Has anybody had any issues like this? I've got no idea what happened. Nothing was plugged into the power port and I am a non-smoker.

2004 4x4 5.4 XLT factory radio.

 

Can you post a picture from the opposite angle? Though, it looks like the fire may have started in the 12 volt outlet in that side of the dash. Was there anything plugged in it the night before>

 

5 more years and the truck enters the realm of a classic, 10 and it's considered an antique. My guess is some part of the wiring harness chaffed thru some sheet metal in the dash and shorted out. It is 15 years old and mass produced after all.
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Nothing was plugged into the power port.

 

Entirely possible. Strangely enough everything still works including the stereo but it won't start. The PATS light flashs real fast when you try to start it like the key is not programmed any longer.

 

If insurance covers it, let em have it. It could be fixed but you'll never get that smell out of it at least not feasibly anyway.
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I meant closer, towards the hole from the left.

 

Yeah insurance is totaling it. I looked a long time to find a 04 - 08 reg cab 4x4 xlt 8 foot bed with a decent body here in the rust belt so i am considering the buy back option.

I'm still fighting with the insurance company over the value. I'm with you though about the smell. That's my biggest concern, assuming i can pinpoint the cause when the old dash comes out.

Time will tell.

 

Check your fuse box. Do all circuits have the correct fuse installed? Someone could have used a higher current fuse to “solve” a problem with a circuit, which could cause this.