Smoke From Center Vent

[Albrigap]

The wife complained of smoke coming from the center vent, above the heater controls, in her 1990 GMC Suburban. She said she had smelled smoke for quite sometime and now seen it. I went out, turned on the key and almost immediately seen smoke coming from the vent. I removed the heater control and then the rotary switch which turns on the fan and A/C compressor, if called for. The switch would catch and did not move smoothly. I could smell smoke from it so I took it apart. A hole had been burnt through the plastic cover and copper contacts. A new $50 switch and all works well with no smoke. Most would just fail and the fan or A/C compressor would no operate. This one was different and was slowly melting away. These switches receive power any time the key is on. If you smell smoke or see it in this area, this will be the best place to start looking.

 

[squaredeal91]

Probably the fan blower motor died,that was my problem recently anyway. Disconnect power and drive around to see if it goes away. Ive also had my fan switch start smoking too

 

[TotalyHucked]

Yikes, that could've been bad. Glad you caught it before it ignited something

 

[Sad Sack]

Yikes, that could've been bad. Glad you caught it before it ignited something

Makes ya wonder if it's a recurring problem...

 

[Matt69olds]

More than likely the blower motor is failing as well. The motor is drawing more current than it should, but not enough to blow the fuse. The added current is heating up the wiring and switch.

Inspect the plug for the blower resistor and relay for signs of excessive heat.

 

[Sad Sack]

More than likely the blower motor is failing as well. The motor is drawing more current than it should, but not enough to blow the fuse. The added current is heating up the wiring and switch.

Inspect the plug for the blower resistor and relay for signs of excessive heat.

Make sure fuse is correct maybe?