when i did this it didnt fix my problem right away, where the contacts touch above them is also copper and that needed to be cleaned too, once i did that i have not heard the clicking since. this might be the answer to some peoples problems with it not fixing it.
I tried your version to fix the problem and the sound is still there.. i also replaced the flasher switch coz someone else recommended it. So Idk what to do now... What else do you think it could be..
I had the same problem on a 2003 Gran Am and noticed that the dielectric grease had become contaminated with particulates from contacts wearing over the years creating a conductive bridge between the contacts creating the blinker relay to activate. The conductive bridge will change due to use, temperature etc. If you put to much grease back on the contacts this conductive bridge will occur again.
NOTE: This is NOT a good DIY project. My car was NOT fixed after doing this and furthermore now my signal will not shut off after a turn and my horn no longer works. DONT ATTEMPT THIS FIX.
@mattdidit84 and yes I saw where he mentioned the pins in the video for the horn. My pins contact the copper plate behind the steering wheel correctly.
Great video. I had the same exact problem and got a good deal on the whole signal unit, so I decided to replace the whole unit. Really simple to do and so far the clicking noise has gone away.
The blinker still seems to be intermittent though. Sometimes when I start the car up the blinker doesn't work right away and then after a few minutes it will work and continue to work until I turn the car off again.
Not sure if it's because it's brand new or what. Any ideas?
Awesome video, easy job after you see how it's done. The clicking noise is gone, only problem is now when the turn signals are used....they don't turn back off themselfs when I straighten out after a corner. Any ideas?
@staplesna If you pause at 1:47 you can see on the left side of the assembly a white rod approximately 1-2inces long. That is the switch that turns the turn signals off after a turn. I would look into it and or where the steering wheel contacts this switch
@staplesna If you pause at 1:47 you can see on the left side of the assembly a white rod approximately 1-2inces long. That is the switch that turns the turn signals off after a turn. I would look into it and or where the steering wheel contacts this switch. (Also this switch is visibly moving at 2:35 when Im actually flipping the turns signal lever back and forth.
Tried this and it worked, but once everything was put back together the horn and dash lights no longer work. I checked the fuses and they're all fine. Any ideas?
@dtownj2002 Watch the video closely there is a purple disk with a copper ring that is the contact for the horn. There is a pin in the assembly that you removed to clean that contacts the copper/purple ring. If the pin is not contacting it the horn will not work. As far as the dash lights I would check all of you connections. There are three plugs. Make sure they are all in all the way. If you still have trouble let me know. Is it only the dash lights that are out?
Thanks. The dealer wanted 100 for flat rate electrical diagnosis, 275 for a new switch, and 100 for labor to install it. I called gm and complained...no help.
hi there, i have a 03 GA. I had the problem since i bought the car. I followed your instructions and cleaned the contacts. But still getting the clicking noise. Any more ideas???????????
@MrAndrewtoronto in some situations the contacts are worn beyond the point of repair. It is possible that you may need to actually replace the switch (turn signal assembly). Im really not sure off the top of my head. Do you have aftermarket lights?
@MrAndrewtoronto I had the same problem. I had to completely remove the cover on the switch assembly. You have to get all the grease out of the grooves and contacts. It is easy to reassemble and it worked fine after that. Make sure all the switches are working before you reassemble it.
I greatly appreciate this video! The clicking in my 2001 Grand Am had been intermittent for a long time, but became constant recently. I had read before that the contacts could be cleaned, but never saw enough of a tutorial how to get in far enough to clean them.
The cost of one Torx 25 and one Torx 10 screwdriver plus this video saved me quite a lot of money and headache!
