2002 Grand AM - Turn signal clicker - and dash lights issue - Any Help appreciated!

In my 2002 Grand Am GT the turn signals work like they should, and when they are initiated - the clicking noise it makes is normal.

However, randomly while driving around, it will click. Sometimes slowly, sometimes like it is on steroids. The signals themselves are NOT going when this is happening - just the silly click noise itself.

This drives my wife absolutely bonkers when we are on the road.

Is there a fix for this? Can I disable the clicking noise itself without disabling the turn signals of course?

Issue 2:
Randomly while driving around - if we hit a bump - the ABS, Traction control lights and one other I think all pop on at the same time (accompanied by the little ding-ding sound). They go away each time the car is turned off, and do not ALWAYS come on while driving.

This bothers me though - because I want to know when the lights are REAL of course.


Thanks to everyone reading this, and any responses!

Issue 1: The switch is dirty. Extremelly common on GA, GM refuse to recall more (yes, some got recalled).
Official fix: replace the 200$ switch assembly. It's the 2 arms on one single unit.

Non-official fix, which work very well: remove the switch, spray some contact cleaner inside where the contacts are. I used some "Electrosolve Contact Cleaner, zero residue" made by MG Chemicals. http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/409b.html

Other brand would work too.

As for your other issue: possibly an abs sensor wire that is about to break... Have the code scanned to know which wheel cause the issue.

edit: beware if you remove the switch: you will see a shiny yellow wire there. Treat it extremelly well, this is the AIRBAG wire! damage it and there is a chance of the airbag that explode in your face.

See the part for $125 at GM Parts Direct.....

There have been problems with the multifunction switch and the hazard switch(this is usually the problem when the turn signals DON'T work).....With the car running, VERY LIGHLY move the directional lever slightly up/down......if you hear the clicking, that is your problem....

Very easy to install.....however, be very careful of the contact switch on the back of it, that contacts the cancel cam......has to be depressed when installed.....

Are we talking big bumps/little bumps? If you have a situation where one tire loses traction(bald tire, one tire in sand or water, one tire loses contact with road surface, etc.), "traction on" light will come on during an acceleration......ABS light should not come on....if it does, there is a code set, and needs to be read....

Tech II - do you agree with the idea of trying contact cleaner as opposed to immediately purchasing a replacement?

Personally, I've never done it, so can't say if it will work......however, since it is easy to remove, top cover pulls off, think there is only one screw on top of unit, couldn't hurt to try.....

Problem sounds like it is inside the switch, not at the external contacts....

Like I said, just nudge the turn signal lever slightly up/down...if it starts to click that is your problem(ignition has to be on).....

I can't speak for TechII, but if it were me, if I was going to go through the trouble of getting to the switch to clean the contacts, I would just replace it when I was there. No sense in doing the job twice.

Tech II - where was it that you found this part for $125?

You said GM Direct - is that a web page?

www.gmpartsdirect.com (http://www.gmpartsdirect.com) is the website. However, it's possible you might be able to find the part for around $100 at Rockauto.com or your local FLAPS.

I didn't mean the connector contact
but the contact inside the switch.
You can see them if you look at the back of the assembly.
Just spray some inside.

Worked for me, did it over 2 years ago. I even got smoke comming out (it will happend to you later if you do nothing, don't worry, it's not fire and not dangerous, just a bit frightening to see a column of smoke). Cleaned, reinstalled, and that's it. 5$ well invested.

I just looked under RockAuto.com for the part.

Please look at the following screen shot and let me know if this is the correct part.

http://www.aaa-computerrepair.com/pictures/grand-am-signalswitch.jpg

If so - there are 4 choices. Which one is the right one to get?

Also - under Gmpartsdirect in their catalog - I think I found the part under: "Collision Catalog - 2002 - Pontiac - Grand Am
Steering column, Shroud switches and levers, Combo switch, Combo switch" - it is $124.57 from there.

Is that the right part as well?

Are all of these aftermarket parts? Or is gmdirect an actual OEM part?

Also - is there a guide anyone knows of for this replacement?

Are there special tools required?

AC Delco & Delphi are the OEM parts that come with GM cars, the others listed are aftermarket parts. Sometimes if you're like me, you have to go with whatever your budget will allow. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=951414. If you look under tips and maimtenance at the very top of the GA section, there is a lot of how-to's for most parts on the GA's.

GM parts Direct, are OEM parts, and are more expensive...

The four at RockAuto, are aftermarket.....when I see something sell for 42 bucks, with all those switches, makes you wonder(Chinese made?)......

Replacement is easy....grab the top cover near the Steering Wheel and lift up....rear part just slides out of hooks.....make sure key is out of ignition.....one 7mm screw on top.....pull unit upward......disconnect the harnesses......when installing, you must depress the contact on the back when installing....there are tabs that help with alignment during installation....

Ok, so I found a youtube video guide and decided to clean the old one rather than replace it (because it isn't really difficult to access the switch).

I could easily see the grease smear that was bridging the connection and causing the false clicks.

I cleaned off the connector part, but left a little of the grease on the two balls that slide. (I know that is a horrible description)

Thanks again guys for all of your help!