Blinker relay contacts......

[hot_GAGT]

The blinker/hazard lights relay in my GA has been acting up lately.

The contacts inside the relay will open and close on their own, whenever whenever.

The blinkers aren't activating or anything, it is just "clicking" in the same fashion as they would if I were to activate the blinkers.

I replaced the relay but it didn't fix it.

Anyone got any ideas? Brent? You out there??? hehehe. I am thinking that it might be somewhere in the steering column.

Help.... hehehe. Later.

[sunrunner_pei]

Hmmm, I've heard of many problems with the Hazard switch with similar symptoms. Wait for Brent's reply, but it may be the hazard switch. :)

[biggnome]

You replaced the switch in the dash that has the little hazard symbol on it? If so, then its possible that it is in the turn signal switch in the column. Hard to say for sure though without seeing it.

[99GrandAMSE]

... your problem has been had by many others Beno and to my knowledge, the solution was always associated with the hazard switch as Shawn mentioned :)

[fuel4thesoul]

everyones replys are definently true BUT it can also be a fuse to the actual wiring i have heard problems and fixed problems w/ wiring for the actual switch itself

[gotzaGA]

i was just talking about this, i had the exact same problem, the fuse was fine, and when i explained my problem to PONTIAC they had me buy the non returnable $30 hazard switch, well i put it in and still the click. i had to take apart the steering colum, take off the lever assembly, take it apart, clean off the connections that were black with debris with metal grit sand paper, saw the copper again, regreased everything, put all the screws and springs back, made sure the lever moved and made everything turn on before i put it back, and now the sweet sweet sound of nothing.

[hozzle]

I will second gotza's proceedure. First and foremost before buying the silly hazard relay you should clean the contacts in the signal switch control module. Remove 3 torx screws under the cover. remove plastic cover by unsnapping. remove 1 torx screw holding control module. disconnect 3 connectors. open module by removing 10 or so small torx screws & pry one retaining tab. clean contact areas (I just focused on areas where grease was bridging gaps a causing closed connection). Reverse proceedure when clean.
By doing this first chances are you'll fix the problem and save yourself the trouble of buying a hazard relay module or a signal control module. Oh... and you will take pride in a job well done and always be reminded by the lack of "click,click,click,click..."
Thanks again to gotza!

[zero53121]

ive got a problem on my 91 ga and it is that my blinker light int the dash is on any time i turn the headlights on. so i check the lights it says were out and ther worked as blinkers but not side marker lights. the ones that are out are the front left lights next to the headlight and in the bumper. ive already replaced the bulb and i have no idea what to do next. help me before the lazy pigs do with a ticket.

[KurosPaladin]

Originally posted by hozzle
I will second gotza's proceedure. First and foremost before buying the silly hazard relay you should clean the contacts in the signal switch control module. Remove 3 torx screws under the cover. remove plastic cover by unsnapping. remove 1 torx screw holding control module. disconnect 3 connectors. open module by removing 10 or so small torx screws & pry one retaining tab. clean contact areas (I just focused on areas where grease was bridging gaps a causing closed connection). Reverse proceedure when clean.
By doing this first chances are you'll fix the problem and save yourself the trouble of buying a hazard relay module or a signal control module. Oh... and you will take pride in a job well done and always be reminded by the lack of "click,click,click,click..."
Thanks again to gotza!

For those of us that aren't quiet as saavy at repairs as you, can you give some more details on how to repair this? My 2000 GT1 is having this problem now. And it's the second time it has started to occur. The first time was last summer, and the dealer "fixed" it by replacing the hazard switch. But it's happening again, and it only happens on warmer days, so I tend to think it is the grease issue.

Thanks!

[Gimli]

Originally posted by hozzle
I will second gotza's proceedure. First and foremost before buying the silly hazard relay you should clean the contacts in the signal switch control module. Remove 3 torx screws under the cover. remove plastic cover by unsnapping. remove 1 torx screw holding control module. disconnect 3 connectors. open module by removing 10 or so small torx screws & pry one retaining tab. clean contact areas (I just focused on areas where grease was bridging gaps a causing closed connection). Reverse proceedure when clean.
By doing this first chances are you'll fix the problem and save yourself the trouble of buying a hazard relay module or a signal control module. Oh... and you will take pride in a job well done and always be reminded by the lack of "click,click,click,click..."
Thanks again to gotza!

