Chevrolet Repair: Astro van Electrical problem, death sentance, loose bolts

Question
It started when I put on the left blinker, the seatbelt warning sign would also flash and sound with the blinker light.  At this point, the left blinker does not work at all. The blinker system in general is all screwy.  Hazards don't work unless blinker switch is on for the right side. Weird stuff like that.  I checked fuses, lights, etc.  There was a fuse busted, but when I replaced it, it didn't help. I think there's some short somewhere.

I'm wondering how long/how much this kind of thing costs to fix if it's an electrical problem?  I like this van.  It has a new tranny and a strong engine.  I have heard sometimes when the electrical system goes out it's the end of the road.  
Thanks!
Sarina

Answer
Hello Sarina,
Your problem actually sounds like a loose or missing ground connection, possibly under the dash, or at the instrument cluster.
Wiggle a bunch of wire harness connectors first, and if that doesn't do it, you may need to unplug some of them, and check the condition of the wire ends.

You can also look for rodent chewing signs. Mice will eat wire insulation, or make nests of it.

Sometimes electrical problems are hard to find, but shouldn't be a death sentance for the vehicle.
And if there was recent work on the vehicle, like tranny removal, check all around where it was removed for missing ground wires, loose bolts, pinched wires, etc.

Van