Turn Signal problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer

When I turned on my left turn signal, it doesn't blink. It just freezes and smoke comes from the steering column. Once I turned off the turn signal it stopped smoking.

When turning on the left turn signal, it accasionally fails to work properly and smoke arises from the steering column. The problem was getting worse and I was afraid I might not notice and my car would catch fire. Upon taking it to Ford to have the problem corrected hoping it was some type of recall I missed, but it was considered wear and tear. After reviewing a number of similar complaints, I don't believe this should be considered normal wear and tear. It is obviously a manufacturer's defect that jeopardizes safety that should be corrected at no cost to the owner.

The left turn signal light in the interior of the dashboard remained on and caused smoke to come out of the steering column. This could be dangerous because there could be an electrical short which would result in a fire. The consumer placed the vehicle in park to release the turn signal and stop electrical smoke.

About 50% of the time the turn signal will not lock in place, you have to jockey the steering will to get the turn signal to stay on. The mechanism was supposedly replaced on 1/17/2001 and the problem still existed. I was told that this was normal operation for the turn signal. On April 30, 2002 I had the vehicle in the dealer and mentioned the continued issue with the turn signal. I was told that some of them act this way. . . It's just the way it is (greg bower). I continue to deal with this problem. I find the problem not only an irritant, but also a saftey problem. I find my attention diverted from driving safely when I am trying to get the turn signal to lock in place (to safely signal to other drivers my intentions).