'98 Silverado Turn Signal problems

I'm about to beat my brains out... well, maybe the mechanic's brains...

My '98 Silverado (recent purchase) has a turn signal problem that they can't seem to figure out. The turn signal fuse keeps blowing out, but it only does this while the truck is running and you are turning right. Turning to the left doesn't cause an issue and it doesn't seem to be a problem while the truck is off and parked.

So far, the shop has replaced the neutral safety/backup switch (which also fixed the shift indicator light) and today they replaced the circuit board for the right taillight because they said it had a 'burnt spot' on it.

Both times they have 'fixed' the problem, I pick it up, take it down the road, and the first time I turn right, it blows the fuse again. I don't know why it is that they can't get it right or why they keep telling me that it's done. Do they not take it out and drive it and use the turn signals when the 'fix' it? If I can go less than 3 blocks, turn right, and blow the fuse, they should be able to recreate the same situation BEFORE they tell me it's fixed. I've been without my truck for 4 days now and they still don't have it right.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what they should be checking so I can give them hints where to look?? I'd really like to have my truck back.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

The multifuntion switch is bad. There 200 hundred bucks. I just had to put one on my truck.

What is the multifunction switch?

They called me again this afternoon and told me that they found a section of the wire harness that was smashed against the frame. They took it apart and taped up a couple wires today. This was after they tore apart my steering column to look for pinched/bare wires. Maybe they got the airbag light to go off when they put it back together :grinyes:

I guess after I pick it up and drive it around for a while, I will know if they've found the problem. If the turn signal blows again, I guess it will spend another day away from home.

This is getting frustrating... and I know the shop is getting fed up with it too.

The switch is located on the column, The wiring goes bad on the inside of it from the tilt wheel moving up and down. It's probably shorting out on the inside. But I have been known to be wrong a few times before. LOL
See if what they did works.If not,I would try the switch.

Well I got the truck back this evening and took it out for a spin. I filled the gas tank and headed home. I get within 4 blocks from home, make a right turn, and SNAP! there goes the fuse again. I guess it's back to the shop AGAIN. This is really getting on my nerves. I've had this thing for two weeks and I've been pretty much without it for one of those weeks. With this problem and the fact that the alternator blew the day after I took it off the lot, plus the air bag light being on... I'm just about ready to take it back to the lot and tell them that it's just not worth it. :banghead:

OKay, let's add some more crap to the list. I went to leave work this morning and noticed that I didn't seem to have any brake lights. I checked the fuse and it's blown also. I replaced the fuse and as soon as the contacts touched, the fuse blew. I tried again, SNAP! So now I have no turn signals, no brake lights, no four way flashers... anything else in these two circuits that I'm missing?

And, to add insult to injury, there seems to be a shudder from the rearend upon accelleration and the fuel pump sounds like a turbo winding up.

I've had it, I think this thing is a complete lemon and the dealer is going to take it back. There is no way I'm paying this kind of money for a truck I can't drive!! :angryfire

I think the multi-function switch is shorting out. It's the turn indicator lever on the column. Give that a try first. when you turn the wheel the switch is shorting out. It's a common problem with most of these trucks. Take it back to the dealer and see if they will fix it for you.
It's a 450.00 job at a shop.

Okay, so the truck is back at the shop again this morning. I talked with them a little bit about the work they've already done and the info that I've received here (thanks Hammer) and they will be examining the multi-function switch more closely this time around (they claim they've looked at it once already). Who knows when they will call and tell me it's done, but I'm hoping that they actually take it out and put it through the paces before they call me again. I'm tired of taking it off the lot just to turn around and drop it off again.

Hammer, the dealer is one of those small time used car places. He offered to pay for the repair if I took it to a specific shop. I'd assume they have a deal worked out for labor. Either way, I'm not paying for the repairs.