Chrysler Repair: turn signals, turn signal switch, thin wires

Question
I have a 1998 T&C LXi - the right turn signal works - the left does not nor do the hazards I have changed all the bulbs - it worked for a little while and then went out again - the bulbs turn on when used with the lights but don't flash when turning left - the flasher inside the van that lets you know your signal is on doesn't light up either?  Can you help me?

Thanks, Jodi M

Answer
Hi Jodi,
I'm working with the Haynes van manual for the years 96-99.
I would once again check the single bulb for turn/hazard at the front and the rear of the left side to see if one of them has a faulty contact wire at it base. Many of these bulbs are all glass and have thin wires for contacting the clips in the sockets and because these wires are flexible if they are not "dressed" properly they can short out a circuit which will shut down that bulb and its mate at the other end of the van on the same side. I would be begin by removing both bulbs, and examining those wires to make sure they are pointing along the axis of the bulb. Then try putting the bulbs back in one at a time, and trying the turn signal or hazards, to see if either bulb will work alone (albeit flashing at twice the normal rate). If one works but not the other, then try the non-working bulb in the socket that worked to see if that bulb too works. If it does then the socket that won't work with either bulb has a bad wire or a bad socket so look carefully at the wire coming to the socket for damage. If the other bulb doesn't work in the "good" socket, then that bulb is defective. If neither will work alone, then you need to examine the hazard/turn signal switch on the steering column. Remove screws on the lower panel on the steering column to gain access. Remove the electrical plug. It should have 12 pins. You need an ohmmeter to check for continuity between 2 of the pins when the switch is set up in a given way*:
for the left turn position   continuity must be 4 and 8
for the right turn postion   continuity must be 3 and 8
for hazards                  continuity must be 1 and 8
They say if the switch fails you have to replace it, but I would try spraying some contact cleaner inside the switch to see if you can restore continuity.
So let me know what happens from these techniques.
Roland
*If the contacts aren't numbered, then look at the switch contact with the tab on top, 1-7 are in the top row, left to right, and 8-12 are on the bottom row, left to right.