Turn Signal Troubles

I have a 2003 Expedition. I am having issues with the turn signals. When activated, the turn signal may blink once, twice, you may hear the signal activate but not blink. The emergency blinkers work fine. The few times it does work, once you brake to make the turn, the signal quits. I am old school and when I initially thought the fix may be to replace the signal relay, I was told that the newer vehicles do not have a relay but it is controled internally by the switch itself. Does anyone have an idea on how to troubleshoot this issue? My wife has already been pulled over for not using the turn signals, thankfully she only received a warning. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.....