When I turn the ignition switch to the on position I am getting smoke coming out from around the ignition switch! I hear a small click and a slight hum as if something is turning on and POOF smoke starts. When I try to start the car the starter will continue to engage and will not disengage. Is this a starter or ignition switch problem?

Thank you for any help or suggestions in advance.

1997 Mazda Mpv 3.0 V6/Auto

 

Sounds more like an ignition switch related problem mazdadead. Getting smoke from switch area when turning to run is one problem. Starter staying engaged separate problem as they are two different circuits, ie the starter does not get any voltage when in run position. The common central point here would be the contacts within the electrical portion of the ignition switch. Pull off that steering column cover (only a few phillips screws on underside and upper and lower cover will snap apart) and make sure the smoke is coming from the electrical portion of the ignition switch where all of the large diameter wires come up to. There are a few solenoid and coils inside the column cover that could be producing the smoke so just a good idea to double check the source.

 

Thank you so much for your reply. I will start with the switch area first and see if I can tell where the smoke is coming from.

 

I am having the same problem I was told to change the starter so I did, now Every time I put the key in the Igniting it starts, and grinds like the starter will not disengage . It smoke's around the steering column and does not stop until I put it in gear .
I was wondering if you got yours fixed, and if you had any suggestions on what I could do to fix this problem?
Any advice you can offer would be appreciated.

 

hey you ever figure out the issue or what it cost to fix!? Having the same issue