'95 Lumina sedan turn signal/hazard not working...

[gnorthey]

Greetings all,

I have a newly acquired 1995 Lumina 3.1 sedan that I am having problems with. It has to do with the turn signals and hazard lights.

When I bought the car everything seemed to work OK except that I knew it needed a new alternator. I replaced the alternator and just after that, I noticed that when I hit the turn signals the dash indicators for the directionals did not flash. I hit the hazard switch to check lamps but that does not seem to be working either? I checked the fuse at the right side panel with a Ohm meter and it checks out OK? The parking lights come on and the brake lights work.

I'll keep looking but wondering if anyone has any ideas as to what I may have overlooked.

Thanks in advance,
Gary

[richtazz]

Most turn signal issues on these cars are caused by a bad turnsignal/multi-function switch in the steering column. Since you are also having a problem with the hazard lights, you may have a bad turn signal/hazard flasher unit. I show your car only has one flasher that is shared by both.

[gnorthey]

Thanks for the reply.

After looking again, your first recommendation was correct. It looks like the turn signal/multi-function switch. When I pull the lever forward just a bit (like I am hitting the high beams) both the directional indicators and the hazards function correctly. Push it back a little and they fail.

Now, I have taken steering wheel assemblies apart to replace things like turn signal cams and such but never dealt with an air bag system before. Anyone able to clue me in to how to disable the air bag? Are the lever and switch one unit or are they replaced separately? How much a turn signal/multi-function switch runs? Also, are the Haynes manuals any good? I know they tend to be somewhat spotty with details.

I appreciate any help,
Gary

[Dave_R]

I agree - most likely a bad turnsignal/multi-function switch in the steering column. The brakes and hazard light circuit also goes through this switch.

I had this happen twice on my '96. The two halves of the switch are held together with plastic tabs molded on one of the halves, and pivot on a pin that goes through both of them.

In one case, the plastic tabs wore enough so that the halves would pull apart, not allowing the contacts internally to touch. This was verified by wiggling the turn signal switch in and out (gently) and having someone watch the tailights (with the brake pedal depressed, OR the hazard light switch ON.
I took the switch out and was able to "fix" it with a piece of stainless steel wire, wrapped around what was left of the tab. This filled in the worn spot underneath the plastic tab. Then, PLENTY of dielectric grease.

The other case (about 6 years later), the contacts themselves were corroded enough that it would not allow the contacts internally to conduct. This was verified by removing the switch assembly once again and using an ohmmeter, tested between the contacts. It showed high resistance.
I cleaned the contacts real well, getting all traces of corrosion off. Then again, PLENTY of dielectric grease.

It is easier to just replace it, but I am real cheap!!!!

[Dave_R]

I see I type too slow......

Just saw that you beat me to it!!!

The airbag does require care. I disconnected the battery (you have to anyways), and disconnect the connector underneath the steering column (mine was yellow). Secure the steering wheel (make sure that it doesn't rotate as you take it apart and put it back together). As you take each component off, I used a black felt-tip permanent marker to mark each part orientation with a line, and also I marked the steering shaft to us as an alignment. Watch the airbag module, as the orientation is critical (you could break it if it goes in wrong and you turn the wheel.

Ther is a round clip that is a pain to get out, since you have to compress the spring (if tilt wheel) and get the clip out of its groove. Getting it back in is easier.

[Dave_R]

Forgot to add, when you remove the airbag module, make sure it is not sitting face-down (for safety reasons, if it does deploy, it won't bounce around) and put it someplace away from where you are working.

[gnorthey]

Originally Posted by Dave_R

Forgot to add, when you remove the airbag module, make sure it is not sitting face-down (for safety reasons, if it does deploy, it won't bounce around) and put it someplace away from where you are working.

Hello and thanks for the reply.

Can you tell me if there are any special tools you need to do this job?

Gary

[Blue Bowtie]

"Special" tools? You'll need a steering wheel puller, column lock plate depressor, lock ring pliers (for the small wire ring holding the lock plate - Just like the older columns); external snap ring pliers with 0.025 tips (for the air bag entering coil shaft retainer clip), a selection of Torx drivers for the trim and switch screws, and various "normal" hand tools.

The SIR (Air Bag) needs to be disabled, then disconnected. A service manual will have the best outline of the procedures for accomplishing this safely. The inflator module also needs to be handled and stored carefully to prevent unintended deployment.

Depending upon the steering column design, you can actually replace a MF switch without removing the steering wheel and SIR:

[gnorthey]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

"Special" tools? You'll need a steering wheel puller, column lock plate depressor, lock ring pliers (for the small wire ring holding the lock plate - Just like the older columns); external snap ring pliers with 0.025 tips (for the air bag entering coil shaft retainer clip), a selection of Torx drivers for the trim and switch screws, and various "normal" hand tools.

The SIR (Air Bag) needs to be disabled, then disconnected. A service manual will have the best outline of the procedures for accomplishing this safely. The inflator module also needs to be handled and stored carefully to prevent unintended deployment.

Depending upon the steering column design, you can actually replace a MF switch without removing the steering wheel and SIR:

OK, I have those tools. The notion of not having to mess with the steering wheel/SIR is interesting. I will try that option first.

Thank you for the response.
Gary

[richtazz]

The 95 Lumina doesn't have the modular design that can be changed without removing the steering wheel. Here is a link to a picture of the switch(es) your car uses.

this one is for cars with no steering wheel accessory controls
http://198.208.187.182/internet/View...tNumber=d6226a

this one is for cars with steering wheel accessory controls.
http://198.208.187.182/internet/View...tNumber=D6214a

[Blue Bowtie]

I'd go with what richtazz suggests. He's got more experience and background in the "W" bodies than I do. I know my '96 has the modified (but not newer "modular") column, but am not sure of the earlier years. The photo I posted is the newer "modular" style, which is also typically more expensive to repair.

I hadn't even considered steering wheel controls.