Smoke coming from heater controls?

[coreyw]

I was told my AC didn't work when I got the car, but I think it just needed to be recharged. I used it a few times, and it was still blowing some cold air, but eventually didn't do much at all.

Then one time I turned it on, and smoke started coming out from the controls. Maybe a leak in one of the lines? Bad heater core?

The heater works fine if that makes a difference.

[bernzpeed]

short. electrical fire waiting to happen. better disconnect the battery and locate the short or stripped wire.

[ecc3189]

another question is what does the smoke smell like? Burned plastic=wires and caramel smell=coolant