Turn signal switch failure

[Kjeld]

Had an odd occurance a few weeks ago. Put on my RH turn signal, then heard a pop in the fuse box. Blew out two fuses, turn signal and emergency flashers. I replaced them, knowing I hadn't seen the last of it.

Sure enough, the past few days I can intermittenly hear a light buzzing sound (arcing) coming from behind the steering wheel when the RH turn signals are on. Now the RH turn signals are not working.

I have seen over the years a number of postings on eBay for the M100 turn signal stalk. Was wondering if this is a known point of failure and whether the only solution is to replace it.

[theelanman]

sounds like you might have a short or a cracked wire thats touching something else.....
take your wheel off and the cowel and check the switch itself......its dead easy and simple to do.....
I had a short on and xr4x4 many years ago after being hit by a joyrider.....the bulb had smashed and bent to touch the reflector (which was metal) and every time I tried to use it it blew fuses galore!!!....
worth a check....off with the wheel and cowel and hopefully you problem should be sat staring at you
cheers
G

[Kjeld]

All sounded good until I tried to remove the cowl. More cheap plastic junk on this car. Anyway, I'd better hear how to remove the cowling before I break something. Also, is the flasher unit itself underneath the dash cover lid? Any hints as to how to find it?

This short might be there, since whenever I turn on the emergency flashers, it blows out to flasher fuse and the turn signal fuse simultaneously.

Oh well, with all the Japanese and GM parts throughout the car, if it were not for adventures like this, one might forget the car is actually British.

[Kjeld]

I believe I have unearthed my turn signal problem.

Has anyone replaced their flasher unit before? I found generic flasher units at Kragens and the Auto Zone (only auto parts stores open on a Sunday), that had the same patterned prongs, but included a 5th prong in the middle. I did not buy it, but later it occured to me it might have fit, and the 5th prong did nothing.

Otherwise, I guess I am on the phone with Dave Bean tomorrow.

[Elanlover]

Kjeld, were you able to source a flasher module? I'm wondering if this is a GM part of something else. Was there any writing on the module (that wasn't melted off) that might indicate a part number? Or, if you got a replacement, was someone able to cross reference a GM part number?????

[Kjeld]

Naw, still running around without turn signals. Nevertheless, I still religiously use hand signals, but it is pretty obvious most drivers do not know what hand turn signals mean anymore. They think I am waving at people, coincidently. just before I make a turn.

Still planning to swap in Marie's switch to be sure, but it looks like the culprit.

I'll look into the GM part number though and let you know. Thanks for checking in.

-kjeld

[Elanlover]

Kjeld, just a thought on the 5 prong unit you described. I'm guessing but I don't think it will work. I've been looking for a unit as well and came across a 5-pronger that matches the description you provided. Has all the right progs in the right position except the extra center one (EP27 as its described). I've seen a prong layout of the unit and the center prong is for the hazards. Some cars have seperate/extra hazards from the turn lights so they need a dedicated prong for them. We seem to use the same lights for hazards and turn so no need for the extra prong.

Bottom line here is that you might get turn signals if you clipped off the 5th prong but no hazards. Could be a problem if you ever get stranded on the side of the road...................

[Elanlover]

HA! Got one.

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detaile ... .asp?11852

Looks like a fit to me but the only way to try it is to order it. Pretty inexpensive experiment at $15. I may order one anyway even though I don't need one immediately. I'd like a backup in case my LED brake/turn light experiment goes awry...........

[Elanlover]

Kjeld, if you're still following this thread, I've successfully installed and tested the Trico EP-26 flasher module. Works like a charm. Even better, it works out of the box with LED lights. This means that the resistors I installed to make the OEM flasher work with the LED I put in can be removed. Which is good given the heat they generate.

http://www.tricoproducts.com/brochure.c ... ion_id=129

I'll post in the parts cross reference section too.