turn signal switch replacement?

Not to bad you have tilt steering then need tools, here are the instructions on how to change out the switch in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

I replaced it on my Alero. If you have not done it yet, tilt the stearing wheel down pull up on the cover of the collum. It just snaps in. Once it comes off there should be one screw in the center of the assembly. Remove it and the disconnect the plugs and they insert the new one.
If there was anything different I'd like to know so if you could respond that would be great.

Electrical problem
2003 Oldsmobile Alero 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

The only problem I am having is the turn signal indicator noise stays on and clicks all the time. Since the indicator switch is rather expensive, is there anyway to just disconnect the wire to the "clicker" part. I wondered if the connection wire bundles have a dedicated wire for that function?

Hello and thanks for the donation!

The "click" noise comes from the flasher. The flasher is most likely at fault here and is built into the hazard switch on the dash. Cutting a wire to the hazard switch will cause issues with the hazard lamps as well as the signal lamps. Best bet is to have the hazard switch replaced. Try finding one at a local salvage yard or on eBay.com to cut the repair costs down some.

A GM mechanic gave me the following response, "This issue is very common and is caused by worn contacts in the turn signal switch. This is very easy to change and only requires the upper steering column trim to be removed. There is a single screw and 3 connectors.". I'm very confused now. I'm trying to avoid paying a large repair bill for such a minor problem. But, obviously, the two answers are nothing alike. What's the best bet?

I searched all recalls and TSB (techincal service bulletin) on your vehicle and found nothing about this issue yesterday. However, I did more research from owner experiences and it does seem to be a common problem with these Aleros. My first answer steered you in a wrong direction, I do apologize for that. The fix for this ,from what I have researched, does seem to be faulty connectors in the signal switch, not the hazard switch.

Electrical problem
2002 Oldsmobile Alero 168000 km

For a while the turn signals would work but when the switch was in the central position there would be a clicking sound from the dash it was often quite varied.

Now the turn signals have become iregular in their functioning. Some times they will not come on, other times they will work as expected and even weirder is quite often a solid hit on the dashboard right above the gauges will bring them back on.

Any ideas?

Does the hazard lights function correctly when the problem occurs?

If no, the relay or its connection might be the cause.

The hazard lights did/didn't work.

When I first pressed the button it made a serier of fast clicks then the lights flashed on once and then stayed off.

Upon depressing the button and repressing it they then worked as well as the turn signals began to function again.

Every now and then when the turn signals would stop functioning pushing the hazard lights button in and out a couple times would make them operational again.

Is this a faulty hazard switch or an issue with the relay or its connection?

Under such circumstances the hazard light relay is more likely to be the culprit.

Ok, as you can probably tell (largely by me using this forum) is that I don't know much about cars so I say the following only for confirmation as I don't like being the person who refuses to do things himself, but I also don't want to assume I am right.

I know what a relay is but I don't know where it is. I havent been to my vehicle since my last post to check the owners manual and I apologize for asking but I know there are relays on the fuse panels. Is this where the hazard relay will be? Will it be replaceable? Also is there a way to tell if its the relay thats defective before going and buying a new one?

Last question, are relays generic, will I be able to go to any car shop with the proper part number and get a replacement or am I going to have to go through Oldsmobile?

Thanks for all your help you guys are great. I'll be making a second donation for my repeated badgering.

Don't you worry about asking questions. If you do not understand about anything, feel free to ask. It does not serve any purpose if you do not understand what is going on and that is not going to solve problems.

The flasher relay part number is 10359040 listed at $ 23.39 and is incorporated in the hazard switch assy. This is a dealer part.

Thank you for such a prompt reply and looking up the part number for me.

Ok the hazard switch assembly is behind the steering wheel right? Now I am no mechanic but I am handy with tools and a real tinkerer at heart so taking things apart doesn't really phase me, but I need this car which is why I'm curious as how risky replacing this part by an untrained hand is? I'm sure there has to be something expensive in the steering wheel that can break and bring it from a $30 job to a $300 job or more.

My question is, am I looking at a layman's job or should I really be taking this to a mechanic which translates to me leaving it for as long as it'll last then probably getting rid of the car?

Thanks again.

No, the hazard relay is inside the hazard switch which is located on the dash. Replacement time is 1.0 hour. Here are the removal procedures. You decide if it within your capacity. Removal Procedure 1. Remove the hazard warning switch bezel from the instrument panel (IP) using a small -flat bladed tool to release the retainers.

2. Remove the IP center air outlet. 3. Remove the IP cluster. 4. Remove the left side bolt from the hazard warning switch through the instrument panel cluster pocket.

5. Remove the right side and center lower bolts from the hazard warning switch through the center air outlet opening.

6. Reposition the hazard warning switch to the center air outlet opening.

7. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the hazard warning switch. 8. Remove the hazard warning switch from the IP.

