2001 Turn Signal Indicator Problem

[Fritterfran]

I was wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction. This evening, my turn signal indicator suddenly stopped working. I checked the fuses both in the front and inside the cabin and both seem fine. As a side note, my Hazard indicator is suddenly out as well.

I applied some WD-40 into the area where the turn signal stalk goes into the steering column but still nothing. Is it possible that the relay inside the steering column is shot? I've never experienced anything like this in all the cars I've owned. Especially on older cars that are usually electrical nightmares...like Jaguar and Triumph.

What's the next step in trouble shooting. If I need a new part, let me know where I can find the part #.

Thanks all in advance.

[dc_98_cam]

Have you checked the 10A Gauge1 Fuse and also the 15A Hazard Fuse?

Hazard is located in the Engine Room Junction Box .... driver side of engine compartment ....towards the front.

Gauge1 is located in the Driver Side Junction Box ... beneath the lower dash panel, to the left of the steering column.

If both of those fuses appear to be good, there is a Turn Signal Flasher Relay, which is located on a lower left kick panel,
below the Driver Side Junction Box. This may be a dealer item. If this part is expensive, try to obtain one from a salvage yard to verify that it
is the cause of the problem.

It might be a good idea to read your owner's manual regarding any relevant information on this problem.

Are your turn signals not flashing at all?

Another thought ... try to remove the Flasher Relay ... spray any exposed metal contacts with electrical contact cleaner, and put it back in place.
Maybe the problem is just some dust or corrosion on the relay contacts.

[Fritterfran]

Thanks for the reply DC.

If you're referring to the 15A fuse labeled as HAZ in the engine compartment, that fuse is fine. I checked the 10A fuse for the Gage under the drivers side fuse area and that was fine as well (BTW, thanks for that tip).

I presently not getting the normal click when I try the switch. I don't know if that's from the WD-40.

If this switch needs to be replaced, do I have to remove the steering wheel then the bottom of the column? I haven't gotten the Haynes manual yet but I was reading my wifes 2002 RAV 4 Haynes manual and it went into the disarming of the air bag etc.

I found a good price for the switch and not afraid to change it out. Just want a few opinions from the group.

Thanks again.

[dc_98_cam]

Sorry .... I am not familiar with the mechanical action of the switch .....
I am just looking at the electrical wiring diagram.
I cannot say for sure whether the problem is due to the TS Flasher Relay, or as you have suggested, the mechanical end of the turn signal switch within the steering column.

Let your request cook for awhile on the forum page .... maybe somebody else will have some helpful advice.

[Fritterfran]

I'm following up that I have resolved the problem. The Flasher relay was the culprit and has since been replaced with an after market one. All items are operational. I ended up using a "Tridon EP35" relay (the same indicated as a replacement from RockAuto.com.

Hope this helpful for anyone having the same problem.