2002 Z24 - No Turn Signals or Hazards Lights

[Williemakit]

Hi folks,
I'm pulling my hair out on this one and trust me i need no help in that department. I have a 2002 Cavalier 4 months past 3yr warranty expiry. The dealer said it's either the signal switch (in the column) probably about $500.00 or more for new switch installed . . . or . . . the turn signal relay, $35 plus labor. Dealership techs wouldn't talk to me; parts guy said he could "almost guarantee" I need new switch (incl. cruise ctrl plus all the signal/haz lights hook-ups). Paid my $100.00, removed all the column cowelling installed new switch - still no lights and now stuck with the part. Went back - bought a new turn signal relay and installed it - still no lights. FYI - fuses all fine. What could this be. I was thinking bad ground but all other exterior lights are fine - every one of them. I've already replaced the switches to the left and right power windows (one week after my warr. expired). Now they're wanting my vehicle - no more free assistance or ideas. What could be happening? I put this in your hands for some possible answers. Hellllp! Arrrrgh!

[89Sunbird]

You can buy a flasher for like $3 at Autozone and install it yourself in about 10 minutes...

[quake61]

Originally Posted by Williemakit

Hi folks,
I'm pulling my hair out on this one and trust me i need no help in that department. I have a 2002 Cavalier 4 months past 3yr warranty expiry. The dealer said it's either the signal switch (in the column) probably about $500.00 or more for new switch installed . . . or . . . the turn signal relay, $35 plus labor. Dealership techs wouldn't talk to me; parts guy said he could "almost guarantee" I need new switch (incl. cruise ctrl plus all the signal/haz lights hook-ups). Paid my $100.00, removed all the column cowelling installed new switch - still no lights and now stuck with the part. Went back - bought a new turn signal relay and installed it - still no lights. FYI - fuses all fine. What could this be. I was thinking bad ground but all other exterior lights are fine - every one of them. I've already replaced the switches to the left and right power windows (one week after my warr. expired). Now they're wanting my vehicle - no more free assistance or ideas. What could be happening? I put this in your hands for some possible answers. Hellllp! Arrrrgh!

you can see the flasher if you lok under the dash is behind the radio

it has a 3 wire connector

[gmtechnician]

do the indicators come on in the dash and stay on or does nothing happen
at all. these cars are known for bad tail light sockets.
Do you have a trailer hitch on it. Check for corrossion in plug.

[gmtechnician]

[Williemakit]

Hey folks, Thanks for the input. Just to summarize, and to add a little more info to my original post:
- I've replaced the flasher (5-pin configuration for turn signals + hazards), located under the dash immediately behind the fuse box.
- I've replaced the turn signal/hazard switch in the steering column.
- Both parts were from the dealership, i.e., brand new - not from wreckers.
- Checked fuses - ok.
- Checked bulbs all around with ohm meter, all ok.
- No corrosion in the sockets.
I've got nothing - no signals, no dashboard indicators, no clicking sounds.

There was some warning that failure was imminent = lost all signals, then had them again after stopping vehicle and restarting (that's why I thought the flasher was going). The last failure was permament.

[89Sunbird]

Did you replace the one near the center console?? Usually it is flasher 552, 3 pin config...

[Williemakit]

To anyone reading this thread and going through the same bullcrap:
the parts guy at GM sold me the wrong part - the "flasher" he sold me was actually the relay switch. They both are five pin parts, and they can both cause the same problems. However the actual flasher is a little larger than the relay, it is located under the steering column above the brake pedal. It's a pain in the arse to get at, but at least I've got my signals back.