Intermittent Signal light Malfuction Possible Fix

[HyperFox]

Just recently had a problem with my 2007 GC and I fixed it myself. I thought it would be a good idea to pass on my findings and as It might be of some use to someone else out there someday.

Problem:

Intermittent failure or malfunction of the turn signals.
Occasionally when the turn signal lever is activated to turn on the passenger's side signal lights, the drivers side signal lights activate, or no passengers side signal lights activate at all.

Solution:

I undid the 3 screws on the underside of the steering column cover, and removed the top and bottom halves which are held in by clips. These are phillips (star head) screws, black in color.

I removed the turn signal power leads by depressing the red clip on the male end of the connector then pulled the connector out of its female portion by pressing clip downwards.

Next I unscrewed the two phillips screws on the tun signal module that bolt into the column itself, removing the module.

I noted the module was covered in a light wieght grease, which was brown in color, and was oozing out of every orafice. I cleaned this off. Next with an air compressor set to 80 psi and a narrow blowing tip, I blasted the excess grease out of the module, and removed it with paper towel.

Assembly is reverse of removal.

Hypothesis:
I believe the source of the excess grease is coming from the steering shaft itself, as it is open so the cog can strike the tab on the turn signal module to turn the signal off when the tab is struck. I believe the grease seeps onto the tab and is transfered into the module, causing a build up and malfunction.

Vehickle spec:
2007 Dodge Grand Caravan Special edition fleet quick order package with stow-n-go. 3.3L v6. 60,343km.

Hope this helps somone out as the module costs $50+

[bulldog van]

Probably your switch had loose contacts that resolved during disassembly/re-assembly, because I have a spare switch from mopar and they come pre-lubed.

bulldog van

[HyperFox]

Hard to say. All I know, is it works now.

[PCE Scott]

This just started happening to my van 2 days ago. Rust, failing brake lines and now this. I now understand why these vans have pathetic resale value. I bought the van because it was such a good deal and I am learning about what a good deal I got.

HyperFox, thanks for your writeup, I will give it a try.

[RIP]

Great info. thanks for passing it along. At the least , we now know how easy it is to change the switch if need be.

[PCE Scott]

I fixed my turn signal on Sunday watching the Bengals. Like HyperFox, I just took it apart, wiped all the grease off (quite a bit in there) and put it back together.

I think this is a pretty serious safety issue but at least it is easy to fix. I just wonder if you went to a dealer what they would do to fix it (and charge you!).

[Jason]

I thought the "reverse" turn signal thing happened to me once on the road. I never could get it to do it again, though. And I must have missed this post when it was first posted. Thanks for the write-up!

[eljefe91]

Thanks Hyperfox. I've had this problem for over a year and it's been frustrating. I have to get the car inspected every year (Massachusetts) so I ended up timing the inspection last Dec for a time when the signal was working. I already paid a mechanic $90 to change the relay to no avail. I will follow your procedures when my wife brings the van home today.

[AzTraveller]

Originally Posted by bulldog van

Probably your switch had loose contacts that resolved during disassembly/re-assembly, because I have a spare switch from mopar and they come pre-lubed.

They do come prelubed, to allow them to rub, but not wear out too fast. The grease oozes out when there is excessive heat, caused by the contacts becoming warn (loose/intermittent) and getting hot when you switch them. Once you have access to it, you may wish to adjust the tension on the contacts, or simply replace it, since you're there, and "no worries".

[eljefe91]

I took mine apart today but discovered that the grease in there was to lube the parts of the switch so I left it alone. I may go to a junkyard to get a replacement. How common is this problem?