1991 Honda Accord DX coupe 5-speed 186K miles

Sunday, I'm driving home. Shortly after turning left out of parking lot and using turn signal, I hear rapid turn signal relay noise. I glance down and the left signal is flashing VERY rapidly on the dash even though the combination/turn signal switch is in neutral/off position. I flip the switch to right and turn signal functions properly; then left and again functions properly...back to neutral/off position and left signal flashes very rapidly. Hazards work properly as well.

I'm only like 15 minutes from home so I figure I'll dive into it when I get the car home. Well, about half a mile down the road, I smell that burnt electrical scent...arghhh! There is a tiny white puff of smoke coming from left side of steering column. Immediately, I pull over. After pulling turn signal fuse, I'm able to drive car with no problems...other than no turn signals obviously.

I checked continuity on the turn signal/combo switch and there is a short on the switch across the terminals for the left signal. Even in off/neutral position, there is continuity to the left signal. I have a replacement switch on order and am waiting on it.

In the meantime, I've been driving using hand signals (lol). Anyway, I've noticed that the existing combo switch gets very hot to the touch after about 15 minutes driving with my parking/headlights on. Is that normal? I only noticed since I'm leaving the steering column opened until I get my new combo switch.

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

 

Have you had a chance to check the turn signal relay? Maybe that's going down the *******.