@chkwalla Ya this is definitely worth DIY. The stealership would pretend to not know what it was then charge you for an hour + troubleshooting then probably sell you a new blinker assembly. Also other honest mechanics would likely speculate the relay or hazard switch costing time or money. Easy fix and worth it.
after 5 years of dealing with the clicker I finally had the patience to fix it. (didn't bother me since I always have the radio on and barely notice unless someone else is in the car) But this tutorial helped A LOT and saved me $50 from replacing it completely.
now my only issue my left turn signal (due to rear left bulb replacement) ticks faster then the right but the bulbs are all fine. any suggestions?
@fusionspill It sounds to me that you have the wrong bulb in. There are often bulbs that "fit" but are a different wattage and sometimes even different pin-outs which can short out or cause issues. I would confirm the exact specific bulb part number of both sides. (I believe it should be a 3157 but not sure). It could also be possible that the new replacement bulb is bad. Other way to confirm is switch the bulbs and see if the problem follows to the other side. You would then know for sure.
@fusionspill How Flasher works: As the bulb is supplied current the flasher heats up When it reaches a certain temp it switches off until it cools to a certain temp This is usually a consistent rate of flash If a bulb of higher wattage is used the flasher gets to that temp a little faster and causes a faster flashing. Also same thing if using LED bulbs (lower wattage slower flash) The flashers rarely fail and there is only one for both sides. Dont forget to check ALL of the bulbs even the fronts
tried it on my wifes pontiac, but didnt work on hers. however it really easy to take apart and get to, id definitly recomment tryin it., it work on alot of em it seems
@79lance So you are still having a random clicking when the blinkers are not on.? Did you see the previous posts where others have scuffed or lightly sanded the contacts? Cleaning wont always work once the contact has worn and corroded enough. Also there is one case here where the Hazard switch itself was at fault but that is much much more uncommon and costly.... Let us know when you find a solution. Thanks
yea but not as bad, after the cleaning and sandng it did slow it down and now mainly does it when i turn the wheel. your video was really easy to follow and it made a diffrence, and seems to work on alot of em. hers was just to far gone i guess. ihad replaced the hazard button b4 i found your vid. lol my next idea was, i went to a junkyard an picked up the whole thing for 30 dollars, (it clicks to), and im gonna clean it an hopefully itl fix that one completely and i'll just install it. :)
I have a 2001 Alero, started acting funny this morning. Whole bunch of websites out there suggesting to change the relay attached to the hazard switch. I never did change out the hazard switch and was doubtful that was the solution. Lucky I found this youtube video and was able to clean up my switch and for now it looks like it works. one word of warning, if the switch does not sit back just right when you put it back chances are likely you are bending the horn connecter. Press it back!
Well, I got'er out & all cleaned off & re-greased with dielectric lube & now it's clickin' non-stop after a left or right turn position. ??????????? !@#$%#@!!! Should I just get a new one from Autozone or what, bud? Like 94.00 bucks, though. Now what?
@mswilhelm74 When you say its clicking after a left or right turn. Do the blinkers flash and not turn off or is it just the annoying clinking noise without blinkers flashing?
@mswilhelm74 I too had this problem, i too cleaned and dielectric and didn't fix this, I then took a small fine sasnd paper, then sanded to contracts and copper. after sanding and reinstall, all clicking was stopped
I hope some else sees this and can try this. I just same me 100.00 with tax at autozone
@hejul2 Great. Thank you for the tip and thanks for trying it. Yes depending on how bad your contacts are the sanding is very possibly needed. The one I fixed was VERY dirty and almost dry so once the contacts dry out then the corrosion starts. (The dielectric grease is to protect the contacts from future issues). Very good point again thank you for posting your tip.
