Smoke came out of the steering column near the turn signal lever while driving... top of the steering column was very warm to the touch. Smoke stopped shortly after I shut off the car...Dealer claims they were unable to duplicate the problem therefore couldn't fix anything....

You have a Shorting wire, you will have to dismantle the steering column to trace it. Disconnect your battery and do not drive it until you get it fixed.

The high beam swith is located on top of the steering column, down near your feet. It is actuated by a rod that goes up to the turn signal lever. It is held on with one 11/32 nut, and an 8mm screw, and will need adjusting when installed. You will need to drop the steering column down to gain access.

You have more problems than just replacing the lever. There is still a piece of the broken lever inside the wiper switch, and is nearly impossible to get out. You will need to replace both the turn lever and the wiper switch. Replacing the wiper switch is no easy task, and if you are not familiar with General Motors steering columns, it's probably best to pay a shop to do the repair. The top half of the steering column has to be disassembled, and the wiper switch harness fed up through the column.

Multifunction Turn Signal Lever Replacement - On Vehicle

Removal Procedure

1. Verify that the multifunction turn signal lever is in the center of the OFF position.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Disable the SIR system.
4. Remove the steering wheel.
5. Remove the steering column trim cover.
6. Remove the steering column knee bolster.
7. Remove the steering column wire harness (1) from the steering column wire harness retainer (2).
8. Remove the 2 wire harness straps from the steering column wire harness (1).
9. Remove the steering column bulkhead connector from the vehicle wire harness.
10. Disconnect the connectors from the multifunction turn signal lever steering column bulkhead connector.

1. Remove the retaining bolts (1) from the multifunction turn signal lever (2).
2. Remove the multifunction turn signal lever (2) from the steering column.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the multifunction turn signal lever (2). Use a small flat-blade in order to compress the electrical contact and move the multifunction turn signal lever into position.
2. Verify that the electrical contact rests on the canceling cam.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precaution.

1. Install the retaining bolts to the multifunction turn signal lever.

• Tighten the retaining bolts to 7 Nm (62 inch lbs.) .

1. Connect the gray and black connectors to the multifunction turn signal lever steering column bulkhead connector.
2. Connect the steering column bulkhead connector to the vehicle wire harness.
3. Install the two wire harness straps to the steering column wire harness (1).
4. Install the steering column wire harness (1) to the steering column wire harness retainer (2).
5. Install the steering column knee bolster.
6. Install the steering column trim cover.
7. Verify that the lever is in the center or the OFF position.
8. Install the steering wheel to the steering column.
9. Enable the SIR system.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.

I hope this helps you.

Thanks

Pull the steering wheel and clean the turn signal switch and look for broken parts. If that doesn't fix it, then replace the turn signal wand on the steering column.

Turn Signal Switch REMOVAL & INSTALLATION CAUTION
Some models covered by this manual may be equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SRS components, such as the impact sensors, the air bag module, steering column, and instrument panel disable the SRS. Deville, Eldorado, Seville, and Fleetwood - Early Models

1. Disable the SIR system.
   1. On Deville and Fleetwood, remove the left lower sound insulator. On Eldorado and Seville, remove the left side sound insulator.
   2. Remove the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and detach the yellow 2-way connector at the base of the steering column.
   3. Remove the steering wheel.
   4. Make sure the ignition switch is in the LOCK position to prevent the SIR coil assembly from going off-center.
2. Remove the SIR coil assembly retaining ring and the coil assembly. Allow the coil to hang freely. WARNING
   The SIR coil assembly will become off-center if the steering column is separated from the steering gear and is allowed to rotate or if the centering spring is pushed down, letting the hub rotate while the coil is removed from the column.
   
3. Remove the wave washer.
4. Use tool J-23653-C or equivalents, to depress the shaft lock, then remove and discard the shaft lock retaining ring.
5. Remove the shaft lock.
6. Remove the turn signal canceling cam assembly.
7. Remove the upper bearing spring, upper bearing inner race seat and inner race.
8. Move the turn signal switch to the RIGHT TURN position.
9. On Deville, Fleetwood, and 1990 Eldorado, and Seville, remove the multi-function turn signal lever as follows:
   1. Make sure the lever is in the OFF position.
   2. Remove the access cover from the steering column housing.
   3. Detach the cruise control wiring connector. Note the position of the connector when installed in the column.
   4. Pull the lever straight out of the turn signal switch.
10. On Eldorado and Seville, remove the multi-function turn signal lever as follows:
    1. On 1992-93 vehicles, slide the connector cover toward the front of the vehicle.
    2. Unplug the electrical connector. On 1991 vehicles, note the position of the connector when installed in the column.
    3. Push the lever straight in, rotate clockwise 1?4 turn and pull the lever out of the switch.
11. On Deville, Fleetwood, and Eldorado and Seville, remove the screw, button, spring, and hazard warning switch knob.
12. On Deville and Fleetwood, remove the one signal switch arm retaining screw. On Eldorado and Seville, remove the 2 signal switch arm retaining screws. Remove the signal switch arm.
13. Remove the turn signal switch retaining screws.
14. Remove the wiring protector and detach the turn signal switch connector.
15. Gently pull the wire harness through the column and remove the turn signal switch.

Will your Center High-Mount Stop Light (CHMSL) illuminate when you depress the brake pedal, but the lower/outer lights will not?
-- Do you have to hold the signal lever in a certain spot to get the turn signals to flash?
-- Do you have to hold the signal lever in a certain spot to get the lower/outer brake lights to illuminate?
-- Will the signals work in one direction, but not the other?
If you answered yes to any of the preceeding questions, your turn signal switch is likely malfunctioning.

**One more question before we continue: Is the turn signal lever not "cancelling" (returning to the "off" position) after you make a turn? If this is the case, you have a broken "cancelling spring."


Before you begin disassembly of your steering column, verify the turn signal flasher is not malfunctioning. If your brake lights work fine, but not the signals (either direction,) then it's likely the flasher is burnt out. The flasher itself is located underneath the dash near where the steering column passes through the firewall

THE PROBLEM IS IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH, REPLACE IT.

Where ever there's smoke, there's fire. This could be the multifunction switch arching and burning the lubrication in the assembly. Multifunction meaning, one switch that operates the turn signal wipers, cruise etc.

One problem I have had with smoke coming from the steering column is from the turn signal switch. The contacts get worn and for some reason it smokes and also gets hot!!!
Replace the turn signal switch and this should fix the problem.