DIC displaying "Turn Signal Still On?"

[The Smithlord]

I am new to the forum. I just bought a 2005 Buick LeSabre Custom. I like the car quite a bit. Unfortunately, I have noticed a few issues since taking delivery that I didn’t notice during the test drive. I was able to solve an issue with the HVAC blend doors by reading a post on this forum. Thanks!

This post will focus on one issue in particular: the Driver Information Center (DIC) Specifically, the DIC displays the message “Turn Signal Still On?”
This message only appears when the exterior lights are active. The “Turn Signal Still On?” message then appears on the DIC after about a minute of operation with the outside lights on. The message never appears during the day when the lights are off.

I have found that you can clear the message by pressing the Reset button on the DIC. It doesn’t seem to come back if cleared in this manner. You can also clear it by tapping the turn signal briefly to the left so that the left turn signal flashes. It will not clear if you move the turn signal lever right, which leads me to believe something is up with the right side signals. I have also noticed that the right green signal arrow on the dash is very dimly lit all the time when the headlights are on. I suspect this is telling me something, but I don’t know what. The turn signals themselves are functioning normally. The exterior lights on both sides flash properly and at the same speed. The green arrows on the dash flash normally when the turn signals are active.

My first instinct was that an exterior light bulb must be burned out. I have checked all of them. They all seem to be lit and of the same brightness. Without removing all the bulbs to check, does anyone know if having the wrong part number bulb can cause this issue? As I said before, all the lights look OK. I just wonder if someone stuck an incorrect bulb in there if it could cause what I am seeing. Or is there some other known problem that I am missing? I searched the forum and didn’t see this specific issue with the DIC. Any help would be appreciated.

[phipps]

I'd start by replacing all the right side turn signal bulbs. Could possibly have a short in one of the bulbs.

[Tech II]

Think you have a bad ground or a bad socket......looks like something is backfeeding.....

Turn all your lights on.......is one brighter or dimmer on the left side(front and rear)? Compare both sides....... Now apply first your left side blinker....look at the lights front and rear(especially sidemarkers).....now turn on on right side blinker and compare brightness levels to the opposite sides....

[imidazol97]

Originally Posted by The Smithlord

[size=3] It will not clear if you move the turn signal lever right, which leads me to believe something is up with the right side signals. I have also noticed that the right green signal arrow on the dash is very dimly lit all the time when the headlights are on.

I'd check the bulbs on the right side for corrosion or other poor contact. I'd consider replacing some of the bulbs. The FSM diagram for this light circuit is a web of interconnections for all the bulbs front and rear, including the parking lights in the trunk bar AND the side marker bulbs. Myself, I'd start with the side markers--one in front and one small bulb in the side of the rear taillamp housing. Then the double filament bulbs for the parking light with turn signal as well.

Do as TechII suggests and check your bulbs to compare for brightness or missing bulbs--maybe you can use the 4-way flasher for this. But I'd use the left and right turn signal switch to test as well. Also check the bulbs from side-to-side with the headlamps on/parking lamps on in the evening.

The other thing I'd do for curiosity is turn the parking lights on or the normal headlamps on during the day using the switch to see if that invokes the warning on the DIC as well.

[The Smithlord]

It has taken me awhile to look at the car again with all the rain we've been getting. Last night though I found the time. I looked at all lights on the right side and found that the rear right marker was out. I also discovered the rear left marker was out. I replaced both bulbs and verified they lit up and the problem with the DIC is still there. I again verified that all bulbs appear to be the same brightness side to side for a given bulb location. I have not tried turning the lights on manually during the day to see if the message appears. I will try that next.

[imidazol97]

Originally Posted by The Smithlord

It has taken me awhile to look at the car again with all the rain we've been getting. Last night though I found the time. I looked at all lights on the right side and found that the rear right marker was out. I also discovered the rear left marker was out. I replaced both bulbs and verified they lit up and the problem with the DIC is still there. I again verified that all bulbs appear to be the same brightness side to side for a given bulb location. I have not tried turning the lights on manually during the day to see if the message appears. I will try that next.

Did you check the bulb and the socket for the brake and running light in that side housing while you had it off. A cross feed between the two circuits in the holder or the on the bulb is a likely crossfeed location for the two circuits.

[DoyleLonnegan]

I too have a 2005 Le Sabre with the identical problem. Not trying to hyjack but ain't it strange having identical cars/problems. Even the right dash indicator is not working. Only thing I can add is that it happened at the onset of the Oregon rainy season. Warning comes on every minute or so and in no way affects the safety or drivability. This is an oldie and no one has responded, yet I couldn't resist.