rapid flashing turn signal 99 Sunfire GT
Erwin13
03-01-2009, 07:35 PM
We have a 99 Sunfire GT w/ 2.4l engine, automatic. The passenger rear turn signal / brake light will not work. The signal in front and on the dash will flash rapidly. We changed the bulb with no luck. Put the new bulb in driver’s side and it works fine so it is not the bulb itself. Hazards will not work either. Checked all wiring and did not find problems with a bad wire or bad ground.
SafariVan
03-02-2009, 07:12 AM
I didn't check the Shop Manual for your specific symptoms, but could it be the Flasher? I had to replace the one in my '99 GT last year.
My symptom, signals would work normally but intermittently freeze. I don't recall anymore, but I think only happened with the left turn signal. The dash indicator would stop flashing, just stay lit. I thought it was a wiring problem at first. But finally decided it was the Flasher, replaced it, and has been fine since.
Flasher is an electronic device, not cheap. I bought one from AutoZone, if I had to do it again, I would get one from a dealer. The AZ one sounds "tinny" and does not come with the factory housing for proper mounting. I swapped out the housings so I could mount it correctly but the guts of the AZ unit did not look as substantial as the guts of the factory unit. I think I paid about $15, I expect the dealer would charge $30.
Anyway, it is not real easy to access. I will describe this by memory so may not be exactly right. Remove the black plastic shield (one or 2 screws) at the bottom of the dash near where the steering column is.
That will allow you to lay your head down near the pedals and look up at the dash wiring. You will see a cube looking device (about 1"x1"x1") with a green plastic housing . Unplug the harness. With needle nose pliers, pinch the plastic nub on the one side of the cube housing so that you can release the nub from the hole it is pushed into that secures the Flasher to a brace.
Assuming you got the factory Flasher and it comes with the correct housing, snap the new unit nub into the hole, reconnect the harness, reinstall the shield and you're done.
It is a simple job but made a lot more difficult because the Flasher is not very accessible.
My symptom, signals would work normally but intermittently freeze. I don't recall anymore, but I think only happened with the left turn signal. The dash indicator would stop flashing, just stay lit. I thought it was a wiring problem at first. But finally decided it was the Flasher, replaced it, and has been fine since.
Flasher is an electronic device, not cheap. I bought one from AutoZone, if I had to do it again, I would get one from a dealer. The AZ one sounds "tinny" and does not come with the factory housing for proper mounting. I swapped out the housings so I could mount it correctly but the guts of the AZ unit did not look as substantial as the guts of the factory unit. I think I paid about $15, I expect the dealer would charge $30.
Anyway, it is not real easy to access. I will describe this by memory so may not be exactly right. Remove the black plastic shield (one or 2 screws) at the bottom of the dash near where the steering column is.
That will allow you to lay your head down near the pedals and look up at the dash wiring. You will see a cube looking device (about 1"x1"x1") with a green plastic housing . Unplug the harness. With needle nose pliers, pinch the plastic nub on the one side of the cube housing so that you can release the nub from the hole it is pushed into that secures the Flasher to a brace.
Assuming you got the factory Flasher and it comes with the correct housing, snap the new unit nub into the hole, reconnect the harness, reinstall the shield and you're done.
It is a simple job but made a lot more difficult because the Flasher is not very accessible.
Erwin13
03-02-2009, 03:50 PM
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a look and let you know.
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