does anyone have an idea as to why i would get smoke and smell of burning under my dash ? i started up my XR3i today and smoke started to come out from somewhere near the drivers speaker, possibly above it. i know there is plenty of wires there so have no idea. it was fizzing a bit too !

Sounds like you may have damaged wiring under the dash, I guess the only way to find out is to start stripping bits out.

Sounds pretty scary. You had better find the fault before your car goes up in flames.

upgrade your insurance :D ,my bro in law had a 1600i jobby and that went up in flames.

dont think they ever found the reason,but as above check it out.

Have u wired up anything or has any mods been done

If it's a Mk3/Mk4 XR3i the pink fuel pump relay is a favorite for melting.

As suggested start stripping bits out so you can see what's going on.

Hope you disconnected the battery though!

thanks for all your comments. ive added no mods,the car is standard. ive been disconnecting the battery after every use as the cat. 1 alarm/immobiliser has started to play up. the alarm has developed a mind of its own and goes off when it feels like it. the car only gets weekend use and has done 62,000 miles. it is taxed for 1 more week (then may not renew)and mot,d till october. ive taken the carpet out due to a leak which is possibly round the fuse box (the battery tray has been done).the car has done 12,000 miles on cam belt but was fitted 5 years ago so im guessing could do with a change. body work is good though as my dad had car since 2005 and has spent a few thousand on it.the wife doesnt think its worth taxing for another 6 months due to these little problems and that i should scrap it but due to its condition i dont agree. the engine and bodywork is too good to be scrapped. i dont know what to do ? :(

Ur going to have to start checking the loom where exactly was the smoke coming out of an wat circuits acting up now get wiring diagram an start there