How to Fix Grand Am Turn Signals

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Turn signals.

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. 1
   Remove the 2 outer #25-Torx or 9/32 socket drive 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. 2
   

   Top-Down View of Multifunction Switch
   Take note of E in the photo. This is the spring-loaded horn-ring contact pin that provides electrical connection between the horn ring on the steering column with the horn contact inside the multi-function switch. It is shown already raised from the face of the horn ring. [delete-->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. 3
   

   Multifunction switch - use #10-Torx
   Try cleaning contacts from the outside For this particular problem there should be contaminated grease in the slots between the any of the contacts above screw #3 in the photo. First try removing this with a q-tip, toothpick 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. 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. 5
   

   Remove the cover.
   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. 6
   

   Reverse the steps to install.
   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 spring-loaded horn-ring contact pin (E shown in the first photo).
7. 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. 8
   

   Gently slide the multifunction switch back onto the steering column as the arrow shows.
   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. 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 horn-ring contact pin [delete-->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 spring-loaded horn-ring contact pin makes contact with the metal face, NOT the edge, of the horn ring. If you fail to do this, the brass horn ring can be damaged and the horn may go off whenever the steering wheel is moved, or the driver's horn switch will not work at all.

   
   

Tips

• Here are a few tips:
• In Step 1: Separating the upper and lower plastic surround pieces may be difficult. It may be helpful to remove the central #25 Torx screw to gain enough leverage to separate them. Use your hands to pull the pieces apart. The upper section opens upwards in a clamshell fashion, and then it can be pulled forward and away from the steering column.
• In Step 2: Connector C may be difficult to separate from the multifunction switch. It may be helpful to remove the multifunction switch from the mounting on the column, then rotate the switch for better access to Connector C.
• In Step 3: The contaminated grease can be either green, black, brown or a combination. Use a small screwdriver to remove contaminants bridging any of the gaps. The grease can be hard or crusty, but be careful not to damage the contacts. Don't forget to clean in the areas where the connectors attach to the switch itself.

Things You'll Need

• Torx-#25 or 9/32" socket (required)
  
• Torx-#10 (required)
  
• Small flat screwdriver (recommended)
  
• Flashlight (recommended)
  
• 20 - 45 minutes based on your mechanical aptitude
  

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