Ok wow that looks quite doable. Thank you so much this forum is quite remarkable. I will do this.

Just one more bit of information I learned. The switch to turn the turn signals on, if I move it a fraction of an inch away from center that causes the clicking sound from the dashboard non-stop. Does this still indicate the hazard switch?

Thanks so much again.

Okay so I was going to get an inspection sticker for my car and I have a 2000 Oldsmobile alero and the blinkers keep going in and out. Sometimes it'll work and then it won't. The hazard lights won't even work when the blinkers don't.. I need help!!! Could it be the hazard switch??

If the problem is affected by the signal switch, then the relay might not be the one at fault, rather the contacts in the signal switch might be bad causing intermittent continuity.

This might be repairable. However right and left signals feed the flasher relay through different source and if switching either right or left have similar symptoms, I would think the odds of the switch being faulty would be lower.

You mentioned banging the dash works, that would indicate the relay as it is located on dash and the banging judders the relay into operation. First check for loose wire connections of the hazard switch.

Yes, the hazard switch is my first thought. When working around the steering column, disarm the airbag. There are safety issues when working around the airbag. Safety is your responsibility.

See the switch never faults in its operation though, if the turn signals are currently working then the switch works perfectly, there are no errors in the flashing and there is no sound when its seated in the center and the regular proper clicks when it is signaling a turn. Just when I move it away from center but before it starts the signals it makes the clicking noise in the dash.

But, when the signals are not working, moving the switch has no effect on getting the signals to work again, I was clicking it up can down back and forth quick and slow and they wouldn't come back on ... thats what seems to suggest to me (the non expert) that it is in fact the hazzard relay, but again I'm not the expert I just want to make sure you have all the facts.

Thanks

Based on your last reply, we can confirm the fault lies with the hazard switch/relay and NOT the turn signal switch.

It has been a pleasure working with you as you are able to describe the symptoms in detail and this has helped in understanding the problem and enable us to provide the correct diagnosis.

Have a great day.

Thank you so much for your help, this was far more help then I was expecting to get, I appreciate it very much and I am looking forward to fixing my car following your steps, you have been a real help.

Thank You
Corey Ling

Hi Corey Ling,

You are welcomed and if you have any other questions, just reply to this post and I will get back to you once notification is received.

Thank you for using 2Carpros.

2000 Oldsmobile Alero 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

my turn signals are flashing really fast and then they go out if i play with hazard button then they start working for a while then go out again also my blower for my heat makes a wierd noise and then goes off it will later come back on. what can this be

Are the signal lights working? As far as the heater, is it a squealing noise when it runs?

KHLow2008, where did you get those images? Is it from a manual that can be purchased? Thanks.

jared: We have a paid subscription to what's known as Mitchell1. Yes, you can purchase your own subscription:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mitchell1eautorepair-car-repair-manuals

BIG thanks to this forum!!!! Everyone's questions & answers helped me out. The images for removing relay switch was a big help. Thanks again.

Our pleasure. Be sure to come back if you have any more questions. And tell your friends about us.

I really find these instructions problematic. This assumes that the person reading these instruction knows how to remove the center air vent/deflector from the dash. This part is easy to destroy and out of productions so impossible to buy new. Much care is needed to remove without damage to the holding tangs.

2000 Oldsmobile Alero Two Wheel Drive Automatic 102766 miles

my turn signal are slashing really fast and the they go out if i paly with the hazard button the will start working again for a while and also my Heat goes on and off and the blower make a loud noise while working

Have you checked to see if you have any bulbs out, which would flash fast.
The multifunction switch could be bad if they flash on their own, or make the sound.
The hazard switch is the cause for them not working.
The noisy blower motor usually points to a bad motor, or their could be debris inside

Yes, we presume that readers would take reasonable care when working with things they are unfamiliar with.

You're right, it's really fragile. I started this repair, but realized I was going to break something. Going to have a pro do it next time I'm in the shop.

If you're careful, you don't need to spend that money. Don't force anything. The clips will pop out.

I have the grace of a gorilla. If someone showed me how to unclip them, and where they are, I might be able to.

I have a click in the steering column or dash the is erratic and happenswhen the turn signal or Hazard lights. How can I fix it?

does it come on when the signal or hazards turn on? if so that's the flasher relay unit, clicking on and off for the signals/hazards.

I did not complete my sentence. The click is on when the turn and hazards are off. It comes and goes. The hazard and turns still work fine.

Thank you for your quick response to this. I am sorry I did not make myself clear.

Your flasher relay may need to be replaced, but could also be an electrical short. Best bet would be a failing turn signal (multi function) switch.

When I use my turn signals the lights and clicking sound work fine. When I'm not useing my turn signals the clicking noise stays on and won't turn off. The noise doesn't have any sort of pattern, but if I push the hazzard button barely with out turning the hazzards on the noise stops. Is this a failing part or a bad ground somewhere? And what is the best way to fix it?