Turn light stops working intermittently for my 2001 Alero

Hi All,
I am new to this forum. Turn lights of my 2001 Alero stops working intermittently (No problem with the hazard lights though). For example when I hit a pot hole it stops working for a while and after sometime they start working again. I read about the GM recall (NHTSA Campaign ID # 03V327000) and contacted GM about it. They said my car does not cover under the recall. I argued about this issue with them and they said that I can take my car to the dealer to have it diagnosed and if they find that it has the same issue as the recall (bad hazard warning switch), then they will fix it for no cost. Problem is the GM dealer is charging like $40+ for diagnosing and I dont know for sure that the problem I am having is same as the recall. I would rather fix it myself if the part is inexpensive and easy enough to fix. Could you guys please suggest me what to do? Should I take my car to the dealer for diagnosis or should I fix it myself? Thanks in advance.

Welcome to AF.

You could replace the flasher relay mentioned in the GM TSB and NHTSA recall DIY. But normally that does not resolve the issue of the turn signals not working. In most cases it is a defective multifunction switch at the steering column.

Thanks bnaylor for the reply. How to know what exactly is the problem? Also how hard is it to replace multifunction switch at the steering column myself? Is the multifunction switch expensive?

It is hard to tell. Most of us had the hazard warning fix done and for some it worked. Others continued to have problems with mainly a clicking sound or the turn signal working on its own. Your problem sounds more like the multifunction switch. It can be done DIY by removing the plastic covers at the steering column, removing screws and electrical connectors. The GM switch is expensive but there are aftermarket ones available at auto parts stores which are cheaper.

Also, the airbag must be disabled for safety by pulling the fuse or battery negative cable. It should be given about 20 minutes run down time before starting any work.

Hi Bnaylor,
First of all the problem I was having with the turn lights is fixed (bad hazard switch). GM paid for the repair as it was a recall. I am having another problem with the service engine soon lights which I posted on the forum. I would appreciate if you can have a look at my post. Thanks in advance. Please click the link below to view the post.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=677349