Might wanna unplug the battery first, just in case you inadvertantly jump the airbag wires...

[gotzaGA]

it might sound hard but its pretty easy, here it goes... first you need to take off the plastic cover in the steering columm. the screws are on the bottom. the two halfs are kinda hooked together with a plastic hook and loop on each side soo just wiggle it a bit and it should come off. then you will see this black plastic peice with the two control levers sticking out of it. there should only be like two or three screws keeping it to the metal. you need to take off these screws and then disconnect the wire harnesses attached to it. make sure you remember where they go, they should all be different fittings but just be careful. take the plastic piece, (sorrta looks like a lower case n) to a very well lit and clean place. there are going to be several screws holing all of this together... NOW before i go any further, there A LOT of small removable peices in this thing, so make sure you can rememer where everything goes( it took me longer to put it back then everything else combined) i believe the screws are hex screws but i was able to macgiver them out with a small flat head screw driver. there are some springs on these screws so be careful. take everything apart making sure not to break any wire sodders, and you should see copper looking plates on the plastic. on my piece these plates were almost black with wear and tear and there was alot of metal fragments in the lube(i'm not electrican, but i think that the combo of electro sensitive lube and the metal shards keeps the circuit alive enough to give you the clicks, but hell its just a guess) get a rag or something and wipe the lube clean, then get some metal grade sandpaper and clean the metal plates. relube the metal parts with lube that will work for electrical components(auto parts store? i have a mechanic buddy) put all the peices back together, i wish i could tell you more but it was a long time ago when i put all the pieces back. make sure that the levers move up and down correctly before you bring it back to your car. re plug in all the harnesses and make sure everything works first, if it does go ahead and reverse the steps to put everything back. i hope this helps, i just can't say for sure that it will work for every one cause i was flying blind myself when i did it, but it works now and i have not had a problem with extra clicking in months now, good luck.

[gotzaGA]

oh yeah i forgot.... ITS NOT THE HAZARD SWITCH! the dealer tried telling me that B.S. and i spent $30 non refundable on electronics bucks for a new hazard switch that did not fix the problem, try this frist before you piss away the money. its free... and free is good... right?

[CookieKY]

This is my first time on the website....so far it is wonderful!

Here is my problem and I wonder if your directions for the clicking may help....

In warm weather especially (but still in colder months) my blinker will not work! If you push the hazards quickly, the lights start blinking...sometimes they stay blinking and sometimes they don't! When it is hot, though, even the hazards will not work. My friend said it may be the fuse but reading your message....maybe I just need to clean it up a bit....what do you think?

This is fun!

Cookie

PS Also having problems putting smilies in my messages. Small as it is, I would love to use some of them! LOL

Originally posted by gotzaGA
it might sound hard but its pretty easy, here it goes... first you need to take off the plastic cover in the steering columm. the screws are on the bottom. the two halfs are kinda hooked together with a plastic hook and loop on each side soo just wiggle it a bit and it should come off. then you will see this black plastic peice with the two control levers sticking out of it. there should only be like two or three screws keeping it to the metal. you need to take off these screws and then disconnect the wire harnesses attached to it. make sure you remember where they go, they should all be different fittings but just be careful. take the plastic piece, (sorrta looks like a lower case n) to a very well lit and clean place. there are going to be several screws holing all of this together... NOW before i go any further, there A LOT of small removable peices in this thing, so make sure you can rememer where everything goes( it took me longer to put it back then everything else combined) i believe the screws are hex screws but i was able to macgiver them out with a small flat head screw driver. there are some springs on these screws so be careful. take everything apart making sure not to break any wire sodders, and you should see copper looking plates on the plastic. on my piece these plates were almost black with wear and tear and there was alot of metal fragments in the lube(i'm not electrican, but i think that the combo of electro sensitive lube and the metal shards keeps the circuit alive enough to give you the clicks, but hell its just a guess) get a rag or something and wipe the lube clean, then get some metal grade sandpaper and clean the metal plates. relube the metal parts with lube that will work for electrical components(auto parts store? i have a mechanic buddy) put all the peices back together, i wish i could tell you more but it was a long time ago when i put all the pieces back. make sure that the levers move up and down correctly before you bring it back to your car. re plug in all the harnesses and make sure everything works first, if it does go ahead and reverse the steps to put everything back. i hope this helps, i just can't say for sure that it will work for every one cause i was flying blind myself when i did it, but it works now and i have not had a problem with extra clicking in months now, good luck. :help: :help: :help: :help:

