Strange turn signal problem

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MAB - 05 Oct 2006 23:11 GMT

2000 Grand Am 3.4 V-6

Strange turn signal problem. Sometimes the turn signals work and
sometimes they don't. Got in the car the other day and I had no turn
signals (either side). Nothing I could do would make them work.
Thought it might be the fuse, but it was fine. When I restarted the
car they were working fine and I thought it was just a one-time glitch.
Then after another start they were out a again and I tried playing
with the lever thinking it might be the strike plate inside the column
wearing out but nothing I could do would make them work even once.
Next start of the vehicle they were working fine again and nothing I
could do during this start/run would make them not work. Next start of
the vehicle they were not working again...and ....nothing I could do
during this start/run would make them work. Etc etc etc.

So it's not a fuse. It's not a worn stike plate because I would be
able to make it work sometimes during any start. All the bulbs seem to
be working but could one just be flakely enough to cause this to
happen?

Stumped!

MB

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Lawrence Glickman - 05 Oct 2006 23:56 GMT

>2000 Grand Am 3.4 V-6
>
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
>MB

Monitor the voltage to the Turn Signal Relay. The supply voltage that
energizes it. You could have an intermittent to there. Cause? First
find out which side of the turn signal relay the problem is on:
output to bulb side?
or
input to relay side.

Use a dvm and some clip-on leads or somesuch.

In fact, your turn signal relay might have come lose! check that it
has clean terminals and is tight in a corrosion-free socket.

Lg

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Denizli - 06 Oct 2006 00:53 GMT

> 2000 Grand Am 3.4 V-6
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> be working but could one just be flakely enough to cause this to
> happen?

2000 Grand Am 3.4 V-6

im not sure were exactly it is on this vehicle but your probably
looking at a bad flasher.
once you find it turn on your key signal either way and tap on the
flasher if it works your going to have to replace it. if not good luck.
oh and the flasher may be around the fuse box or under the dash
somewere.

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MAB - 06 Oct 2006 01:05 GMT

Forgot about the round flashers! You're right because if they don't
want to work they stay in
"open" mode and you have no signal. I had this problem about 15-18
years ago and haven't
had it since. What I mean is that I had to replace a flasher, just not
sure what the problem was back then but was probably the same. I do
remember replacing one in another car.

Thanks I'll check that first.

MB

> im not sure were exactly it is on this vehicle but your probably
> looking at a bad flasher.
> once you find it turn on your key signal either way and tap on the
> flasher if it works your going to have to replace it. if not good luck.
> oh and the flasher may be around the fuse box or under the dash
> somewere.

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