QuestionThe turn signals will be working just fine one day and then will stop working at all the next day. This on and off behavior will also happen all in the same day. Sometimes, turning on the hazard flashers for a while with the turn signal lever "on" will make the turn signals work again. That doesn't work all the time though. I've replaced the bulbs and the fuse, so I'm out of ideas on how to fix this. Any help would be appreciated.
AnswerHi Eileen,
I have to refer to the '98 manual as that is the one I have to work with. If you replaced 10 amp fuse #12 under the dash then that should have dealt with that if it were the cause, otherwise take a look at it the possibilitiy of a subtle crack in its internal wire.
The turn signal/hazard flasher combo switch might have corroded or oxidized switch contacts for the turn signal function. You could buy a spray can of contact cleaner at an electronics supply store and use the straw tip to spray the interior of the switch in an attempt to clean the contact surfaces.
The combo hazard flasher/turn signal module in the fuse block under the dash could be flakey. It is probably a fairly expensive relay-like device, so that is why I suggested spraying the switch contacts first. It is located on the right hand side of the fuse block (also called the jucntion block under the dash, the rightmost one in the top row of 'relays', and also the largest one). So if the combo switch contact spraying doesn't fix it, you might remove the module and if it appears to be openable take a look inside and spray its internal contacts. It has separate contacts for the flasher function and the turn signal function. If that doesn't do it, then buy a new one.
Just before you do that, you might also check that the pins and sockets into which the pins of that module fit are shiny and not corroded.
To get to the module you may have to remove the lower cover from the steering column and the knee blocker panel, for easier access.
Let me know what fixes it for you, please.
Roland
