Turn Signal Problems

[ViCap]

I've got a 2001 Intrigue that is experiencing intermitent turn signal problems. While driving the turn signals will stop blinking. After a short or long time period they will start to work again. I 've noticed that the problem goes away in the cold winter months but starts up again when the temperature outside warms up. It sounds weird but the problem is worse when it's raining out or if it is a very hot/humid day.

When the problem occurs I will put on my hazards if I'm in traffic and they may or may not work as well. If the hazards do work I can sometimes get the turn signal working by putting it on at the same time as the hazard and then turning off my hazards.

Does any one know whats going on with this?

I have been told by my GM dealer that the flasher will cost around $300 to change because it is situated in the dashboard and difficult to replace. He also mentioned that it is easy to damage the dash if I attempted to do it myself. Has anyone done this themselves and is it really that difficult>

[illinoiswronski]

Start by checking all of the bulbs. Then check to make sure all of the connectors are okay (pull the bulbs out and look for corrosion).

[ViCap]

I'l give it a try , thanks.

[Chernobyl2]

I've had the exact problem - dealer told me the flasher was built into the switch/post assembly though. I suspect they had to take apart the steering column to get at it - and possibly the dashboard.
Have not had this problem since they replaced the switch - warranty replacement (bought the car new). Makes me miss the old style flasher (the $5 kind) that sat right on the fuse block. Whats up with that GM???

Chernobyl

[car-nut]

I have replaced it myself. If the lights just stop flashing and stay on steady this is definatly the problem. The flasher is the the hazard switch assembly. The part is under $35 I think. I took out the trim around the gauges and reached behind from there. There are screws holding the switch in behind the switch trim also. Be careful removing the switch trim it breaks easily and the is a clip holding it in the center. Pry evenly from both ends!

[Mrisko]

I was wondering if Vicap ever solved the turn signal problem.

I have exactly the same problem. On an older Olds I was having turn signals that didn't work. After some time my alternator failed. After I replaced it i didn't have any more turn signal problems. Other message boards indicated alternator problems with the intrigues. i was wondering if there was a connection between the alternator and turn signals/flashers not working????


Mark

[panzer dragoon]

it is the flasher/turn signal (blinker)oscillator (same part). The cost of the part is $25 from GM online. I need to perform the same service and am waiting on a good deal for the complete 3vol Intrigue service manual. Try engaging the cruise control button on - this seems to help the situation by providing more power to the oscillator. I keep toggeling the flasher button (my flashers (hazards) will sometime stop also) until I get the flashers to flash for about 20 time straight with the flashers on, test the blinker, repeat until the blinkers start to work again. (the hazards are held on until 10-20 straight oscillations and then turned off to test the turn signals).

This is a circuit board (of the flasher/blinker assembly) problem because of shoddy soldering craftsmanship. In the heat the material expands and the contacts get worse. Cold=contraction better connection. The problem will get worse and worse as the part expands/contracts further worsening the solder contact area.

Pontial Grand Am, Alero and others have the same problem. Some problem on other GM parts like the Truck wiper assembly. Shoddy soldering. You may be able to resolder the part. Sometimes due to corrosion (usually a surprise) also.

[andreparis]

Could you please give me a link to the specific part on the GM site and a photo of the part(if possible) inside the dashboard?

Thank you

Originally Posted by panzer dragoon

it is the flasher/turn signal (blinker)oscillator (same part). The cost of the part is $25 from GM online. I need to perform the same service and am waiting on a good deal for the complete 3vol Intrigue service manual. Try engaging the cruise control button on - this seems to help the situation by providing more power to the oscillator. I keep toggeling the flasher button (my flashers (hazards) will sometime stop also) until I get the flashers to flash for about 20 time straight with the flashers on, test the blinker, repeat until the blinkers start to work again. (the hazards are held on until 10-20 straight oscillations and then turned off to test the turn signals).

This is a circuit board (of the flasher/blinker assembly) problem because of shoddy soldering craftsmanship. In the heat the material expands and the contacts get worse. Cold=contraction better connection. The problem will get worse and worse as the part expands/contracts further worsening the solder contact area.

Pontial Grand Am, Alero and others have the same problem. Some problem on other GM parts like the Truck wiper assembly. Shoddy soldering. You may be able to resolder the part. Sometimes due to corrosion (usually a surprise) also.

[panzer dragoon]

this is a easy thing to fix. Take out the center air vent next to the hazard button. Use a few screwdrivers because the vent has about 7 tabs holding it in. The whole vent comes out and you can get to the flasher/hazard oscillator.

try GMpartsdirect.com or RockAuto.com for a price. The GM dealer isn't really bad either. Do a search on this forum and I laid out the process in very exact detail.

[phewop118]

My 01 intrigue's turn signals sometimes will randomly not work or flash really fast. instead of replacing the flasher, i found if i jiggle the hazard lights button, they come back to normal.