Pontiac Repair: Haunted blinker

Question
Hello, Todd,

First let me say that I really appreciate you for volunteering your time and talents on this site.  Here is my issue:

I drive a 2005 V6 Pontiac Grand AM with a 3.4L engine.  My problem is with my blinker.  When I make a turn, everything is fine; but when I straighten up and come out of the turn, the blinker continues to make the clicking sound.  I’m not sure if the blinker lights (outside lights) are blinking when this occurs.  The residual clicking is faster than the normal speed of my blinker.  The blinker also comes on by itself and shut off by itself at times when I drive.  Once or twice it has clicked a few times when I start the car.  This has been happening since yesterday (11/2/09) and usually lasts a few seconds to a minute.  This happens frequently throughout the day, but in no particular pattern.  

A few days ago, I parked on a side street, using my blinker to indicate the parking space that I was about to acquire.  I accidentally parked with the blinker in the “On” position for a right hand turn and didn’t shut it off after parking.  I realized my goof-up when I returned to my car at the end of the business day.   Could this have caused the current problem?  If not, what could be the cause of this issue, and about how much can I expect to spend to get it repaired?

Thank you so much for your help!!

Answer
Hi There:

Simple answer to yout haunted t/s issue. the turn signal switch is bad the contacts are keeping the t/s 4 way flasher module on even know you have them off. The switch is maybe $100.00 approx and approx 1 hour of labor so add the labor rate that the shop charges to the price of the part and you have a total for the repair. Good luck :)