2000 Miata with no ignition power --- smoke came out of the steering column

Hello DFW miata friends,

I am not back in the miata business, but since I am the resident "miata" guy at the office a friend came to me with a question. He has a 2000 miata and he was making a turn and heard a pop and then a little smoke from the ignition switch area and the car is now dead in the water.

I never had an NB, so I am asking if anyone has heard of this happening before? they have not modified the steering column in any way, but they want to start chasing the problem and wanted advice on where to start.

Thank you,

Brad

Does the car in question have a "Miata Technologies" license plate frame?

I'd guess shorted wiring at the ignition switch. Remove cover under the steering column and the two pieces directly behind the steering wheel and look for burnt wiring. Be thankful it wasn't worse. I'd disconnect the battery ASAP until you figure it out.

If it has an aftermarket alarm I'd take a look at where they spliced into the ignition switch.

http://www3.telus.net/bc_triumph_reg.../Smokekit2.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sammm

http://www3.telus.net/bc_triumph_reg.../Smokekit2.jpg

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If anyone can bottle harness smoke, it's Lucas.

I'd agree with looking for splicing of some sort, either alarm or audio related.