Flasher; Module or Switch problem?

[JimRochester]

The flashers in my 99 Caravan would not turn off and it killed the battery. At first I pulled the hazard fuse under the hood but they kept blinking. Thanks to this forum I located the flasher/signal module under the dash and pulled that so that stopped the blinking and the battery drain.

Now for my question. The emergency flasher switch on the steering column feels very loose. There is not a crisp click on and off. In fact getting it turn off takes several attempts to get the switch to stay down. Before I waste any more time on this ordeal. Do you think it is just the relay, the switch or both?

Thanks

[Stretch58]

The emergency flasher switch is a good place to start, since it is not working correctly. Replace that and go from there if the problem remains.

[RIP]

There's a mechanical problem with the switch. A new switch will fix your problem.

[JimRochester]

My first guess was the hazard switch, however when I pulled the hazard fuse shouldn't that have stopped the flashing? Pulling the module obviously stopped it but that shuts down my turn signals as well. If they're not expensive I don't mind replacing both, but these car repairs have been killing me lately so I'd like the keep the latest bill down if possible

[RIP]

Yup, logic says you pull the fuse they should stop. That either means you have a short to power somewhere in the circuit or you pulled the wrong fuse. You'll need a multimeter and a schematic to chase it down. Combo flashers run around $30 on the internet. Probably around $40-50 from the dealer. The switch is a dealer only part and probably around $20-30. There's always the junkyard.

[Stretch58]

There is at least 1 fuse for the Hazard/Turnsignal circuit in BOTH the fuse box to the left of the steering column and the Power Distribution Box inside the engine compartment on the drivers side. Still think I would get a working switch in place of the bad Hazard switch. At least you know something is wrong there.