GMC Repair: removal of a steering wheel to access a turn indicator switch, turn signal flasher, emergency flasher

Question
I have a 91 GMC Jimmy and here is the problem, I found that during the day my indicator was not working for either side, so i checked to see if the 15 amp fuse was ok and it was, So i checked to see if the 4 way hazards worked and when i checked i noticed that they all worked except for one bulb. So i changed it and checked again. And all 4 ways were working correctly so i decided to check to see if the turn signal would work again. And it didnt so i did a lil research on the web and found that someone said it could be the turn indicator switch in the steering column. So i ran out and purchased one. Now my Jimmy is a 4.3L V6 with tilt steering and has the hazard switch on the right hand side of the column and the tilt is on the left and the turn indicator is equipped with cruise and also controls the wiper, Well i took the horn pad off and disconnected the wire and used a 15 torx to remove the screws that held the steering wheel in place and undid the clip that is above the 13/16 bolt that holds the steering wheel to the column.But then i ran into the problem of how do i remove the rest of the assembly. I thought if i turned it, it might possibly break the lock mechanism so i didnt bother to try and i thought of trying to pry it off but then it didnt seem like it goes that way. Frustrated i just left it and put it all back together and thought i would contact a professional like yourself with my question. Do i require any special tools to remove this part to gain access so i can replace the turn indicator switch. Funny thing though was when i was coming home this evening the stupid indicator started to work again. But i think i should replace the turn indicator switch regardless as it maybe intermittent  

Answer
I would replace the TURN SIGNAL FLASHER which is a DIFFERENT flasher then the emergency flasher.

The T/S flasher is usually mounted on a clip up under the dash near the steering column or over under the dash by the glove box.

LOOK HARD as they hide it very well.


Go purchase a NEW T/S flasher so you know what your looking for.

90% of the time if th emergency flashers work it is NOT the turn signal switch assemble but IS the T/S flasher.

And YES there are special tools required to replace the switch in the steering column.


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