Weird Spark Noise Behind Steerinf Column!

[ChitownY@Ris]

Just heard a weird loud spark noise behind my steering column. Radio was off, so I heard it clearly and was like, wtf!!! A/C was on, and I could smell a slight burnt smell coming out the vents. No lights came on the dash, power steering still worked..No CEL, no airbag light..NOTHING! I'm at 72,000 miles and I have until 75,000 miles where my extended warranty runs out. What should I do???

I'm gonna go drive a few laps around suburbia and see if I notice anything amiss. Will post back asap.

[Lil Abner]

Have you done any mods to the car? Have you wired anything under the dash?

[ChitownY@Ris]

I swapped out my factory radio, for a double din Pioneer. Bluetooth wire runs under my steering column, up across my windshield, to where the mic is on top of the rearview mirror. That's about it. But this spark sounded loud, and directly behind my steering wheel.

[Lil Abner]

If your extended warranty covers the electrical, then I'd personally bring it in. Since it doesn't sound like it has to do with something you installed, it should be a Toyota issue.

[auxmike]

My money says it's something you did.
Check all your wiring. Look for pinch points or chafed wires resting on sharp metal supports under there. You might have even pushed down on a factory harness branch and cut the insulation. Sometimes the new deck will crush wires behind it after install, OR even get real hot to melt the wire's insulation.
GL, hope it works out...

[bronsin]

Check fuses.

[ChitownY@Ris]

I forgot about my fog light wiring mod (re-routed them to an independent switch). So it was the relay making sounds because one of the wires had nearly fried and had a loose connection. I got under my column and re-taped the torched wire, put in a new relay. Fixed!

[Lil Abner]

Nice! I always use split loom under dashes, and plenty of fuses!

[Revsson]

I forgot about my fog light wiring mod (re-routed them to an independent switch). So it was the relay making sounds because one of the wires had nearly fried and had a loose connection. I got under my column and re-taped the torched wire, put in a new relay. Fixed!

What? No pics? :iono:
:biggrin:
Glad you got it fixed. That's a good lesson for all of us when we have a problem,
to look at additions or installations we have done.

Nice! I always use split loom under dashes, and plenty of fuses!

That's an excellent idea as well. :clap: