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How to Fix Grand Am Turn Signals

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
While driving, do turn signals continue making the turn-signal clicking noise for a random length of time, usually right after a turn? Sometimes completing a turn may reset the clicking sound, but over time the problem becomes worse so that the clicking noise occurs spontaneously. The operation of the turn signals is unaffected. This affects the multifunction switch used in Pontiac Grand Am models 1999-2005, Chevrolet Malibu 1997-2003, Oldsmobile Alero 1999-2001, and Oldsmobile Cutlass 1998-2003. A recall has been issued for some models. Numerous people still have this problem even after it has been “fixed.” The problem is caused by contaminated grease which has bridged the contacts of the multifunction switch (. This causes a short circuit which causes the hazard flasher to cycle. Note that the problem is NOT the hazard flasher although the clicking noise may come the center console where the hazard flasher is located. The problem is also not fuse related. Both of these are commonly mis-believed to be the culprits.

Steps

1. Remove the 2 outer #25-Torx screws from the underside of the steering column. The center one can stay, it only holds the bottom half of the plastic surround to the steering column. The flashlight will help immensely to light the area. The top and bottom parts of the plastic snap together. A gentle pull will separate the two pieces. Remove the top plastic only (the bottom plastic does not matter).
2. Take note of E in the photo. This is the de-actuator switch that stops the blinkers and making a turn. Note how it is only sticking out about 1/8” – this will be important later. Remove the single #25-Torx screw (A) on the top of the multi function switch (it is already removed in this photo). Gently lift up on the multifunction switch so that you can get to the wiring connectors B, C, and D. Detach the 3 wiring connectors in order of B, C, and then D. Remove the multifunction switch.
3. Try cleaning contacts from the outside For this particular problem there should be contaminated grease in the slots between the contacts above screw #3 in the photo. First try removing this with a q-tip or small flat head screwdriver. That should fix the problem, and you can avoid taking the whole switch unit apart (skip down to step 8).
4. If cleaning from the outside didn't work, take the unit apart and clean it further (steps 4-7) Remove the 7 #10-Torx screws from the multifunction switch. Screw #5, 6, and 7 are a little hard to access and a small, straight screwdriver can help (especially with #7 which is down in a narrow plastic well). It is difficult to reach with a driver & socket Torx set. It is recommended that you check the fit of the straight screw driver in one of the removed Torx screws to make sure that it fits well and does not slip (which may strip the Torx screw). There is a small catch-tab on the windshield-washer handle side (#8).
5. Remove the cover. Clean the grease off the contacts and copper switch plate (q-tips and rubbing alcohol work well). You will probably notice that the grease has bridged the some of the slots in switch plate. You may wish to re-grease the plates, but it is somewhat optional. The grease may help the parts slide a little easier, but grease attracts dirt so it is a difficult choice.
6. Reverse the steps to install. Be careful of the spring – it must go onto the metal peg and into the deep plastic well (shown in the previous photo) when snapping the top and bottom pieces of the multifunction switch back together. This is the de-actuator switch (E shown in the first photo).
7. Retighten the #10-Torx screws in this order: #5, 6, 3, 4, 2, 1, 7. This is because one time I reassembled the multifunction switch to find that my headlights would not go off. This was because the internal headlight switches are sensitive to the pressure applied when reassembling the multifunction switch.
8. Gently slide the multifunction switch back onto the steering column as the arrow shows. However, do not slide it all the way down otherwise you may break the plastic tabs. (In the photo, plastic tab #1 is already broken off, but it does not affect the multifunction switch’s functionality). Reattach the 3 wiring harnesses.
9. Gently work the multifunction switch down onto the steering column while making sure the plastic tabs enter cleanly. Take a small straight screwdriver and gently push in the de-actuator switch while working the whole unit down. You will know the multifunction switch is properly seated when it is flush with the steering column and the de-actuator switch is only protruding by about 1/8”. If you fail to do this, the horn may go off whenever the steering wheel is moved.

Things You'll Need

• Torx-#25 (required)
• Torx-#10 (required)
• Small flat screwdriver (recommended)
• Flashlight (recommended)
• 20 - 45 minutes based on your mechanical aptitude

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