[gotzaGA]

hmm.... that one sounds a little different, that may be the swith ofor the fuse, my problem was with the clicking noise only, the lights worked correctly but the clicking noise wouldn't stop, sorry i can't be more help.

[CookieKY]

Thank you, gotzGA! I appreciate your honesty and reply! I'm leaning more toward the fuse myself! Will keep you updated on the progress! Hope you had a wonderful weekend and THANKS! :thanks: :wiggle:

[XdawpaX]

so what your saying is take the blinker stick off and clean the inside??

[gotzaGA]

yes, just take everything apart and clean the copper connections, it should work, or you could do what i did, i fixed it in my 2000 GA but i got tired of it and bought a 2003 SC/T, well that and it was a good pick me up after the g/f dumped me, but i digress, now the dealership takes care of all of my problems, but i havent had any yet so its all good. take it easy all.

[Bratti1]

I have the 03 GA SE1 - it's making the clicking noises and I'm over my 36,000 miles... so I have to pay my $50 deductible to clean it out! You think after 21098240928 years of making the GA they'd fix the blinker problem? I guess not!!! :lol:

[XoticGA]

Bump for me :D



I just need to know what to clean them with that won't hurt them.. any other precautions I should take?

[GatorGA]

Alcohol (rubbing, not drinking!) Dip Q-tips in the alcohol and go to town cleaning the grease out of the gaps.

[99GrandAMSE]

WOW ... one month after this board was made :lol:

[GatorGA]

Talk about raising the dead...

[XoticGA]

That was you're supposed to do, search :P

[indianaburn]

Well guys i also have this problem with my 01 GT1. The dealership fixed the hazzard switch about a year and a half ago...and now anytime i mess with the singal lever even if its to turn on my brights its doing the whole annoying clicking sound. could it be the signal switch, or just the mod need cleaned?

[d-burn]

Is there any way to clean this without removing it? I am having a similar problem. Hazard replaced under recall about a year and a half ago, and yesterday while driving the switch started clicking like crazy. It comes and goes. Like it will start and do it for awhile, then stop, then start.
I don't have TORX drivers and zero mechanical ability, so i'd prefer not to screw around with my steering column. Any way of cleaning it out otherwise? i.e. spray some compressed air into column where the signal lever goes in? Other method?

[SE2000]

If you're not inclined to repair, then just simply replace it. You'll need a torx screwdriver and make sure you watch out for the horn pin contact and you're good to go. Hope you've read the how to's and remember to pull the airbag fuse.

[d-burn]

If you're not inclined to repair, then just simply replace it. You'll need a torx screwdriver and make sure you watch out for the horn pin contact and you're good to go. Hope you've read the how to's and remember to pull the airbag fuse.

I'd clean it before I replaced it. If i'm going to take the damn thing out and put another one in, I might as well take it out and try to clean it first. My issue was that I don't have TORX drivers and I didn't want to dick around taking it out in the first place. That is why I asked if there is a way to clean it, or at least semi clean it without taking it all apart.

[SE2000]

There is no way to fix it without taking it apart. If you are not going to spend a few bucks on a screwdriver than spend many buying a new part.

