Buick/Olds: 1999 Olds Intrigue - Blinkers and Hazard Lights, hazard lights, hazard light

Question
Hello,

I own a 1999 Olds Intrigue and am having intermittent problems with the turn signals and hazard lights.  The turn signal arm works fine - but sometimes the signal lights do not come on - the arm will return to the proper position after the turn is made.  It does not seem to matter if I am turning right or left when this happens - both blinkers are out.  It is really strange - as this happens maybe 20% of the time - ten minutes later (without doing anything) the signal lights may work fine.

I've also found that I can sometimes "jump start" my signal lights by turning on the hazard lights - once the hazard lights start - usually the turn signals will start as well.  But, sometimes the hazard light does not work either.  I can leave the hazard button depressed - and several minutes later the lights may start working.  Last week, I did this and almost drained my battery (I forgot the button was depressed and left the car parked - when I got back the hazard lights were going).  

Any diagnostic advice would be a great help!

Thanks,

Don

Answer
Don,

It's your computer in your car.  That costs about $300 for a new one and that's without the labor.  If you listen close, you may be able to hear your blinkers sounding, even when the blinkers aren't on.  First thing, though, take it out and look for some corrosion, cleaning it with some type of anticorrosion may remedy the problem.  Otherwise, you are looking at replacing the entire steering column.

Ray Barham

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