YACT: Left turn signal won't work...

[Ichinisan]

Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera S ('91, I think)

When I push the shaft down, the left turn signal comes on but does not flash. I assumed this meant that the left front or left rear turn signal bulb had blown. I went to AutoZone and checked before going inside. BOTH bulbs were coming on (front AND rear). When I asked the man inside, he was very confident and descibed that the flasher is probably fine because the right turn signal still works. He said that the front and back turn signal and tail lights all used the same bulb and they are dual-filament so that is why the lights still come on even when one needs to be replaced (this made sense to me). He sold me a two-pack so I could swap them both out for good measure. He told me to start with the left rear bulb because it would be easier to replace than the front. I did it very easily without any tools. When the existing bulb was exposed, I could tell that both elements were still working. I replaced it anyway. I drove home (still having to flash my turn signal manually). I got a torx screwdriver to open up the front cover. The front turn signal is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. There is only one filament and it lights just fine.

What next?

 

[Pepsi90919]

When I push the shaft down

i think it's time for me to leave

 

[cherrytwist]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

When I push the shaft down

i think it's time for me to leave

LMAO I thought the exact same thing.

 

[Ichinisan]

This is what you guys do all day? Have fun.

 

[chusteczka]

I have had to replace the turn signal actuator control stick on the left side of the steering wheel twice now on my '93 Oldsmobile Achieva. My car had the same symptoms and bet this is your problem.

 

[dmcowen674]

Has it been in an accident or bumped hard recently?

Check ground connections at each bulb socket.

 

[Nutdotnet]

Blinker fluid man.

OR

If it isn't your lights, I would then check your "flasher" (as you would desribe it).

 

[Ichinisan]

No accident. I guess it has a pretty rough ride occasionally (eroded dirt roads and such).

 

[Sukhoi]

Three rights make a left. Problem solved.

 

[Scarpozzi]

There's a little relay that makes it blink. They're like $3-4 and plug in. You can usually find them located under the hood in a electrical box or under the dashboard in a similar box. Best advice is to either obtain a repair manual for the car or swing by the parts counter a GM dealership and ask if they can tell you where you can find the relay to swap out. You should be able to buy the part from Autozone or Advance Autoparts no problem.

 

[Ichinisan]

Thanks. Is there a seperate relay for flashing the left and the right? That doesn't really make sense because only one can flash at a time anyway. Also, the hazards work.

 

[chusteczka]

Has this issue been solved?
I am now experiencing the same symptoms with my car (referenced above: Olds Achieva '93) and wonder if there is a different solution other than replacing the turn signal actuator control stick.

Thanks.

 

[EPCrew]

Hand/arm signals...

 

[Ichinisan]

I have not checked into the relay thing because I have another car that I can drive in the meantime. I can flash the left turn signal manually, but that would probably wear it out.

 

[nakedfrog]

Where do you live?
I drove a car in Omaha for two years without turn signals, because the switch was bad.
Enough other people there don't use signals that I never had a problem.