I don't have an issue with the blinker making an annoying clicking sound. I have a problem with the turn signals. They work off and on. I've been reading a lot about there being a faulty flasher switch on the 2002 grand am. Does that sounds right to you? Thanks
@WprEmiere1985 It could still be in the turn signal switch. One way to tell is to turn your hazard switch on. If you have problems when you turn the hazard switch on than it is likely the culprit (walk around the car and make sure all the lights are flashing properly). If it's only when you use the turn signal that I would suspect that at fault. The flasher is part of the hazard switch in this car. So if it is the flasher than the hazard switch needs to be replaced. Let me know what you find out
Once you pull it off without removing the lever it's almost impossible to put back on. You need to remove the steering wheel adjustment lever which is also a bit tricky and tough to describe. There is a very small pin that holds the lever in and a metal spring bracket around the mount that holds the pin in. The pin should be visible on the steering wheel side of the lever mount. Sorry I know that is a poor description but I dont know how to tell you without showing. Let me know if you get it.
when i did this it didnt fix my problem right away, where the contacts touch above them is also copper and that needed to be cleaned too, once i did that i have not heard the clicking since. this might be the answer to some peoples problems with it not fixing it.
maccook1987 5 days ago
I tried your version to fix the problem and the sound is still there.. i also replaced the flasher switch coz someone else recommended it. So Idk what to do now... What else do you think it could be..
pkhay 5 days ago
I had the same problem on a 2003 Gran Am and noticed that the dielectric grease had become contaminated with particulates from contacts wearing over the years creating a conductive bridge between the contacts creating the blinker relay to activate. The conductive bridge will change due to use, temperature etc. If you put to much grease back on the contacts this conductive bridge will occur again.
stoneblue777 1 week ago
NOTE: This is NOT a good DIY project. My car was NOT fixed after doing this and furthermore now my signal will not shut off after a turn and my horn no longer works. DONT ATTEMPT THIS FIX.
mattdidit84 2 weeks ago
@mattdidit84 and yes I saw where he mentioned the pins in the video for the horn. My pins contact the copper plate behind the steering wheel correctly.
mattdidit84 2 weeks ago
@MrAndrewtoronto i have the same car and the same problem, i tried this and still getting the clicking noise as well.
grussy34 1 month ago
Great video. I had the same exact problem and got a good deal on the whole signal unit, so I decided to replace the whole unit. Really simple to do and so far the clicking noise has gone away.
The blinker still seems to be intermittent though. Sometimes when I start the car up the blinker doesn't work right away and then after a few minutes it will work and continue to work until I turn the car off again.
Not sure if it's because it's brand new or what. Any ideas?
trainsoscale 1 month ago
Thanks for posting this video. I have the issue with random clicking, would this also fix my rear passenger side turn signal as well?
filipina1979 2 months ago
2003 grand am GT
staplesna 3 months ago
Awesome video, easy job after you see how it's done. The clicking noise is gone, only problem is now when the turn signals are used....they don't turn back off themselfs when I straighten out after a corner. Any ideas?
staplesna 3 months ago
@staplesna If you pause at 1:47 you can see on the left side of the assembly a white rod approximately 1-2inces long. That is the switch that turns the turn signals off after a turn. I would look into it and or where the steering wheel contacts this switch
GPSNW 3 months ago
@staplesna If you pause at 1:47 you can see on the left side of the assembly a white rod approximately 1-2inces long. That is the switch that turns the turn signals off after a turn. I would look into it and or where the steering wheel contacts this switch. (Also this switch is visibly moving at 2:35 when Im actually flipping the turns signal lever back and forth.
GPSNW 3 months ago
Great video, just did this and everything went smoothly....many thanks!
apollo122345678 4 months ago
Tried this and it worked, but once everything was put back together the horn and dash lights no longer work. I checked the fuses and they're all fine. Any ideas?
dtownj2002 5 months ago
@dtownj2002 Watch the video closely there is a purple disk with a copper ring that is the contact for the horn. There is a pin in the assembly that you removed to clean that contacts the copper/purple ring. If the pin is not contacting it the horn will not work. As far as the dash lights I would check all of you connections. There are three plugs. Make sure they are all in all the way. If you still have trouble let me know. Is it only the dash lights that are out?
GPSNW 5 months ago
@GPSNW I figured the horn out and the dash lights problem was a fuse that I forgot to check. Thanks for your help.
dtownj2002 5 months ago
Thanks. The dealer wanted 100 for flat rate electrical diagnosis, 275 for a new switch, and 100 for labor to install it. I called gm and complained...no help.
fall22123 5 months ago
thanks a lot this really worked!
MrPendejo1321 6 months ago
Thx again, forgot to mention, you saved me $250. Thx.
MrAndrewtoronto 6 months ago
hi there, i have a 03 GA. I had the problem since i bought the car. I followed your instructions and cleaned the contacts. But still getting the clicking noise. Any more ideas???????????
MrAndrewtoronto 6 months ago
@MrAndrewtoronto in some situations the contacts are worn beyond the point of repair. It is possible that you may need to actually replace the switch (turn signal assembly). Im really not sure off the top of my head. Do you have aftermarket lights?
GPSNW 6 months ago
@GPSNW
When I checked for the noise right after the repair, it was still there. But now its gone. Thank you for taking the time to reply.
MrAndrewtoronto 6 months ago
@MrAndrewtoronto I had the same problem. I had to completely remove the cover on the switch assembly. You have to get all the grease out of the grooves and contacts. It is easy to reassemble and it worked fine after that. Make sure all the switches are working before you reassemble it.
fall22123 5 months ago
@DanceMonkeez Clean & grease the used one before you put it in.
GPSNW 6 months ago
I greatly appreciate this video! The clicking in my 2001 Grand Am had been intermittent for a long time, but became constant recently. I had read before that the contacts could be cleaned, but never saw enough of a tutorial how to get in far enough to clean them.
The cost of one Torx 25 and one Torx 10 screwdriver plus this video saved me quite a lot of money and headache!
chkwalla 7 months ago
@chkwalla Ya this is definitely worth DIY. The stealership would pretend to not know what it was then charge you for an hour + troubleshooting then probably sell you a new blinker assembly. Also other honest mechanics would likely speculate the relay or hazard switch costing time or money. Easy fix and worth it.
GPSNW 6 months ago
after 5 years of dealing with the clicker I finally had the patience to fix it. (didn't bother me since I always have the radio on and barely notice unless someone else is in the car) But this tutorial helped A LOT and saved me $50 from replacing it completely.
now my only issue my left turn signal (due to rear left bulb replacement) ticks faster then the right but the bulbs are all fine. any suggestions?
fusionspill 7 months ago
@fusionspill It sounds to me that you have the wrong bulb in. There are often bulbs that "fit" but are a different wattage and sometimes even different pin-outs which can short out or cause issues. I would confirm the exact specific bulb part number of both sides. (I believe it should be a 3157 but not sure). It could also be possible that the new replacement bulb is bad. Other way to confirm is switch the bulbs and see if the problem follows to the other side. You would then know for sure.
GPSNW 7 months ago
@fusionspill How Flasher works: As the bulb is supplied current the flasher heats up When it reaches a certain temp it switches off until it cools to a certain temp This is usually a consistent rate of flash If a bulb of higher wattage is used the flasher gets to that temp a little faster and causes a faster flashing. Also same thing if using LED bulbs (lower wattage slower flash) The flashers rarely fail and there is only one for both sides. Dont forget to check ALL of the bulbs even the fronts
GPSNW 7 months ago
Well done video, very thorough and intelligently described.
mypalrocco 7 months ago
tried it on my wifes pontiac, but didnt work on hers. however it really easy to take apart and get to, id definitly recomment tryin it., it work on alot of em it seems
79lance 9 months ago
@79lance So you are still having a random clicking when the blinkers are not on.? Did you see the previous posts where others have scuffed or lightly sanded the contacts? Cleaning wont always work once the contact has worn and corroded enough. Also there is one case here where the Hazard switch itself was at fault but that is much much more uncommon and costly.... Let us know when you find a solution. Thanks
GPSNW 8 months ago
yea but not as bad, after the cleaning and sandng it did slow it down and now mainly does it when i turn the wheel. your video was really easy to follow and it made a diffrence, and seems to work on alot of em. hers was just to far gone i guess. ihad replaced the hazard button b4 i found your vid. lol my next idea was, i went to a junkyard an picked up the whole thing for 30 dollars, (it clicks to), and im gonna clean it an hopefully itl fix that one completely and i'll just install it. :)
79lance 8 months ago
@79lance Cool good luck with the new one. It is thankfully an easy fix.
