I also notice smoke with a weird oil-burning smell coming from my steering column...I just recently had a starting problem, so it could be from that, but it's really strange with the speedometer/tach thing...I'm kind of scared to drive it, and I do a lot of highway driving. What do you think it could be?!
It's a '92 Honda Civic, automatic transmission, if that helps.
2006-08-11 06:25:04 · 5 answers · asked by mgirl2012 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Honda
The smell from the steering column could be electrical insulation burning off and coupled with a steering problem could mean an electrical short in the column. I'm not sure but I think the speedometer is driven off the transmission and the tach off the engine. There's probably an electrical interface and that's being affected by the problem in the steering column.
I'd get the car to a dealer as soon as possible if not before.
2006-08-11 06:34:11 · answer #1 · answered by M&M37909 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Speedometers these days are electrically operated. There ARE a few that still use mechanical cables, but I'm willing to bet that your honda is electric. You mention a problem starting, and that oil burning smell is more likely insulation burning on a wire. Have the electrical system checked by a reliable garage. Do it soon, because if you have a fire in the electrics, you could easily be killed. Most of the plastics used in todays cars give off thick toxic smoke when burned.
2006-08-11 13:32:50 · answer #2 · answered by cabbie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have the mechanic check out the speed sensor. It's located on top of the transmission on your vehicle. It's possible that the wiring for the sensor has come loose and is touching your exhaust mainfold. I seriously doubt it's a mechanical issue. Good Luck!
2006-08-11 15:11:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have a problem, your ignition switch is in the column on that vehicle. what is most likely happening is the insulation has melted and your power wires that power up the dash and probably several other things are either grounding out or touching each other, please have this looked at by a professional. also consider a used steering column in the damage is severe or expensive.
2006-08-11 15:07:01 · answer #4 · answered by Christian 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be your speedometer cable that's bad. Could be broken somewhere. The burning smell is from friction.
2006-08-11 13:32:09 · answer #5 · answered by Blond Logic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