2001 PA Turn Signal problem

[TopherS]

I've searched this forum for similar problems, but did not seem to find what I was looking for...so here goes...

Today, I go to make a left turn and I notice that my turn signal is flashing slow. I make another left and it is slow again, but then goes back to normal speed, then back to slow and then back to normal speed. Since then, it seems to be back to normal. Right turn signal is normal.

I checked the gauges in the Driver Info Center and all systems are "normal" (voltage, etc).

I checked the bulbs and all are working properly. (plus, the 97+ PA's use the electronic turn signal flasher unit, rather than the thermal units of the pre-97's, so a bulb outage would cause the turn signal on that side to flash faster than normal, not slower)(I've already had a couple of burned out turn signal bulbs, so I've seen how my car responds to that).

Due to a broken multi-function turn signal switch, I had mine replaced about 2 years ago, so it is relatively new.

I don't know if the flasher unit malfunctioning would cause a slow flasher...I suppose I could replace it...if I could even get to it .

Has anyone had any experience with this issue?

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

[TopherS]

I haven't had the problem come back since, but am thinking I might replace the flasher unit anyhow, to be sure. In addition to the flasher rate changing on me, I've noticed that the flasher is starting sound a little different when it is clicking.

*** Problem is...How the heck do you remove/replace the flasher unit?

It seems like the instrument panel and all of its components were built around the dumb thing. I've been able to see it, but can't figure out how to replace it. I've tried removing the instrument gauge cluster to see if I can access it from there, but there's no way...there's a "floor" to the gauge area that separates that area from the lower area (where the flasher is). I've tried to come up from underneath (and will be visiting a chiropractor soon as a result of this ), but there's so much in the way, I don't want to start removing all kinds of parts if there's any other way to get at it.

*** Also, is the flasher unit in the Park Avenue specific to the Park Avenue or will it interchange with other cars?

My wife's Rendezvous is perfect in that the flasher is behind a kick panel and the unit pulls right out...but it has numerous electrical connections to it (very different from the 2-prong flashers of yesterday)...so I don't know if I can just get a flasher unit from any car in the junk yard or if I have to have a "Park Avenue" flasher.

Help please...

[ZiggyPA]

Search a bit on the internets for your particular flasher, some sites or shops will list other models it is used in. I am guessing it is a standard GM part used for a couple of years in several models.