Turn Signals

[JASON RM]

Turn signals were blinking VERY slowly (i.e. lamp outage indication), then just stopped altogether.....no hazzards either. I had no green arrow indicators on the dash when either blinker was on. I checked all the bulbs, and replaced some, even though they didn't appear bad. Didn't help. I checked the fuse and it was fine. I replaced the hazzard signal relay and the turn signal relay. Since the replacement relays do not have lamp outage indication, the signals began to blink at a normal rate....however, I only have the drivers-side rear, and the passenger's side front. I have all flashers with my hazzards on, so it wouldn't appear to me to be a ground issue.......do you think???

Could it be the turn signal switch? Is it easy to replace?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.....

Jason

[The Burning Rom]

What kind of car do you have? Is it a cutlass supreme? What year?

[JASON RM]

Sorry about that.....pretty important information.....

1994 Cutlass Supreme (2-Door) with the smaller engine in it (3.1 L, I believe).

[shekky]

the problem IS the turn switch inside the steering column. i had same problem.

[JASON RM]

Thanks....is this difficult to replace? I removed the plastic cover and can see inside there, but does the steering wheel need to be removed? Do I need to be careful about the air bag?

[shekky]

you should be careful of the airbag. but it shouldnt go off. once you get the airbag off, there will be three screws that should remove the switch. you may have to do alittle twisting to get it out, but it will come dont worry. you can either buy a new one and put it in, or open up that one and clean the connections inside. they are tho problem. they get corroded. have fun!

[JASON RM]

Thanks for the help. When you say "once you get the airbag off", I assume that you mean the steering wheel? Any help you can give me on how to remove the steering wheel?

Thanks

[shekky]

yes im sorry you need to take off the whell too. what was i thinking?
anyways...you need a "steering wheel puller" it is a simple device that has three bolts. two of them screw into the wheel and the middle one pushes on the center steering post. the wheel wil be of in two seconds.

[shekky]

the airbag comes off with some screws behind the wheel.

[shekky]

oh yeah...the switch is crazy expensive too. i would tell you to just clean it. sandpaper works well. that is what i did.

[JASON RM]

Thanks a bunch for the help. I'll take a look at the steering wheel puller tool - I should be able to rent one at the local AutoZone for free and take care of it that way.

When you say that they screw into the wheel itself, are you actually drilling into the steering wheel?

I'll have to take a look at this and figure it out.

[shekky]

not drilling. there are threaded holes that the screws go right into. you will understand once you have the tool and the wheel off.

[marsh]

I just had the same problem with my 95 cutlass supreme. I replaced the part that goes around the steering wheel, I dont think that you need the part that has the cruise control controls, just the blinker switch. The part should be about 75 bucks at a GM part store. This is definatly a job that you can do, but you do have to pull the steering wheel, and to do this you need a steering wheel puller, and a lock plate remover. The tools are only 20 bucks for both of them. You have to route the wires down the colum, and plug it in under the dash. It was not to hard of a job, i would just suggest taking your time. Good luck!!

[JASON RM]

You guys were right....it was the turn signal switch. Your help is much appreciated.

Hard for me to stomach how much they get for a part like that. Probably a 5 or $10 part at best.