SMOKE FROM DASH NOW CAR WONT START

[Ha1i8ut2]

Brz dash smoking now won't start.
Well, the copart brz strikes again.
After putting around 2500 miles on the car with no issue I was content with my purchase.
But today that changed.
While driving down the highway today I started to smell what I knew was an electrical fire. While no fire was found I did find a good bit of smoke. Majority of which was coming out from around the steering column area. I pulled over to address it the first time and after searching under the steering column and around the dash I could find nowhere from where the smoke was coming. So I set off again. After driving for a few more minutes I pulled over because it started to smoke again after searching again and not finding any source of the smoke again I went to set off again and now the car won't start. The car is the premium addition so it has the remote fob. I can press the start button one time and the radio will come on and a second time and the AC will come on but no lights flash on the gauge cluster besides that it's not recognizing the key. also when I lock the car with the key fob the horn no longer beeps but the horn connection inside of the steering wheel does still work. I'm at a loss as what to do. And appreciate any and all advice to remedy the issue. Thanks again.

[Grady]

Just further proof this car is magic. The smoke was the Genie getting out and it will never work again now.

But seriously have you checked you fuses? Don’t just look at them pull them and check them with a VOM. From there you will need to do exploratory search you nose can point you close sometimes.

[DarkPira7e]

Did you research what caused your car to be salvage in the first place?

[Ha1i8ut2]

It was a front end collision that took out the hood and crashbar as well as some damage to the quarter panel and door. Nothing electrical or to do with the dash. I've had the car for months and this is the first issue I've gotten from driving. It's rather odd.

[Ha1i8ut2]

That'll be the first thing to do. It has to be either a fuse or wiring. Reason for saying is that the fail-safes for the car don't work. Rubbing the key fob on the push start does nothing. Car still locks/unlocks but horn doesn't beep when you lock it. But the horn on the steering wheel works. It has a quick release hub and wheel so I thought it might be the clock spring going off of the deleted cruise control shorting out but I can't find any evidence of either. The smoke was pouring out near the base of the plastic trim under the gauge cluster. And now no lights come on in my gauge cluster except the yellow key light meaning it doesn't recognize it. But my AC and radio still work. I'm just perplexed and still sitting on the side of the road. In no place to troubleshoot as of yet.

[LimitedSlip]

There may be a short circuit between conductors within the wiring harness or from the harness to chassis ground. Hopefully a fuse DID blow to prevent further damage. Whatever component produced the smoke needs to be replaced 'cause its likely shot. If you find and replace a blown fuse without first repairing the actual problem you will probably make the problem worse and still not be able to start the vehicle. Not to mention just blowing another fuse.

[Ha1i8ut2]

i ended up just ordering another dash harness to replace mine. when i start tearing the dash apart ill check my fuses. hopefully that will fix my problem.

[Tcoat]

Fuses are NEVER the problem.
If it got hot enough to smoke TWICE then a fuse did not blow. Should have but didn't.
It can be a nightmare to track down such issues.

[radroach]

@Ha1i8ut2 if yours has push button start then it is a Limited BRZ. The Premium BRZ has a key.

[Ha1i8ut2]

so i found the issue, cant say im happy though. main harness from motor going into the fuse box above the driver footwell corroded away and burnt up. not sure what caused it but it burnt up the connector going into the fuse box and ate up the wiring pretty bad. gonna have to order a new one of each more then likely. only issue i have is how do i know if a wiring harness is premium or limited. is there a difference as far as the engine bay harness goes? also will i need to have the fuse box reflashed to my car? i have a buddy who buys and parts out these things who will hopefully be able to help me with the job but nonetheless it is going to suck. also is there a difference in fuse boxes between the limited and premium. all help is much appreciated so thanks in advance.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Ha1i8ut2

so i found the issue, cant say im happy though. main harness from motor going into the fuse box above the driver footwell corroded away and burnt up. not sure what caused it but it burnt up the connector going into the fuse box and ate up the wiring pretty bad. gonna have to order a new one of each more then likely. only issue i have is how do i know if a wiring harness is premium or limited. is there a difference as far as the engine bay harness goes? also will i need to have the fuse box reflashed to my car? i have a buddy who buys and parts out these things who will hopefully be able to help me with the job but nonetheless it is going to suck. also is there a difference in fuse boxes between the limited and premium. all help is much appreciated so thanks in advance.

All harnesses and fuse boxes are the same in these cars. What wires and fuse slots are used depends on the version. The fuse box has nothing in it that can be flashed. Just make sure there is the right fuses i the right spots when compared to the old one.
The wires were damaged in the collision. They may have looked OK but one pinched spot can lead to all sorts of sorrow. It is hidden shit like that which makes a salvage car a gamble.

[Ha1i8ut2]

here are some pictures of the damge. only issue is none of the wires were near the collision which makes me confused but i cant aegue with facts.

[Ha1i8ut2]