Turn signal failure

[Big Al]

This problem was dealt with in another lengthy post, but I need clarification. This is for a 1994 Grand Am.

My turn signals started to go wonky. Sometimes after the hazards were on, they wouldn't work at all. A few quick on-offs of the HLs would get the turn signals active again.

About a month ago, the turn signals (both L and R) started to get really slow and the timing would be inconsistent. Also, the pair of right front blinkers would not flash when I turned on the hazards.

Yesterday, the turn signals failed completely. I replaced the right front turn signal bulbs but that made no difference.

So I thought that it must somehow be related to the flasher mechanism. So I dug into the underdash area and, after much sweating and inappropriate language, found the small silver cylindrical flasher. I replaced it with the inexpensive 552 flasher and the hazards worked perfectly. But still no turn signal. I then tried the $8 electronic flasher but no effect - hazards fine, but turn signals were no go.

In the other thread, there was discussion of TWO flashers - one for the hazards and one for the turn signals. The careful photography provided in the other thread was from a 1995 GA (very thoroughly done by Matt95GT), but there is a real difference between the 94 and the 95. The 94 flasher is a BEAST to get at, and even harder to re-install, at least the first time you try it. It's easier the second time.

Can anyone offer confirmation on one or two flashers for the 1994 GA - is there really a separate flasher for the turn signals? Any other thoughts on what the problem is? Multifunction switch is, I guess, the most likely culprit, but I want to do everything I can to test the flashers first.

This is the link to the thread I followed:
http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=54798&highlight=turn+signal+1994+grand+am

Thank you very much,
Alan in Canada

[Matt95GT]

Originally posted by Big Al
A few quick on-offs of the HLs would get the turn signals active again.


Right off the bat, that points towards the multi-function combo switch. Mine was replaced with a brand new unit only a couple years ago, and the hazard switch is flakey already.

Originally posted by Big Al
...but there is a real difference between the 94 and the 95. The 94 flasher is a BEAST to get at, and even harder to re-install, at least the first time you try it. It's easier the second time.

Can anyone offer confirmation on one or two flashers for the 1994 GA - is there really a separate flasher for the turn signals? Any other thoughts on what the problem is? Multifunction switch is, I guess, the most likely culprit, but I want to do everything I can to test the flashers first.


No, 94-95 are nearly identical with the chassis electrical system. In other words, you do have 2 flasher units.

Double and triple check all bulbs... by design a turn signal will come on but won't flash if any single bulb filament is out. Easiest way to check - put on 4 way flashers and parking lights. All turn signal bulbs except the corner "triangle" markers near the headlights are dual filament - meaning they should go bright, dim, bright, etc.

If it's not a bulb, and the correct flasher unit has been replaced, I would suspect the combo switch. You may be able to get it working temporarily after sliding the hazard switch back and forth a very times - that's usually the offending section of the combo switch affecting the turn signals.