[jbrow1]

it might sound hard but its pretty easy, here it goes... first you need to take off the plastic cover in the steering columm. the screws are on the bottom. the two halfs are kinda hooked together with a plastic hook and loop on each side soo just wiggle it a bit and it should come off. then you will see this black plastic peice with the two control levers sticking out of it. there should only be like two or three screws keeping it to the metal. you need to take off these screws and then disconnect the wire harnesses attached to it. make sure you remember where they go, they should all be different fittings but just be careful. take the plastic piece, (sorrta looks like a lower case n) to a very well lit and clean place. there are going to be several screws holing all of this together... NOW before i go any further, there A LOT of small removable peices in this thing, so make sure you can rememer where everything goes( it took me longer to put it back then everything else combined) i believe the screws are hex screws but i was able to macgiver them out with a small flat head screw driver. there are some springs on these screws so be careful. take everything apart making sure not to break any wire sodders, and you should see copper looking plates on the plastic. on my piece these plates were almost black with wear and tear and there was alot of metal fragments in the lube(i'm not electrican, but i think that the combo of electro sensitive lube and the metal shards keeps the circuit alive enough to give you the clicks, but hell its just a guess) get a rag or something and wipe the lube clean, then get some metal grade sandpaper and clean the metal plates. relube the metal parts with lube that will work for electrical components(auto parts store? i have a mechanic buddy) put all the peices back together, i wish i could tell you more but it was a long time ago when i put all the pieces back. make sure that the levers move up and down correctly before you bring it back to your car. re plug in all the harnesses and make sure everything works first, if it does go ahead and reverse the steps to put everything back. i hope this helps, i just can't say for sure that it will work for every one cause i was flying blind myself when i did it, but it works now and i have not had a problem with extra clicking in months now, good luck.
This was a great write-up. I've always thought my blinky-on-crach as the wife calls it was due to the switch. Been a little afraid of pulling apart the wifes daily driver and screwing something up... but your little tutorial made it seem fairly simple - and it was spot on.

Hardest part for me was getting the dang wheel adjuster lever back thru the bottom plastic cover.

For anybody that tries this after you take the one torx screw out of the top of the electrical assembly and undo the plugs it will take a small amount of force to pop the unit up and off the column. On each side you will see two little pegs that go thru some metal and they are what's holding it on. Slight pressure and they will pop up and thru, just do it slow and gently so you don't break anything.

Then when you get the electrical unit on your clean well lit bench it takes a 5/64" allen wrench to get the four or five screws out so you can separate the halves. Once the screws are out there is a plastic locker on one side that you need to lift one half away with a small flat blade screwdriver. Then the two will separtate. You won't be able to completely take the two apart due to wires on the wiper side. But you can rotate it over so there is plenty of room to clean all the contacts on the blinker side.

Like said above first wipe all the old grease off with q-tips. Then use some rubbing alcohol on a q-tip to clean it all up. I used used very fine grit sandpaper for sanding car paint to sand all the contacts, then re-greased with dielectric grease from lowes. The grease will help keep from corroding, but I think it's also there just as much to lubricate the contacts. Actually some thicker type grease than what I used would probably be better if they make any thicker electrical stuff. Everything went together very well and none of the little contacts or springs tried falling off on me. Just took a bit of test and fit to get everything to slide together right and the long horn spring to get in it's proper place. Then it's time to reinstall back onto the column.

Once you get the plugs back in and the assembly started back on it's way to being seated on the column, stop.. and push the little peg back behind the metal piece. I'm guessing it's for the horn. If you stop and look you can't miss what I'm talking about, it's right up top and pushes in easily and then everything pushes down in place with little resistance. Then put the screw back in top, put the plastic pieces on top and bottom and the three bottom screws. If I had to do it again I'd probably just dremel the hole bigger for the column adjuster so I didn't have to mess with fitting it thru the slot ever again.

No more blinker on crack. We'll see how long it stays that way. The car has 165,000 miles on it and you can see quite a bit of wear in all the metal contacts and the parts they slide on. But I guess that's why they ride on springs so they are self adjusting.

Anyhow thanks to Gotzaga for writing up this tutorial. It should be a sticky for the blinker problem!!
:D

[s0ad]

So my turn signals weren't working, so I took off the housing from the steering column. Then I took it apart and cleaned the copper contacts with 50% of rubbing alcohol. Then I put dielectric grease on everything. I put it back together and went to reattach it, and when I went to test it, it still didn't work. This time though, the turn signal stock wouldn't lock into left or right, and when I turned the steering wheel, the horn would either go off or get stuck and I would have to move it until the horn went off.

So can I do anything else before having to replace the whole thing? and how much does a new one cost? Also, why did my horn go off from turning the steering wheel? Thanks.