2001 GA Recall for Hazzard Switch - Turn signals not working / intermittent

[candancer1]

Originally Posted by 2001 GT Dave

Hello all-
I am brand new to the site and this is my first post. Sadly, it couldnt be for something nice like upgrades or pics but for repairs. I bought a very nice used 2001 GT about three weeks ago. On the second day, the turn signals became intermittent!! My question is this. Since I am not the original owner of the car, do I still qualify for this recall?
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave.

Hey! I bought my 99 Grand am GT a little over 2 weeks ago and my Signal lights started doing the same thing. I called Pontiac there is a number for it on one of the earlier post. They called the Pontiac Dealer in my area and set up an appointment which was yesterday. They fixed the problem no charge to me and called a few minutes ago to check to see if I was satisfied. So yes you can get it fixed still even if your not the original owner.. Pontiac was very helpful and went out of their way to help me

[Fahmain]

Hey all.. New to this site.

I have a 2002 Grand AM SE and it's doing the same thing.

when you turn the turn signal on, sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. You have to put the signal down, and press the hazard button for 2 seconds, release it and then the signal will work for god knows how long. I read that there was recall on it, but only for the 00 and 01s, not the 02s.

So I called GM Canada and they said to take it to the dealer and see what they say, and report back to them. She stated "There is probably something we can do to help". So knowing the dealers here in town are idiots and money hungry... I am assuming they will deny doing it. We will see what happens.


I live in Canada by the way.

[Fahmain]

Just a FYI to all those who care.

GM Canada contacted me today, and advised that they will cover the issue under the recall.

So it`s going in tomorrow to get fixed for free

[AznGA]

Hmm, I didn't think that they would deal with any other models than 2001.
I just went and replaced it myself. About $10 for the part and 20 minutes of my time. Really easy.

[Fahmain]

Originally Posted by AznGA

Hmm, I didn't think that they would deal with any other models than 2001.
I just went and replaced it myself. About $10 for the part and 20 minutes of my time. Really easy.

The dealer didn't want to do it. A call from GM Canada and they now are going to change it for free.

If I knew how to do it, I would. I am horrible with cars.

[skydive120]

Anyone know the PN and where you can get the faulty relay that causes the turn signals to become inoperable?
Also where is this relay located?

Nevermind-- I guess it it the actuall switch-- so who has this part number??

Thanks-

Chris

[tnuss915]

I have an 02 GAGT with intermittent turn signals. Hazards are fine. I see the recall is only for 00's ans 01's. It does sound like the same thing however.

[01SmokewalkerGT]

Will this still be covered under the recall if you buy the car used and hasn't been done yet? I just replaced it and if its still covered by GM then I hope I can get a refund LOL!!!!

[DrFabulous]

Originally Posted by 01SmokewalkerGT

Will this still be covered under the recall if you buy the car used and hasn't been done yet? I just replaced it and if its still covered by GM then I hope I can get a refund LOL!!!!

If it hasn't been performed before, then yes, GM should be able to fix it, doesn't matter if its the original owner or not.

[01SmokewalkerGT]

Originally Posted by DrFabulous

If it hasn't been performed before, then yes, GM should be able to fix it, doesn't matter if its the original owner or not.

I called them and the VIN on my car is 8,000 past the range for recalls ... So no fix from GM on my car LOL!!! but its good there is no recalls for it.

[bmoc0129]

Originally Posted by n43210

Has anyone done the fix themselves?

I actually fixed my hazard Switch and turning signals myself. I first replaced the hazard switch by ordering the part from a local dealer (AC Delco part...beware of the Dorman part because I had a defective one that caused the hazard lights to come on when I tried to use the turn signals). The hazard switch was $30 and it took me literally 10 mins to replace. The part that takes the long is getting the switches in the back for the ETS button and hazard button off so that you can replace them. Just be careful removing them.

Then I followed someone's tutorial on here for cleaning the multifunction switch behind the steering wheel (making sure to depress the horn pin as I put it back in...NOT HARD to do, trust me). The contacts build up this green looking grease that is contaminated and cause the switch to short out. This creates the intermittent clicking sounds after using the signals (or clicking sounds that happen randomly).

Saved me hundreds from going to the dealer or auto shop! I've been on a roll....I'm replacing my side mirror on my driver's side soon...have the part already and going to tackle it when I'm free.

[DoCDooM]

I ran into this a few years ago, I have an 02 GAGT RAMAir.

The warranty replacement is only covered to the 01 model year but the problem is the same for all N body cars with that same hazard button above the radio from 2000 onwards.

The turn signal flasher is integrated with the hazard switch, it contains an electronic circuit board and a multi contact relay driven by those electronics.

If and ONLY if you are experienced with a soldering iron and fine component level electronics work you DO NOT have to cough up $200 to $300 for a replacement hazard switch.

The fix is as follows:

Remove the plastic bezel covering the radio that the hazard switch and traction control buttons are mounted to.
Remove the hazard button module entirely and move yourself to a well lighted work bench.

You will need a fine point soldering iron, some solder wick and some good old fashioned 60% tin - 40% lead solder, the currently used RoHS compliant tin - solver solder is the cause of the problem, the solder joints connecting the timing capacitor to the board have degraded and the cracked, this is called a "cold" solder joint.

Remove the hazard button from the module.

Use a small screwdriver and pliers to pull the centre part of the module with the circuit board.

Examine the circuit board, you will see a hole in the middle that has a capacitor mounted near it.

Use the soldering iron and the solder wick VERY carefully to remove the solder from one of the two pins on the capacitor, then use the lead solder to resolder the connection, after the first connection is repaired, repeat the process for the second one.

Examine the board with a magnifying glass looking for any other cold solder joints on any other components and repair as necessary.

Examine ALL of your work very closely an ensure that you have not shorted any connections, if you have, repeat the solder removal process and repair again.

Reassemble the hazard switch and plug it back in to the car to test it before reinstalling it in the bezel and putting everything back together.

If everything works put the car back together and Bob's yer uncle.

There is also an extremely well documented post on cleaning the contacts in your turn signal switch that resolves many signal light problems on this website at this link, if you can pull off this hazard switch repair then the turn signal repair is easy as no soldering is required.

Random Blinker Clicking Noise-How to fix Update

One caveat, DO NOT USE GM's recommended dielectric gel to coat the contacts, that material is the cause of the problem and likely part of a programmed obsolescence program, it turns black and becomes conductive, creating a capacitance that generates the fast clicking issue.

Use simple Vaseline petroleum jelly, it lasts for years and you will never have a problem again.

I know this because I have tested it.

These ARE tested and proven solutions

Best of luck

Doc

[DoCDooM]

Random Blinker Clicking Noise-How to fix Update

[Gtomike72]

Is this still available or did the time expire? My 01 does it all the time!

[xalteph]

Do 2004 Grand AMs have this issue?

[Kayaus]

Originally Posted by xalteph

Do 2004 Grand AMs have this issue?

Yup, but I'm sure it's too late (I don't know for sure, but I'm assuming since you know... Pontiac doesn't exist anymore) - but you can grab a hazard switch off eBay for ~$20 shipped. The clicking noise also affects the 2004s, but just check the guide listed above to DIY, or if it really bugs you, can pick up another multifunctioninf switch for ~$50.

[xalteph]

Ok