Weird Spark Noise Behind Steerinf Column! - Toyota Yaris Forums

ChitownY@Ris · 07-24-2011, 07:32 PM

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 · 07-24-2011, 07:35 PM

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

ChitownY@Ris · 07-24-2011, 07:39 PM

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 · 07-24-2011, 10:19 PM

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 · 07-24-2011, 10:55 PM

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 · 07-25-2011, 06:40 AM

Check fuses.

ChitownY@Ris · 07-27-2011, 10:40 PM

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 · 07-27-2011, 10:48 PM

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

Revsson · 07-28-2011, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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!

What? No pics?

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lil Abner

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

That's an excellent idea as well.

07-24-2011, 07:32 PM	#1
ChitownY@Ris View User's Garage Drives: '07 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 113	Weird Spark Noise Behind Steerinf Column! 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. __________________

07-24-2011, 07:39 PM	#3
ChitownY@Ris View User's Garage Drives: '07 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 113	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. __________________

07-24-2011, 10:55 PM	#5
auxmike Drives: 2008 HB, A/T, Power W/L/M Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: LI, New Yawk Posts: 2,063	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... __________________ Never take eyes off opponent - Bruce Lee

07-27-2011, 10:40 PM	#7
ChitownY@Ris View User's Garage Drives: '07 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 113	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! __________________

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Weird noise upon turning	hazzy	DIY / Maintenance / Service	3	07-08-2011 07:07 PM
The weird, old and new. Brakes, Sqeaking, Suspension noise	Lafiro	DIY / Maintenance / Service	2	10-31-2010 10:20 PM
weird rattle-grind noise when braking.	krolos	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	4	08-10-2010 07:07 PM
Weird Noise	cos	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	2	08-05-2010 01:04 PM
07 yaris weird engine noise	mr07yaris	General Yaris / Vitz Discussion	22	07-21-2010 08:33 AM

07-24-2011, 07:35 PM	#2
Lil Abner Drives: 2009 3dr LB Manual Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Dublin, Ohio Posts: 412	Have you done any mods to the car? Have you wired anything under the dash?

07-24-2011, 10:19 PM	#4
Lil Abner Drives: 2009 3dr LB Manual Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Dublin, Ohio Posts: 412	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.

07-25-2011, 06:40 AM	#6
bronsin Drives: 2009 Base Hatch 2 Dr Auto Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: nj Posts: 4,790	Check fuses.

07-27-2011, 10:48 PM	#8
Lil Abner Drives: 2009 3dr LB Manual Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Dublin, Ohio Posts: 412	Nice! I always use split loom under dashes, and plenty of fuses!