* Electrical Short Circuit: This is the most likely culprit. Wires can fray, chafe against metal, or become damaged, leading to a short circuit that generates heat and smoke. This could be anywhere in the dashboard's complex wiring harness.
* Overheating Component: A resistor, capacitor, or other electrical component within the dashboard could be failing and overheating, producing smoke. This is often accompanied by a burning smell.
* Heater Core Leak: While less likely to produce *smoke* directly from the dashboard, a leak in the heater core could cause steam or coolant to interact with electrical components, resulting in smoke. This would typically be accompanied by a sweet smell.
* Faulty Blower Motor: A malfunctioning blower motor could overheat and smoke, though this is more likely to smell burning rather than produce visible smoke from the dashboard itself.
* Underlying Fire: In the worst-case scenario, the smoke could be a symptom of a larger fire starting somewhere within the vehicle's electrical system or dashboard.
What to do:
* Immediately turn off the vehicle. Do not continue driving.
* Evacuate the vehicle. Get yourself and any passengers out immediately and away from the car.
* Call emergency services (fire department). A dashboard fire can spread rapidly.
* Do not attempt to diagnose or repair the problem yourself. This is potentially dangerous.
A Peugeot 306 is an older car, and its wiring can be prone to age-related issues. This situation requires professional attention from a qualified mechanic or auto electrician. Ignoring this could lead to a serious fire and significant damage to the vehicle.
