Fix Grand Am Turn Signals

While driving, do turn signals continue making the turn-signal clicking noise for a random length of time, usually right after a turn? Sometimes completing a turn may reset the clicking sound, but over time the problem becomes worse so that the clicking noise occurs spontaneously. This problem affects the multifunction switch used in Pontiac Grand Am models from 1999-2005. Here are some steps to fix the turn signals in these Grand Am's and have your car running back to normal.

Steps

Initial Steps

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable
  2. Remove the two outer #25-Torx, or 9/32 socket drive screws from the underside of the steering column. The center one can stay since it only holds the bottom half of the plastic surround to the steering column. The top and bottom parts of the plastic snap together.
  3. Gently pull to separate the two pieces. Remove the top plastic only (the bottom plastic does not matter).
  4. Take note of E in the photo. This is the spring-loaded horn ring contact pin that provides electrical connection between the horn ring on the steering column, with the horn contact inside the multi-function switch. It is shown already raised from the face of the horn ring. [delete-->de-actuator switch that stops the blinkers and making a turn]. Note how it is only sticking out about 1/8” – this will be important later.
  5. Remove the single #25-Torx screw (A) on the top of the multi function switch (it is already removed in this photo). Gently lift up on the multifunction switch so that you can get to the wiring connectors B, C, and D. Detach the three wiring connectors in order of B, C, and D. Remove the multifunction switch.
  6. Try cleaning contacts from the outside There should be contaminated grease in the slots between the any of the contacts above screw #3 in the photo. Try removing this with a q-tip, toothpick or small flat head screwdriver.

What To Do If Further Cleaning Is Needed

  1. If cleaning from the outside didn't work, take the unit apart and clean it further. Remove the 7 #10-Torx screws from the multifunction switch. A straight screwdriver can help because it is difficult to reach with a driver & socket Torx set. There is a small catch-tab on the windshield-washer handle side (#8).
  2. Remove the cover. Clean the grease off the contacts and copper switch plate (q-tips and rubbing alcohol work well). You will probably notice that the grease has bridged the some of the slots in switch plate. You may wish to re-grease the plates, but it is somewhat optional. The grease may help the parts slide a little easier, but grease also attracts dirt, so it is a difficult choice.
  3. Reverse the steps to install. Be careful of the spring. It must go onto the metal peg and into the deep plastic well (shown in the previous photo) when snapping the top and bottom pieces of the multifunction switch back together. This is the spring-loaded horn-ring contact pin (E shown in the first photo).
  4. Retighten the #10-Torx screws in this order: #5, 6, 3, 4, 2, 1, 7.

Final Steps

  1. Gently slide the multifunction switch back onto the steering column. Follow the order of the arrows in the photo. However, do not slide it all the way down, otherwise you may break the plastic tabs. (In the photo, plastic tab #1 is already broken off, but it does not affect the multifunction switch’s functionality). Reattach the 3 wiring harnesses.
  2. Gently work the multifunction switch down onto the steering column while making sure the plastic tabs enter cleanly. Take a small straight screwdriver and gently push in the horn-ring contact pin [delete-->de-actuator switch] while working the whole unit down. You will know the multifunction switch is properly seated when it is flush with the steering column and the spring-loaded horn-ring contact pin makes contact with the metal face, NOT the edge, of the horn ring.
    • If you fail to do this, the brass horn ring can be damaged and the horn may go off whenever the steering wheel is moved, or the driver's horn switch will not work at all.



Tips

  • In Step 2, separating the upper and lower plastic surround pieces may be difficult. It may be helpful to remove the central #25 Torx screw to gain enough leverage to separate them. Use your hands to pull the pieces apart. The upper section opens upwards in a clamshell fashion, and then it can be pulled forward and away from the steering column.
  • In Step 4: The contaminated grease can be either green, black, brown or a combination of these colors. Use a small screwdriver to remove contaminants bridging any of the gaps. The grease can be hard or crusty, but be careful not to damage the contacts. Don't forget to clean in the areas where the connectors attach to the switch itself.
  • In Step 3, Connector C may be difficult to separate from the multifunction switch. It may be helpful to remove the multifunction switch from the mounting on the column, then rotate the switch for better access to Connector C.

Things You'll Need

  • Torx-#25 or 9/32" socket (required)
  • Torx-#10 (required)
  • Small flat screwdriver (recommended)
  • Flashlight (recommended)
  • 20 - 45 minutes based on your mechanical aptitude

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