1995 Cutlass Supreme Electrical short in the Turn signal

[kellyweeks55]

One day my dad noticed that my break lights weren't coming on. After some trial and error possible solutions, we found that there is some kind of short in the turn signal. Don't ask me why Oldsmobile would wire the break lights through the turn signal but that's certainly where the problem seems to be. Another electrical problem that the car has is in the door locks. They go up and down by themselves.

Has anyone else had similar problems? If so how did you fix them?

[dhspring]

Yes, I got your solution, the same thing happened to me, and why Olds routed the brake lights throught the turn signal indication, I have no earthly idea. Anyway your turn signal module has broken and needs to be replaced. The bad news is that you have to take off the steering wheel to replace it. The part cost about $65 from the dealer. The only special tool you need is a steering wheel puller. Then there's a spring loaded sprocket that has a lock ring that has to come out. Once you get those two items off the switch is easy. The switch has a wire lead that feeds down through the steering column and plugs into a electrical junction box under the dash. It's not too bad to do yourself if your mechnically inclined, the dealer will probably charge about $300 to replace. Good luck. If you need further info shoot me an email.

[Dr Sparks]

Originally Posted by dhspring

and why Olds routed the brake lights throught the turn signal indication, I have no earthly idea.

All cars and heavy duty vehicles that don't have turn signal lamps separate from the stop lamps route the brake light juice through the turn signal switch. The majority of American cars use the same lamp filament for both stop and turn. That's why a single two filament bulb handles tail, stop and turn. In the turn signal switch the brake light juice is distributed via special wiper contacts so it is isolated from whatever direction is selected for indicating a turn, other wise both left and right would blink at the same time if the brake was depressed while your turn indicator was on.

[dhspring]

I knew there was a reason I didn't become an electrical engineer!!

[STARStender]

I have had this same problem for about a year now. All I do is pull back on the turn signal (as if I was going to put high beams on but not quite, this has solved it) the actual problem is the turn signal switch which runs about $300 for the part alone.

[dhspring]

Originally Posted by STARStender

I have had this same problem for about a year now. All I do is pull back on the turn signal (as if I was going to put high beams on but not quite, this has solved it) the actual problem is the turn signal switch which runs about $300 for the part alone.

Yeah we knew that one as well, I actually rigged the turn lever up with rubber bands to hold tension forward to enable the brake lights to work. The cheesy switch is flimsy and broke a couple of the ears off that hold the switch together. But I don't know where you're buying the parts, I got the switch here in Houston for $65 and put it in myself. No more rubber bands here!

[maxtone_witherball]

I would like to add that I too have this problem on my 95 cutlass supreme 3.1L. A gentle pull back on the turn signal does fix it.

For a more permanant fix. I cut off a peice of an old credit card and stuck it in between the contacts of the turn signal. Now my hazard lights don't work, but who cares about them. This was alot easier than having the steering wheel removed.