Blinker problems

[KillerKeller_jr]

I'm checking this out for my fiance's 2001 Malibu LS. Her problem is that the blinkers seem to only work when they feel like it. I have checked the fuse and it is good. Next I was thinking that maybe the Blinker relay or whatever that device is called maybe bad. I had one go bad in the grand am I use to have. Does anyone here have any tips on what could be wrong? I am unfamiliar with what problems Malibus have because I own a 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora and have my own problems. Thanks in advance.

[e2helper]

Hope this helps

Make : CHEVROLET Model : MALIBU Year : 2001
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 03V327000 Recall Date : AUG 27, 2003
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 670740
Summary:
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE HAZARD WARNING SWITCHES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE SOLDER JOINT CRACKING CAUSED BY RAPID TEMPERATURE TRANSITIONS AND THE SOLDERING PROCESS. IF SOLDER JOINT CRACKING OCCURS AND RESULTS IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT, THE TURN SIGNALS/HAZARD LAMPS BECOME INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE.
Consequence:
WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN THAT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 03043. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

[KillerKeller_jr]

I found that also but according to GM the VIN number I have does not fall under that recall but these are the same symptoms as described in the recall. I made a complaint to them and they said they would check into it. I even tried to argue that it was the same year and model and she said sorry sir I show that your VIN number does not fall under that recall even though you are having the same problems as the recall describes. Although this is my fiance's car GM just pisses me off because I have a recall on my 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora according to NHTSA and GM claims there are no recalls on the vehicle and she did not have any record of there being one. I thinking its time for a class action lawsuit along with several other Olds Aurora owners on this forum site. My vehicle clearly falls between 94.5 and 97 the years that are being recalled. Argh!!!!!! Sorry just venting some frustration.

[Terrandus]

I've run into the same problem with my blinkers. According to the recall the hazard switch needs to be replaced, but my VIN number also falls outside that range. When I looked up the price for that part (part # 22594146) the part is roughly 30$.. cheap enough. I've looked through some diagrams and I think it might be easy enough to the job myself and will probably take a few hours in the driveway, before I go that route though.. I was wondering if anyone has different suggestion on what might be wrong. I've taken apart dashes on other GM cars, and its not a fun task......

[KillerKeller_jr]

Don't forget to make a complaint with both GM and NHTSA.gov. Call both of them and make a complaint. That way, even though the part is cheap we can possible get reimbursed someday if they do a recall for our VIN numbers. I ordered the part and will replace it for my fiance, it came in yesterday. I will post back here to let you know how hard or easy it is.

[Terrandus]

I made the repair today, swapping switches and as far as I can tell it has fixed the problem. Repair was fairly easy and staright forward. Took me about an hour total this morning. I will be writing my complaint soon, as I feel the recall should include a wider range of vechicles. I'm going to wait for a couple of days first to make sure that the problem is really fixed. At the very least I expect a refund for the part from GM.

[treeman5]

Terrandus, was your problem solved? My '01 just did this to me this morning...first problem I've ever had with it.

If it did fix the problem, I'm curious to know what this switch looks like? Does it have a PC Board on the back of it (hence the reference to a cold solder joint)? If so, I may just pull my switch out and resolder the contacts...the car is still under extended warranty but it's a real hassle for me to take it into the dealer...

Thanks!

[Terrandus]

yes, it repaired my problem and was really easy to replace. The switch itself is fairly large and is entirely encased in plastic. A wiring harness plugs into the back. It is my belief that the signal relay(s) are inside that switch and perhaps the soldering problem as something to do with where a wire may be soldered to a relay terminal, but without dissecting the switch all of this speculation... as soon as I finished the repair I tossed the switch.

[KillerKeller_jr]

This fixed my fiances 2001 malibu and now I am hoping to get reimbused when her vehicle gets included in the recall.

[nick_twa]

Thank you killer keller and e2 helper! My brakes may not work, but at lest I can signal!