the smoke is coming from, or disconnect the harness conections to see if any of the terminals have a melted or burned look.

remove the multifunction switch and disconnect both elestrical connectors pay attention to the lower one you may see melted terminals

The place where the car is being purchased from said he has a friend at a dealership who would look at it and repair it if possible.

He said that there is a rare problem in the ign. column that costs close to $300.00 to repair. I have no idea what it could be except maybe the Airbag but that is quite expensive for a couple switches or so.

I will check it out once I get some more time, but I appreciate your input on the problem!

It turns out that it was the multi-function switch which had fried internally and needed replaced for hibeams and wipers to function.

Part was $140.

Thanks for your help guys, Hope this helps other out in the future!