multifunction switch

i have a 2002 pontiac grand am se v-6. new to me as of 1 month ago!this past sunday all of a sudden i was getting a noise in the dash located in the center console behind the stereo system. it sounds exactly like the turn signal noise or the hazard signal noise but is on without any other lights and without those signals turned on. it starts automatically when i start my car. i took it to a local pontiac dealership (not the place i purchased it from) and they told me i needed a new multifunction switch. they also tried telling me that it may malfunction if i don't get it fixed right away and my lights and signals may not come on. has anyone heard of such a problem? had this problem? or have any ideas if it sounds like that's what it is or not?

Haven't had a problem with my car....yet. The multifunction switch is the turn signal/high beams switch. Yes it can fail, leaving you without turn signals. If it is shorting out it could cause some funky noises. If you are really concerned about how legitimate the information is I would take elsewhere for a second opinion.

Yes I just had the same problem with my car. (2001 Grand AM SE-V6) It started just after I made a turn and the blinker sounded as if it was still on. It then would shut off for a brief time and start up again.
I guess that if left alone the flasher, located on the hazard switch could burn out. Leaving you without any turn signals.

Since my car has no warranty and I like to tinker, I fixed the switch myself.
If you are not inclined or feel uncomfortable in performing repairs on your car then I would suggest that should get the switch replaced.(If you haven't already done so)

I am having the same problem on my 2001 Grand Am SE. Did you find a solution to your problem? Did the other poster mention how he fixed his own situation? I'm interested to find out how others handled this issue.