2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical system problems

1) our fog lights had been going on and off intermittently for a couple of weeks. 2) my wife was driving down a local street coming home when smoke started billowing out from under the steering column, filling the car with smoke. She happened to be at the local dealership (it's on the way home from her work) and pulled in their parking lot. The car was left at the dealership. The problem was diagnosed as being a shorted fog light switch.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that he was able to take the key out of the ignition in any position (off, accessory, etc) while the engine was running even if it was not shifted into park. The contact noticed the failure every time he drove the vehicle. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact called the manufacturer who referred him to NHTSA. The current mileage was approximately 95,000.