Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: turn signal, emergency flashers, buick century

Question
Hi Van,
I have a 1991 Buick Century.  The Right turn signal has stopped working.  The light itself stays on, the bulb has been replaced, the fuse has been checked.  What else can I look for. It doesn't "click" and if it is another part I'm missing where is the location, can you send any type of diagram on repairing it?  I am separated and must depend on myself to take care of the car. I somewhat know basic car repair. This has me stumped. "Probably because of no common sense" Also, are there any downloadable service manuals on the net for the 91' Buick? Free?  Thanks for your time and your expertise. Sincerely, Wanda


Answer
Hello Wanda,
OK..The turn signal turns on a front and a rear bulb. possibly even more than those two...there may be two bulbs in the rear, and one up front.
Now, obviously the fuse is good, or they wouldn't light.
Check first, exactly how many bulbs,(you may need to look closely through the tail light lense to see for sure), but see how many bulbs light and blink on the good side, and then see if ALL of the same coresponding bulbs light on the other side. You may just have a bulb out.
It is the total resistance in the bulbs that cause the flasher to operate.
If all the bulbs are good, then the flasher is the next thing you need to check.
The flasher is normally located in a clip, under the edge of the dash, right beside the steering column. Turn the blinking side on, and listen for it till you find it.
Replacement is real easy, and they are cheap. Take the old one to WalMart, and get one like it.
Now...don't turn on the emergency flashers and look for that flasher, cause it is probably a different one.

As for manuals...I don't know of any on line, but the public library, in the refference section, should have a huge selection, and you can make copies of the pages you need.

Good luck,
Van