2001 Alero With Intermittent Turn Signals

[Anaudiophile]

I have a friend who is having problems with his turn signals intermittently not working. He checked for recalls through the dealer, but apparently there are none for his vehicle.
Does anyone have some tips to diagnose this issue??

Thx

[BNaylor]

There was a GM voluntary recall out for the 4 way hazard switch/relay that could cause intermittent turn signals. This part is also the turn signal flasher. The 2001 models should be covered but you can check with GM/Olds Customer Service by providing your VIN number. Also, GM sent notices out to certain Alero owners.

2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO -- By letter dated August 27, 2003, GM notified the Agency that it is conducting a voluntary safety recall (NHTSA recall no. 03V327) involving certain model year (MY) 2000-2001 Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile Alero, and Pontiac Grand Am. GM's recall covers 670,740 vehicles manufactured beginning February 1, 2000 through May 1, 2001 (Alero and Grand Am) and February 1, 2000 through May 31, 2001 (Malibu). GM reports that turn signal failure is due to solder joint cracking in the hazard switch, and has identified rapid temperature transitions of the hazard switch and the soldering process as the cause of cracking. Electrical current to the turn signals flows through the hazard switch and an open circuit in the hazard switch will cause the exterior turn/hazard lamps to become intermittent or inoperative. GM will replace the hazard switch on all involved vehicles. Based on GM's safety recall action, this investigation is closed. Investigation was initiated on December 23 2002. Closed on September 05 2003

Another issue is the multifunction switch - MFS. Sometimes cleaning out the old dielectric silicone grease with electrical contact cleaner and adding new dielectric grease helps.

[Anaudiophile]

Thanks for the reply. Checked the VIN with the dealer and they basically said we're S.O.L..
I believe the hazard switch is the issue here. I removed the instrument cluster to access the back of the switch. While applying pressure to the connector I was able to get the turn signals to work every time. They've been getting worse lately and were only working for a few flashes at a time, until applying pressure to the hazard switch connector.
I will put a new one in!!


Thanks

[rdh2]

Originally Posted by Anaudiophile

Thanks for the reply. Checked the VIN with the dealer and they basically said we're S.O.L..
I believe the hazard switch is the issue here. I removed the instrument cluster to access the back of the switch. While applying pressure to the connector I was able to get the turn signals to work every time. They've been getting worse lately and were only working for a few flashes at a time, until applying pressure to the hazard switch connector.
I will put a new one in!!


Thanks

GM Service Bulletin 04098A dated January 2006 (Special Policy Adjustment) lists all vehicles covered by the bulletin. The 2001 Alero VIN range is 1C242103 through 1C286657. The vehicles are covered for 10 years/150000 miles. I have a PDF copy of the bulletin if you need it. PM me.

The switch part number you will need is 10359040 (2001-2002 Alero).

FWIW: The dealer didn't want to cover my 2000 Alero until I produced a copy of the bulletin. I guess they didn't want to do the work for the .5 hours warranty time; they were going to charge me 1 hour + the part cost.

Bob

[TRSTACIE]

Originally Posted by rdh2

GM Service Bulletin 04098A dated January 2006 (Special Policy Adjustment) lists all vehicles covered by the bulletin. The 2001 Alero VIN range is 1C242103 through 1C286657. The vehicles are covered for 10 years/150000 miles. I have a PDF copy of the bulletin if you need it. PM me.

The switch part number you will need is 10359040 (2001-2002 Alero).

FWIW: The dealer didn't want to cover my 2000 Alero until I produced a copy of the bulletin. I guess they didn't want to do the work for the .5 hours warranty time; they were going to charge me 1 hour + the part cost.

Bob

rdh,
Could you send me a copy of that bulletin. Thanks.