99 Blazer, Constant Clicking like Blnker is ON

[bmonier]

A 2nd question from me. I just bought a 1999 4-dr 4WD Blazer. There is a constant clicking coming from behind the black dash-panel near the passenger side that is just above the center console. It sounds like a relay - sounds like the turn signal is constantly on, and it stops with hitting the break. Would replacing the flasher relay be a good start to solving this or no? I worry that it would be something else electrical causing the relay to click, and it wouldn't really fix the prob. It isn't the worst of problems, but it's probably bother the heck out of any passengers I'd have.

Help!

[AJT1961]

That's a bad multifunction/turn signal switch (actually a dirty one). The dielectric grease inside the switch causes it. You can either replace the switch or try to clean it. There is a how-to post on accessing and cleaning the switch. Looks like a fun job (that was sarcasm). Actually, I'm going to be replacing the switch on my 2000 Blazer as soon as it warms up around here because it does the same thing as yours.

[bmonier]

Whoa there! That's one expensive part, if I'm looking at it correctly.
Is this what you are talking about:

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...rol&PageSync=1

$149 part

or this:

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...TRI%7C%7Efalse

$11.99 part?

I must be blind to the guide too...

[AJT1961]

Yes, it is an expensive part. Actually, 149.00 is good price -- although that is an aftermarket switch which may or may not be as good. I paid around $200 for an oem GM switch because I figured if I was going to do all of that labor, I want to install the highest quality part possible. Anytime a job (1)involves a lot of labor, (2) involves the ignition system, or (3) is a critical safety-issue-type of part, I buy the original GM parts. For everything else, I go to Autozone.

[denisew]

Same thing happened to mine. After a year of turning up the radio to drown out the clicking, I bit the bullet and had it replaced. Now, peace and quiet!

[bmonier]

Do you know where that instructional link is for how to do it?

(I'm a girl...I change my own oil/filters and can change a tire, but like someone said in another thread...I don't want to get my head blown off by an airbag. Would disconnecting the battery disable to airbag? Perhaps a stupid question but I really am not certain of the answer, so I ask...)

OR if I bought the part and took it to the local garage...how much time in labor would be a reasonable charge?

[bmonier]

WAIT! Me again...

I have a '97 Blazer (that's on it's last legs but I am keeping parked as "plan B" 'cause I commute) - would the same flasher part be in that one? I could take it out of that one if it's true. How do I find that out for certain?

[AJT1961]

It's on the first page of the How-To/Technical Info section of this forum. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t577320.html

[AJT1961]

I wouldn't know off-hand if a 97 and a 99 switch are interchangeable -- perhaps one of the experts on the board will know. If I were trying to find out though, I'd start by searching GM or Autozone's parts catalogs for both years and see if the part numbers are the same. Or you could call your friendly neighborhood GM dealer's parts department and think of some creative way of getting them to look it up for you (ie. "Could you give me prices for the switches for my 97 and 99 Blazers-- and by the way, are they the same part?).

[bmonier]

That was a dumb question about it being the same part...I did look it up and they're not. Dang. I'll see what years ARE and try the junk yards perhaps. Thanks for all the answers!