GPSNW 8 months ago
thanks man i just tried your fix and it worked like a charm !
Mr97910 9 months ago
thanks worked
Dreamer13VL 10 months ago
oh, and of course. THANK YOU!!!!!!
r3stl3sseye 10 months ago
I have a 2001 Alero, started acting funny this morning. Whole bunch of websites out there suggesting to change the relay attached to the hazard switch. I never did change out the hazard switch and was doubtful that was the solution. Lucky I found this youtube video and was able to clean up my switch and for now it looks like it works. one word of warning, if the switch does not sit back just right when you put it back chances are likely you are bending the horn connecter. Press it back!
r3stl3sseye 10 months ago
Well, I got'er out & all cleaned off & re-greased with dielectric lube & now it's clickin' non-stop after a left or right turn position. ??????????? !@#$%#@!!! Should I just get a new one from Autozone or what, bud? Like 94.00 bucks, though. Now what?
mswilhelm74 11 months ago
@mswilhelm74 When you say its clicking after a left or right turn. Do the blinkers flash and not turn off or is it just the annoying clinking noise without blinkers flashing?
GPSNW 11 months ago
@mswilhelm74 I too had this problem, i too cleaned and dielectric and didn't fix this, I then took a small fine sasnd paper, then sanded to contracts and copper. after sanding and reinstall, all clicking was stopped
I hope some else sees this and can try this. I just same me 100.00 with tax at autozone
hejul2 11 months ago
@hejul2 Great. Thank you for the tip and thanks for trying it. Yes depending on how bad your contacts are the sanding is very possibly needed. The one I fixed was VERY dirty and almost dry so once the contacts dry out then the corrosion starts. (The dielectric grease is to protect the contacts from future issues). Very good point again thank you for posting your tip.
GPSNW 11 months ago
I don't have an issue with the blinker making an annoying clicking sound. I have a problem with the turn signals. They work off and on. I've been reading a lot about there being a faulty flasher switch on the 2002 grand am. Does that sounds right to you? Thanks
WprEmiere1985 1 year ago
@WprEmiere1985 It could still be in the turn signal switch. One way to tell is to turn your hazard switch on. If you have problems when you turn the hazard switch on than it is likely the culprit (walk around the car and make sure all the lights are flashing properly). If it's only when you use the turn signal that I would suspect that at fault. The flasher is part of the hazard switch in this car. So if it is the flasher than the hazard switch needs to be replaced. Let me know what you find out
GPSNW 1 year ago
Yup, it was the hazard warning switch. Works just fine now @GPSNW
WprEmiere1985 1 year ago
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
It worked GREAT.
I followed your instructions and it was a quick and easy fix. The GM dealership did not know how to fix the problem.
God Bless You
ILResQU708 1 year ago
thanks SOO SOOO MUCH for this that sound was driving me INSANE
subyoooyoy 1 year ago
Once you pull it off without removing the lever it's almost impossible to put back on. You need to remove the steering wheel adjustment lever which is also a bit tricky and tough to describe. There is a very small pin that holds the lever in and a metal spring bracket around the mount that holds the pin in. The pin should be visible on the steering wheel side of the lever mount. Sorry I know that is a poor description but I dont know how to tell you without showing. Let me know if you get it.
GPSNW 1 year ago
man i heard about this but i took the bottom cover off and cant get it back on. . . is there a easy way to get that back on?
MrGlwelch 1 year ago