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  • March 28, 2024, 12:14:01 PM

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Author Topic: Hot steering column cause?  (Read 4692 times)

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Offline flamingchariots

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Hot steering column cause?
« on: October 14, 2013, 10:19:56 PM »
The car is an '84 Eagle sw, L6, auto, which we've had for about 6 years.
After sitting on the driveway for most of the summer, the last two times I drove it (50 miles, RT) on the freeway at 70+mph, I noticed an unusual heat coming from under the dashboard.  I found that the steering column is getting very warm... even the ignition key is hot. 
I opened the hood and it seemed hot, but not intense.  The temp gauge is working and shows normal.
Any ideas on what it could be that's causing this?

Thanks,
Kevin

Offline AMC1

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Re: Hot steering column cause?
« Reply #1 on: October 15, 2013, 11:07:09 AM »
I sure am no expert on this but you have a potentially dangerous situation. The last thing you need is a fire under that dashboard @ 70 mph. I would get on my back with a trouble light & start the engine from cold & check that under dash area until I found that heat source. You could have some type of wiring short which could lead to a serious fire.
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Offline carnuck

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Re: Hot steering column cause?
« Reply #2 on: October 15, 2013, 12:40:56 PM »
Sounds like the ground from the body to the motor is missing and it's feeding back through the steering
AMC/Jeep gauges are for amusement only. Any correlation between them and reality is purely coincidental!

Offline flamingchariots

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Re: Hot steering column cause?
« Reply #3 on: October 15, 2013, 05:19:10 PM »
Sounds like the ground from the body to the motor is missing and it's feeding back through the steering.

Whereabouts do I look for this ground?  Is there an exploded diagram someplace?


Offline IowaEagle

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Re: Hot steering column cause?
« Reply #4 on: October 15, 2013, 05:40:26 PM »
The body ground is located on the firewall (in engine compartment) about where the driver sits.  This is a weak point in  the electrical system and should be beefed up with a heavier wire.
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Offline carnuck

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Re: Hot steering column cause?
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2013, 03:05:57 PM »
I added a new wire from the battery negative to the body to cure that in my Eagle.

Corrosion at the plug for the ignition switch can cause this as well.
AMC/Jeep gauges are for amusement only. Any correlation between them and reality is purely coincidental!

Offline youngkyle

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Re: Hot steering column cause?
« Reply #6 on: November 26, 2013, 10:47:55 PM »
I hope mine comes with a heated steering wheel.   :P

 

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