Why is the airbag cover of my steering wheel hot when driving?

Well this is new.

1998 Tacoma 4x4 5-speed manual

Today for the first time ever I noticed that the center of the airbag cover on my steering wheel was hot. All the rest of the trim around the column, etc was cold/normal. I've put nearly 200,000 miles on this truck and I can honestly say that it's never been this way before.

What the hell could be causing that?

Other information that may or, more than likely, may not have any bearing:

1. My passenger side CV boot shit its guts out all over the underside of my truck. Still not fixed

2. My MAF and throttle body desperately need cleaning.

3. My clutch probably needs to be replaced (hopefully this is the issue and not a transmission rebuild)

Thanks in advance

 

Is it mildly warm... or is it hot ?

It this occurring when parked, then started...
or when driven for a period ?

My thought would be to remove that cover
and look inside for any shorting - (residual) - loose connections.

Anything else not working properly electronically ?
ie: horn, cruise, turn signals, etc. ?

Could be an issue with the spiral cable
if other e failures might be occurring.

It could also be heat transfer coming up thru the column
from the steering gear box... if that were getting hot

So did you check the temperature of the steering rack
when the cover is warm ?
PS fluid level good/flowing into - thru the S rack properly ?

Maybe drive around with the S wheel cover off, air bag removed temporarily
and see if you can source the heat.

 

If the heat is coming up through the rack your underside is probably molten.

I'd guess short maybe? Not something you want by your inflator no matter what. Open it up and figure it out.

Also, get that CV replaced. If it already grease bombed the wheel well it's only a matter of time before it ruins your day and your wallet. Replace it on your terms or thank the tow truck driver as he takes your retirement fund.

 

1. You're fine with the CV for a bit. FWIW, don't bother trying to reboot it.. it's a major PITA. Just pick up a NAPA lifetime unit and maybe a trail spare for good measure. You'll get a decent core charge back.

2. You could have cleaned this in the amount of time it took you to post this thread

3. How many miles on the clutch? If 200k, it's probably time to replace, unless you baby it, then you may get another solid 50k from it.


4. Sorry I can't help with your airbag problem. Sounds like something that needs immediate attention though