GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: tazistara on 18 August 2007, 17:09

Title: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: tazistara on 18 August 2007, 17:09
Well my old girl failed her MOT (mk2 gti 8v), but at 20yrs old she didnt fail on a lot i.e. 1. n/s reg plate bulb not working - easy, 2. o/s rear fog not in good working order - easy, 3. centre section exhaust system leaking exhaust gases - easy, now the poser 4. (pulsing) all position lamps adversely affected by the operation of another lamp ? thats the one im stumped on, and the fact that when i went to take her in to get exhaust done turned on ignition and thought a genie was going to appear as i had smoke coming from steering column - now that cant be right, so i would much appreciate it if anyone can help with this problem as i have a yr old little one that goes everywhere with me in this car and im very concerned that this could be a dangerous problem.
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: mattneck(Beavis) on 18 August 2007, 18:38
does the car start since the smoke came? its likely to be bad earth as that was my problem ad my iggy switch had burnt out, im in a 1.3 and it was the earth on the front engine mount loose.. maybe soemthing gone in the stalks or?
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: Mr Blue on 18 August 2007, 18:46
I was going to say ignition switch. Happend to me
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: tazistara on 18 August 2007, 18:50
yes the car still starts first time even with the smoke, maybe i should think about getting rid although she has never let me down, but i need a car with having the wee one
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: tazistara on 18 August 2007, 19:01
just been out and started up the car, no smoke, this is weird, could this bad earth you were talking about cause the pulsing in the lights ? cos there must definetly be a bad earth somewhere and they wont pass it with the pulse
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: DarnPB on 18 August 2007, 19:44
The pulsing of the rear lights when using indicators is quite a common fault with VAG cars and easy to rectify. The cause is a corroded earth terminal in the strip connector in the back lights. What I have done to rectify the problem AND prevent it from happening again is to remove all the corrosion, degrease the terminal and then put a blob of solder on the corrosion damage, then file smooth. This was on an older Audi Coupe but they are much the same.
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: tazistara on 19 August 2007, 09:39
thanks for your reply but its not happening when using the indicators, its when main beam is on and you press the brake pedal, the indicators and the reverse lights pulse thats what the garage have said, i tested it and i cant see any pulsing when using lights and pressing the brake (maybe the old girl was having an off day lol) i love golfs and had a few mk2 gti's and the mk1 convertible but this is the first time i have had problems with electrics
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: DarnPB on 19 August 2007, 12:24
I still think it may be an earth terminal. Same symptoms as before. Its just that the service you are using, ie the lights, are earthing through another terminal other than the earth.
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: Simpson on 20 August 2007, 12:13
Yeash sounds like an earyn too clean all the light connectors up and put some grease on, also don't get rid due to a few niggles they all have them, easily sorted  :smiley:
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: Mk1Mad J - 16v on 20 August 2007, 14:12
This sounds a bit like a common problem on mk1's so worth a look at the wire (grey/blue i think :undecided: ) for illuminating the switches etc... when the lights are on which runs around behind the dash, it could be shorting out somewhere.

had that twice on mk1's, its really scary when the smoke turns to a red hot wire  :shocked:
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: rubjonny on 20 August 2007, 15:27
check the earth point in the boot on the passenger side behind the boot side carpet/foam/card while you're there, and clean up all the connections on the lightsd themselves if you find any corrosion.  Next look at the wiring to the light switch, and I'd think about replacing the stalks or at least taking them off and checking for any damage :)
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: tazistara on 13 September 2007, 23:33
sorry about not being on for a few weeks but decorating, well pulling house to bits, i got the steering column of the car removed for a wee look and the brown wire is stripped of its plastic and has melted all the way along as far as you can see, but everything is still working ie. all lights wipers etc, so looks like a fault in wiring, and that will probably cost to get sorted so dont know what to do now, car is sorn'd and sitting in the driveway doing nothing, i havent got the money or the time at moment to fix her up, fed up as she only failed on 2 bulbs and a middle exhaust (£40) probably just try to sell her the way she is , with no mot and a big loss on value :sad:
Title: Re: Smoke from Steering Column please help
Post by: Mk1Mad J - 16v on 14 September 2007, 15:24
That brown wire is an earth, its probably shorting out on one of the terminals for the ignition switch or wiper/light stalks, which would cause all the insulation to melt.  I'd replace that wire, or temporarily wrap it really well in insulation tape to confirm that is the problem wire.  :smiley: