Turn signals not working

HEATHERLEA213

MEMBER
1997 MITSUBISHI

4-wheel drive - 186,000 miles

Hi All! I'm a newbie. Nice to meet you! I'm also not very astute at car repairs, so please be patient ;)

My Montero turn signals on both sides stopped working. The bulbs are good; the flashers are working, and I have checked all the fuses.

When I lift or depress the turn signal switch (arm), there is no clicking noise indicating that the signal is on, the bulb does not light up and nothing on the dash indicates that the signal is on. Now, BEFORE this happened, I would sometimes hear a grinding sound (like when you turn the key on but the car is already running!) When I used the signal switch. Now there is no sound and the signals don't work.

I've read other posts on here that suggest replacing a 'signal flasher' but I don't know what that is and couldn't find it in the parts catalog.

Please help! I live in So. Cal and driving in rush hour traffic on the freeways with no blinkers is gnarly (and people like to tell you you're number one)!

THANKS SO MUCH!
Heather :roll:

5 Replies

JAVA MOTORSPORTS

MEMBER
52 POSTS

Hello Heather and welcome. Sounds like your turn signal switch has gone bad and is shorting out inside. To replace it the upper and lower steering column cover must be removed which is not too bad.

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Wednesday, June 13th, 2007 AT 7:50 AM

HEATHERLEA213

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi JAVA! Thanks for your reply!

No, I haven't had anyone test it. In my online research yesterday I found instructions for accessing the switch on the steering column, but I don't know how to test it.

I did find a replacement switch on Ebay for about $65.00, but of course it would have to be installed.

At the risk of sounding like a cheapskate, I am trying to do as much if this by myself as I can. I'm planning on trading the Montero in for a new car in a few months, so I'm trying to cut costs here. If I have too, I'll just take it to a shop. It just sux to pay a few hundred dollars for something I could do myself (well, acutally, with a little help;)

Any suggestions?
THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR HELP! It is truly appreciated. Have a great day!

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Wednesday, June 13th, 2007 AT 12:18 PM

JAVA MOTORSPORTS

MEMBER
52 POSTS

I understand the saving money thing. I would buy one new. I found one for 71.99 at Autozone. That would be your best bet even if you don;t have Auto Zone. If you do this yourself and need info. Feel free to contact me and I will help in anyway I can.

Good Luck! 8)

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Wednesday, June 13th, 2007 AT 2:44 PM

HEATHERLEA213

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for checking that out at AutoZone for me JAVA. I actually live within walking distance of one of there stores!

Guess what I'm doing this weekend!

Take care!

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Wednesday, June 13th, 2007 AT 4:53 PM

JAVA MOTORSPORTS