Help - problem w/turn signal & headlights

[brookskt]

Hi, we just purchased a used 98 chevy g1500 high top conversion van. The right rear turn signal does not work. It lights up when the headlights are turned on but will not function as a turn signal. We did notice that it has started to flash very lightly but you have to stare at it to see this. Now the headlights will not work. They worked last night but do not today. Also, we noticed that in order for turnsignals to work at all the hazard button must be pushed down but if we want hazard lights it must be up (but right rear still does not flash). Does anyone have any suggstions on what to try. We have checked fuses and they are ok. The dealer we bought from said to check the flashers (what and where are they?) We also bought a new socket thinking this might be the problem but have not tried that yet. Could it be the problem? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[lhheston]

Tail light / turn signal bulbs have 2 or 3 light filaments, the brake and turn signal are on one, the tail light on the other. The 4-way hazard lights up the brake light. I would try a bulb first. Sometimes the filaments can break and reconnect for a while, if it is blown some material will be all over the inside of the bulb.

The headlights are a different matter, I own a '92, if your '98 has a pull-push headlight switch, I would wiggle and jiggle it, if the lights come on briefly, replace the switch. If it has the modern lights with a slider and rotating switch, the vehicle might have headlights that only come on in the dark (and stay on for a few minutes after the engine is shut off). Somewhere are breakers and fuses that should be labeled, or a diagram in the owners manual.

If you are in a state with a 3-day return law on cars, you should be able to get the dealer to fix it or take it back, this is a safety issue. Best of luck.