Blinkers randomly stop working

[waterjug]

I have a 2005 Chevy Classic (it's a Malibu)...for some reason my blinkers randomly stop working and I have no idea why. So for instance I'll be sitting at a stop sign, with a turn signal on, and then it will just stop blinking, both in the car in the dash, and the actual blinkers on the outside of the car.

I can't figure out why, I can just be sitting there and it will stop working. If I leave the signal arm in the 'on' position on a long trip the blinkers will just start randomly working on and off.

It's annoying as heck, any ideas what I can do to fix it? I was thinking maybe get at the blinker inside the car, but I have no idea where it is.

 

[exdeath]

Column switch or relay/flasher.

 

[phucheneh]

I was thinking that was BCM-managed, but a quick search would indicate that year did still have a flasher. It's just a little normally-closed switch that quickly heats up, then opens. Open switch means no current flowing through it, switch cools, closes. Repeat ad infinitum until the flash breaks. Sounds like you're at that point.

 

[waterjug]

how exactly does one go about fixing this?

 

[boomerang]

It appears to be integrated into the Hazard Warning switch. Which might be a good way to trouble shoot if it's actually that part. Put on the hazard flashers and see if you can duplicate the problem.

At rockauto.com, search for Hazard Warning Switch for your vehicle. Under the description for the AC Delco part it explains that it controls the turn signals. It looks like it pops in and pops out. Once you have the part in hand, I think you'll figure out how to replace it.

 

[LTC8K6]

I think the problem may go away if you "exercise" the hazard warning switch a few times.

 

[waterjug]

It appears to be integrated into the Hazard Warning switch. Which might be a good way to trouble shoot if it's actually that part. Put on the hazard flashers and see if you can duplicate the problem.

At rockauto.com, search for Hazard Warning Switch for your vehicle. Under the description for the AC Delco part it explains that it controls the turn signals. It looks like it pops in and pops out. Once you have the part in hand, I think you'll figure out how to replace it.

I came here to post this! The hazard warning switch isn't on the actual blinker-arm, it's a button on the dashboard. It suffers from the same problem!

 

[boomerang]

I came here to post this! The hazard warning switch isn't on the actual blinker-arm, it's a button on the dashboard. It suffers from the same problem!

Well there you go. Simple fix. IIRC, the part was like $12 or $13. I'll bet your local GM dealer has them in stock. Might want to check the price. Might come out about the same when you factor in shipping and you can have it fixed today.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I think I missed the fix here...is the fix just a relay that goes in the engine-compartment fuse panel? near the battery?

That's what my first guess would be. Pop the hood, look for a fuse panel near the battery....inside there will be relays. Look at the lid over the fuse panel and there should be a sticker diagram explaining which relays go to what....find the one for turn signals and take it to Autozone/Advance Auto Parts....or the dealership.

 

[boomerang]

I think I missed the fix here...is the fix just a relay that goes in the engine-compartment fuse panel? near the battery?

That's what my first guess would be. Pop the hood, look for a fuse panel near the battery....inside there will be relays. Look at the lid over the fuse panel and there should be a sticker diagram explaining which relays go to what....find the one for turn signals and take it to Autozone/Advance Auto Parts....or the dealership.

Yes, you missed it. The flasher is integrated into the switch in the dash that controls the Hazard Warning flashers.