turn signal/tail lights/dash lights

When driving my car at night my dash lights and running lights short out sometimes when I use my turn signal. I was told this could be a fuse but it seems like a short in the steering column to me. ( I'm obviously not proficient at these things though. ) If I tap the arm for the turn signal it comes right back on with a few taps. Please let me know what I need to do as I can't afford to take it in nor can I afford a ticket. Thanks guys!