Smoke in the Cockpit

I switched on the ignition on my '96 Saturn SL2 recently and acrid
smoke, like smoke from burning wires, poured out from behind the
dash. I think the smoke originated near the ignition switch but can't
be sure.

I turned off the switch and disconnected the battery. Later I
reconnected the battery and with a fire extinguisher close by, I tried
to get it to do it again, but it wouldn't. I looked at fuses but
didn't see any of them open. I'll do a continuity test on them next.

The ignition is now dead.

Anybody know what the problem might be? I'm thinking it's the switch
but don't really know for sure.

Any hints from Saturn mechanics?

I've enjoyed this little car, replaced the starter, alternator, water
pump, and a few other things with the greatest of ease and a Haynes
Repair Manual. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone know the pinout on the ignition switch so I can test it?
Or does anyone have any advice on how to test the switch? Or focus on
the problem? Thanks a million.

 

i had a similar situation few years ago.
when i replaced the wiper blades in my SL97, out of stupidity i didn’t
realize that the one on the passenger side had become jammed by the
antenna. then, i tried to test the new blades.
upon turning on the ignition, smoke came out of the dash. QUICKLY, i
shut if off and (upon realizing the blade stuck), corrected the
mistake.
i thought that the smoke had come from the windshield wiper motor, and
that my quick reaction had saved it.
nevertheless, as i had no immediate problem, sighted relief and kept
going; but few months later, i had starting problems.
the mechanic diagnosed that the computer (PCM), was damaged.
he had removed and opened it, and showed me the PCB with several
charred copper traces lifted , and one of them cut.
i got a new PCM from a firm in Florida.
actually, there are two companies; one of them didn’t have it in
stock, but offered me to repair mine. the other company works on an
exchange basis.
Google and you’ll find them.
be prepared to kick (approx.) 200 bucks.
access to the PCM is easy: two plastic (snap into) plastic cups expose
the screws which hold the dash.
once removed, access and removal to the PCM is immediate (if i recall
properly, there is only one connector).
good luck

danielR