'96 signal light problem

I'm having trouble with my signal lights. When I signal, it'll be fine, then becomes erratic, and then will stop altogether. When I finally get really pi$$ed, and smack the dashboard, they will sometimes start again and work fine for awhile and stop, or flash 1 or 2 times and stop. Any suggestions?

If instead of smacking the dashboard you apply pressure in various directions to the turn signal indicator, do you get various results? If so, you probably have a multifunction switch that is acting up.

-Rod

The other possibility is the dash bashing is just coincidental. I have a 98 Taurus that has a similiar problem. I discovered that the drivers side rear taillight housing leaks and gets water in it occassionally resulting in the bulb shorting out. I have had to replace it several times and will eventually get around to replacing both the housing and the plug as the plug is getting pretty corroded. It had been rust and corrosion causing the the bulb to stop working. Worth a shot to look at.

I've tried moving the signal stalk several times; no effect. The only thing that gets me signal lights back is hitting the dash. I've heard that there is some sort of relay in behind the instrument panel. Any ideas?

The electronic flasher, which controls the flash for the turn signals and hazard lights, is located under the left side of the instrument panel. A bad solder joint or loose connection in that module could cause what you are experiencing.

-Rod