Cadillac Repair: Turn Signals 1994 STS, turn signal switch, power fuse

Question
The turn signals on my 1994 Cadillac STS some times act up and do not flash at all, but have a steady light on.  Have replaced flasher, but did not help.  Also radio goes off in stead of staying on after motor is turned off.  Had electrical problems in the past and after spending $500 at a dealer out of my area (was on vacation).  Was told they found a loose ground on computer.  Later car just stopped.  I found positive cable was corruded and all problems went away for two years.  Found out I will have order repair manual.  So at this time can not trace wiring.  Hope you can help.

Terry Webb
webb@osbtown.com

Answer
Hi Terry, With the GM flashers when the lights don't flash it means there could be a burned out bulb for that side. If both don't flash then 2 bulbs or a flasher. What I do is put on the hazzard/4 way lights to verify that all the bulbs are working and compaire them side to side at the front and back. Its possable you may have gotten a bad flasher but check all the bulbs first. You could have a bad turn signal switch if you can jiggle the lever to make the lights work or not work.
The radio as well as a couple other things work on the retained acessory power circuit which means that until a door is opened or the interrior lights turn on the radio should continue to work. If the lights aren't turning on then look for a blown retained accessory power fuse or faulty RAP relay. If that isn't the case then you will need to troubleshoot to find the cause.
With your 2 problems there is alot of wiring to trace and haveing the book is necessary because I couldn't begin to tell you where to look or what to test other than what I've told you without you useing a Caddy shop manual. Hope you are getting the dealer shop manuals because the others like Motor, Chilton and Haynes don't cover the electrical very well. Hope I have been of some help and let me know if you have specific questions once you get the books. Bill