2000 EXP SMOKE FROM STEERING WHEEL

I just read a thread from all the way back in 2003 that speaks on the same
exact problem I am having now!!! I have been having the issue for a minute
now; but seeing as though I am not in the position (financially) to take my
truck to the dealership everytime something goes wrong with it, I guess I
waited too long and now its biting me in the butt! I was having the issue
with the left blinker, the smoke from where the 4-way flashers are turned on,
all that... yesterday, it started smoking for no reason! No turn signal, no
radio on, no air conditioning on... nothing! I freaked!! My children were
in the car!!! I got home and parked it as fast as possible! I refused to
drive it ANYWHERE else except to the dealership! I took it there first thing
this morning, but due to them not knowing exactly what's going on (because
there is currently no recall for anything electrical with the 2000's), I
don't know what they're gonna tell me... Has anyone ever got a definitive
answer on what is going on with this, or how much something like this is
gonna possibly "break" me for???

MJ
Odenton, MD