clicking problems

[bobahargrave]

i have an 01 grand am se, for the past 2 weeks the car has making a clicking noise, it's the same sound as the turn signals, but it randomly comes on, the turn signal lights don't come on when it is making the noise, but the turn signals work fine, can anyone help me out?

[corning_d3]

Fast/slow click? Does it change with speed, while turning? Is it coming from the front or rear?

[bobahargrave]

the speed of the clicking changes, it's the same clicking noise as the turn signal, idk if it changes in speed, or while turning, i will check on that.

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by bobahargrave

i have an 01 grand am se, for the past 2 weeks the car has making a clicking noise, it's the same sound as the turn signals, but it randomly comes on, the turn signal lights don't come on when it is making the noise, but the turn signals work fine, can anyone help me out?

Yes thiers a recall on the signal switch located above the radio.
Heres a link with your 01'.
http://www.internetautoguide.com/auto-recalls/67-int/2001/pontiac/grand-am/se/index.html

[bobahargrave]

i know there was a recall on the turn signals, we brought the car to the dealer to fix them when the recall first came out. could the dealer have fixed incorrectly? and 2 years later, the same problem occurs? but i don't think it's the same problem, because the turn signals still work. has anyone had this problem with an 01 grand am se?

[Brandish]

Had the exact same issue with my '00... Problem was not with the relay itself, but with the turn signal lever in the steering column. I was able to fix it myself quite easily, so as long as you feel comfortable taking apart the steering column then I'd suggest saving yourself the headache of dealing with a dealership and trying this yourself.

First pry the top part of the column off. It's held on by pressure clips, so just put your fingers underneath the holes where the turn signal and wiper levers are and pull upwards. It may take some force to do this, so don't be afraid to reef on it. Make sure the tilt on the steering wheel is all the way down so that you can remove the top part of the column. To remove the bottom part you'll need either a 9/32 or 7mm socket to pull the bolts out. Once you've done this, the bottom should be removable. Next you'll need to remove the turn signal/wiper lever assembly (it's all one piece). IIRC, theres one more bolt on the top holding that on. Unbolt it and then unplug all the wiring harnesses from the assembly and pulll the whole thing out. Be gentle with it, though... There's a release spring that I think flips the turn signal lever back up after you crank the wheel back to centre after making a turn. I though I broke it on mine, but everything still seems to work fine...

Anyhow, once you've got the whole thing out, you'll need a torx screwdriver to pull apart the assembly. I don't remember what size torx, but preferably something with a long shaft because a couple of the screws are recessed. Make sure you've got all the screws out, and then gently pry it open. Inside you'll find an incredibly simple circuit with a number of levers and contact switches (which will inevitably make you wonder why the par tis worth $300+ to buy off the shelf). Check all the tracers on the side where the turn signal is. The problem with mine was there was too much grease smeared over the tracers. Some of the grease was making contact between two of the tracers, and somehow this caused the relay above the radio to randomly start clicking. I don't know if that grease is supposed to be non-conductive or whatever, but once I cleaned the excess grease off and sprayed some contact cleaner in there the problem was fixed. No more clicking. I swear I was ready to rip that bloody relay out of the dash... Anyways, let me know if this worked for you! Could save a lot of people from spending insane amounts of money on parts and labour.

[bobahargrave]

thats it, i fixed it, thx guys for helping me out, i was goin insane with that clicking.

[Brandish]

Originally Posted by bobahargrave

thats it, i fixed it, thx guys for helping me out, i was goin insane with that clicking.

I know the feeling... Glad that worked out for ya.

[Darkprime]

This is teh same problem I have in my 2004 grand am. Hopefully this weekend I can open it up and check it out. Thanks for the info.

[78silverbird]

I had the same problem in my 99 GT but after about a month or so of just ignoring it, it seemed to fix it's self. Haven't heard it in about three months now.

[DUlrich1227]

i must say very odd i logged in today to describe the exact same problem

[mtrain]

My wife's car does this also. I will try your fix the first chance I get. I sure hope it works. I bet my wife won't even notice that it's fixed if it works. It has been doing it for so long, we don't even really pay attention to it. It sure annoys other people in the car though.

[xlr8GoJr]

Originally Posted by Brandish

Had the exact same issue with my '00... Problem was not with the relay itself, but with the turn signal lever in the steering column. I was able to fix it myself quite easily, so as long as you feel comfortable taking apart the steering column then I'd suggest saving yourself the headache of dealing with a dealership and trying this yourself.

First pry the top part of the column off. It's held on by pressure clips, so just put your fingers underneath the holes where the turn signal and wiper levers are and pull upwards. It may take some force to do this, so don't be afraid to reef on it. Make sure the tilt on the steering wheel is all the way down so that you can remove the top part of the column. To remove the bottom part you'll need either a 9/32 or 7mm socket to pull the bolts out. Once you've done this, the bottom should be removable. Next you'll need to remove the turn signal/wiper lever assembly (it's all one piece). IIRC, theres one more bolt on the top holding that on. Unbolt it and then unplug all the wiring harnesses from the assembly and pulll the whole thing out. Be gentle with it, though... There's a release spring that I think flips the turn signal lever back up after you crank the wheel back to centre after making a turn. I though I broke it on mine, but everything still seems to work fine...

Anyhow, once you've got the whole thing out, you'll need a torx screwdriver to pull apart the assembly. I don't remember what size torx, but preferably something with a long shaft because a couple of the screws are recessed. Make sure you've got all the screws out, and then gently pry it open. Inside you'll find an incredibly simple circuit with a number of levers and contact switches (which will inevitably make you wonder why the par tis worth $300+ to buy off the shelf). Check all the tracers on the side where the turn signal is. The problem with mine was there was too much grease smeared over the tracers. Some of the grease was making contact between two of the tracers, and somehow this caused the relay above the radio to randomly start clicking. I don't know if that grease is supposed to be non-conductive or whatever, but once I cleaned the excess grease off and sprayed some contact cleaner in there the problem was fixed. No more clicking. I swear I was ready to rip that bloody relay out of the dash... Anyways, let me know if this worked for you! Could save a lot of people from spending insane amounts of money on parts and labour.

Worked great on my wifes 03 GAGT- Awesome! thanks for the tip!! saved big $$$ by the dealer not replacing the switch!
you will however need a Torx T25 to remove cover and switch and a T10 to take apart the multi switch properly.

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF xlr8GoJr !

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