blinkers/flashers...have a mind of their own

[momo8022]

I bought a 2004 Alero about 4 months ago. Overall, it is in pretty good condition. However, like any used car, it has it's flaws. First of all, the blinkers, flashers don't work all of the time. The flashers will not come on unless I fiddle with the button and even then they will only stay one for a second while the button is in a certain spot. The blinkers will work sometimes, but when they don't I can fiddle with the flasher button to get them to work. I did not have this problem when I bought the car. The blinkers were working fine and the flashers were definitely working. However, right after I bought my car, I had to take it in to have the cruise control switch replaced because the cruise control wasn't working. Shortly afterward is when I started noticing problems with the blinkers and just happened to push the flasher button one night to discover that it wasn't working. Could something have happened to the car at the shop to make the flashers and blinkers quit working properly?

[Iflylow]

This is a very common Alero problem. there was a recall on 99-02 Aleros for this same issue. The solution was to replace the hazard light switch (I assume that's what you mean by 'flashers'). It's not a hard or long job, and I think the switch is only about $60. Any mechanic could do it, probably in less than 15 minutes.

[Airjer_]

You will also at some point get an intermittent noise like the blinkers are on but they are not. This would be the turn signal switch grounding the white wire from the hazard switch. Replacing the turn signal switch, which is also common, will usual fix it.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Airjer_

You will also at some point get an intermittent noise like the blinkers are on but they are not. This would be the turn signal switch grounding the white wire from the hazard switch. Replacing the turn signal switch, which is also common, will usual fix it.

Good suggestion, however, in most cases you really don't need to replace the turn signal assembly/multifunction switch for the random clicking sound that you can get. Also, you can get the clicking sound with everything working properly just that the noise will be very annoying. The fix is simple. You remove the switch and clean the contacts out with electrical contact cleaner, let dry and then re-insert dielectric silicone grease. Many of us at the Alero and Grand Am forums have done this fix and it works. See post at link below.

Click here



On the hazard switch fix GM sent notices out to at least '99-'03 Alero owners that the hazard switch would be repaired and/or replaced for free. Best to contact GM Customer Service and see if it qualifies. All they need is the VIN. It was a recall and on record at NHTSA.