Why was smoke coming from around my steering wheel?

sounds like you have shorted wiring in the steering column.

I checked the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your car relating to an electrical short in your steering column's turn signals and did not find any. It's definitely an electrical short or overload problem, but the steering wheel will most likely have to be removed which means the repair shop will have to deactivate your airbag. If a dealer charges less than $500 for this repair, I'll be surprised.

This sounds like a power steering fluid leak around the steering box. The fluid hits the hot exhaust manifold and smokes. Having no fluid would cause the power steering to fail and hence it is hard to turn the wheel.

Sounds like something went wrong with your power steering. Check the fluid level and look for any leaks. While getting your truck jumped a hose might have broken.

Was the truck sitting up for a while needing the jump?

Another thing is that while you were getting the jump something electrical could have blown. Fuse, fuseable link, etc.

Gil

The smoke may be coming from the ignition switch. Do you have a lot of keys and junk on your key chain?! There may be too much weight on it.

As for being hard to steer... We need a little more info. Could be your power-steering pump, tire low on air, low on power steering fluid, ect.

My guess is that in the process of jump starting, you fried your "power steering pump," which moves your power steering fluid around to where it's needed. Sorry. Take it to a mechanic; probably time to replace it.

*disclaimer: I know nothing about this subject, but I have the ability to write things that sound plausible.

It could be "powder" from the air bag in the steering wheel. Better get it checked.

Sad story: Lady was in an accident and the "smoke" (powder) scared her, so she quickly exited the car without looking because she thought her car was on fire, and was killed by another car. Moral of story: Please remember the air bag is packed with powder so it doesn't stick together and is easier to deploy.

it could have been a power surg, make sure all of your controls work on the steering column. like windshield wipers,directionals,hazards,etc, if everything works it should be ok.but keep an eye on it.also make sure your battery is fully charged. if not you might not be getting all your power equipment going,like power steering,power brakes,windows,etc.if you see it again have it look at.

Well.. idk but last time smke came form streeing wheel, (my friends car) he said the next morning he came out and the air bag exploded some time during the night, although there was no accident to make it come out, hope it doesnt happen to you, or while your driving!! eeek