Turn Signal Does Not Work at All

[at1212b]

On my 89 9C1, could this be a wiring or fuse problem?

-Previously, when the bulb burnt out, both turn signal indicator lights on the inside stayed on constantly (right beside the odometer) but unlit after replacing the burnt bulb and therefore flashing and working properly when turn signal was engaged. There were at times before and after the turn signal bulb replacement where it was flashing very slowly, as if it were ready to die.

–Then recently, it started to not even light up at all when the turn signal was activated. Whereas before if it didn't work, the indicator light would just stay on all the time and not flash (regardless of the position of the turn signal).

-The bulb was changed even though it was not burnt out this time (I was using the white bulb but used the Yellow bulb this time)

-There is still no light internally regardless of the turn signal position. The turn signal bulb stays lit on the outside constantly. It only flashes and works properly both inside and on the outside when the Hazards are activated.

Could this be a fuse somewhere? Or possibly having the while bulb vs the yellow bulb messed something up?

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated in helping getting this resolved!

[PeteA216]

It's your signal blicker. It's that cylinder shaped thing attached to the fuse box. Replace that you you should be set.. There should be one for signals and another for the hazards.

[silicon212]

Blicker?

Flasher. It could be that (very likely) but it could also be a fuse (somewhat likely). Definitely check the flasher first! Sometimes, it comes unseated and simply pressing it in solves the problem. However, they're pretty cheap so it won't hurt to replace it. They do go bad.

[PeteA216]

Flasher... my mind went blank and blinker was all that I could come up with at that moment. Thanks. Mine went in my Caprice as well and it did the same thing, the light simply stayed on instead of flashing. A switch of the flasher unit and I was back in business.

[at1212b]

Thanks Silicon and Pete for the advice! It seems to have solved the problem. I remember now this happened to my astro a couple of years back and needed the same part.

The signals are workiing, but I noticed something else now.

The turn signal flashes beside the headlights, then when not flashing, the bulb below the headlights flash (the one in the bumber), so they are alternating now. I'm 99% sure that they used to flash at the same time (so now it looks like some kind of wig-wag lights, especially when the hazards are turned on).

I don't have a problem now that it works, but I'm afraid that other drivers may be annoyed with it or find it distracting, or maybe a cop may pull over and ask about it.

Any ideas as to the problem or how to correct?

[PeteA216]

It's normal. All three of the Caprices I've owned have done the same thing, but when I turn the headlights on, they stop alternating and both flash together (Or was it the other way around? Hmm, I'll have to check when I get home). Go figure, but pay attention when driving and you'll see even newer cars do that.

[silicon212]

Yeah, the side marker lights will alternate with the front parking/turn signal lights (ditto for the rear) - it's the way these cars are wired. It's always done it, you just didn't notice it until now.

[at1212b]

Man, I must really be losing it. Can't thank you guys enough for all the info. Thanks!