Turn signal noise even when off, and smoke from the steering column.

I just found this forum and I'm seeing a lot of people with the same exact problem. I have a 1998 Blazer and the dang turn signal keeps clicking even when there's no signal on. It was mostly just annoying until the other day. I stopped to get gas and was planning on taking a trip. I pulled into the gas station with that stupid clicking noise going on, and all of sudden I had smoke coming from my steering wheel column. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem with their clicking problem. Anyway I removed the darned turn signal fuse to stop the clicking and hopefully keep this major P.O.S. from burning to the ground. Any help is greatly appreciated.

You column multifunction switch or the harzard switch has burnt out.

Once you leave the smoke out, the part is bad.

From all the discussion on this that I've seen (and my own experience with my '98 Blazer), I'm guessing the smoke is from some of the grease that is shorting the contacts in the multifunction switch burning off. I'm hoping with mine that enough of the crap that has migrated to the contacts will eventually burn or otherwise move out of there and the flasher will stop clicking on it's own someday. Until then, I just play the stereo a little louder than normal.

bigkane01,

I've got the same problem with my wife's 98 Blazer; figured the problem is in the column (shorted wiring), because I can change the frequency of the flashes by adjusting the tilt of the steering wheel. To rule out the flasher, I thought I'd replace it ($12), but that wasn't it. Without the flasher, I have no signal capability. Also, both the hazards and signals work fine, so I have trouble believing that either the multi-function lever or hazard switch would be defective. Another quirky feature, is that the chattering of the flasher seems to either increase, or subside a bit, while applying the brake, wierd. My wife just added that when the brake is fully applied, the noise stops.

Please let me know if you've found anything. I have done some column work on my older vehicle, but it no airbag; I'm not looking forward to taking this one apart, but I may have to. With schematics, and dis-assembly instructions, I know I can find the problem, but time and ambition are lacking. If anyone out there reading this, knows of an easy way to get the schematic, I'd appreciate the input.

Thanks, kdog.

You column multifunction switch or the harzard switch has burnt out.

BlazerLT,

I just replaced the multi-function switch on my wife's 98 Blazer, and that solved the problem. When I called the parts dept at a local Chevy dealership, and gave them her VIN #, they told me the replacement part # is 26100852. Although a co-worker of mine, who also works part-time at CarQuest, ordered it for $143, a web search for this part# showed it to be available for $125 at mnrelectronics.com. I know it sounds pricy, but when you consider that the hazard switch, the horn signal, connections to the brake and ignition switches, etc., are all incorporated in this one part, I guess that explains the $$$.

Thanks for the help.

BlazerLT,

I just replaced the multi-function switch on my wife's 98 Blazer, and that solved the problem. When I called the parts dept at a local Chevy dealership, and gave them her VIN #, they told me the replacement part # is 26100852. Although a co-worker of mine, who also works part-time at CarQuest, ordered it for $143, a web search for this part# showed it to be available for $125 at mnrelectronics.com. I know it sounds pricy, but when you consider that the hazard switch, the horn signal, connections to the brake and ignition switches, etc., are all incorporated in this one part, I guess that explains the $$$.

Thanks for the help.

You got it bro, glad to have helped you out. ;)

Hey thanks for sharing. I haven't had time to try and replace mine yet. I've been working way too much lately. But I really appreciate your info. Thanks again. Oh I was also gonna ask, about how long it took ya?

Hey thanks for sharing. I haven't had time to try and replace mine yet. I've been working way too much lately. But I really appreciate your info. Thanks again. Oh I was also gonna ask, about how long it took ya?

big kane,

It's too difficult to tabulate the total amount of time I worked on it...my tool inventory leaves a lot to be desired. After having done the job, I'd estimate that if I had to repeat it, with the right tools, it would take me a little over an hour.

This job could be so much easier if all you had to do was remove the steering column covers. But there's not enough clearance, so the steering wheel has to come off.

The first part, removing the airbag, is easy. Remove the airbag fuse and disconnect the battery. A 7mm socket does most of the work for the entire job. You'll need this to remove the knee bolster panel and for the retaining bolt on the bulkhead connector. The bulkhead connector and the yellow Connector Position Assurance connector can be reached by rotating the panel without removing the parking brake release cable. After disconnecting the yellow connector, you can remove the airbag by prying each of the 4 leaf springs away from the notched pins of the airbag assy.

I've been able to remove the steering wheel on my old Safari with a huge washer and a 3-jaw puller, but that wouldn't break the bond on this one. So I had to break down and make a run for a decent steering wheel puller. The lower part of the steering column cover is held by 2 torx screws, but the the upper piece is secured by a bolt with a head that resembles a torx bit. Perhaps you have a socket to fit this. But I resorted to breaking it loose with a small open end wrench. Then I found that a 4mm socket fit quite snugly over it for the remainder of its extraction.

Beside the 2 connectors that slide into the bulkhead connector, there are 2 other smaller ones. I think one of them connects to the brake switch, and the smaller one might connect to the ignition switch; I'm not sure. Whatever its function, its difficult to reach. It sits on top of the column, and it may add to your time if you're not much of a contortionist.

All that remains is to cut the wire ties for the harness, and removing the 2 torx screws that hold the defective part in place. Installation is much easier than the removal.

I hope I haven't insulted your intelligence with my explanation of how to do the job; don't know you well enough to understand your level of expertise. Myself, I'm somewhat of a rookie, so I need as much help as I can get. Hope this will help you.
kevin (k-dog)

Thanks so much. That will help out a lot. I'm no mechanic myself, I have changed things like plugs, and various sensors, alternators, you know simple things like that. But this will help me out greatly. Thanks again.

Bigkane

I had to replace my 98's multifunction switch too (the hazard clicker was going non-stop). These 98s have all the same problems...

I had the same problem with my 99 Bravada, but I managed to replace the multifunction switch without pulling the steering wheel. I did have to take the dashboard "gage bezel" off to have enough clearance to undo the screws. Wasn't easy, but it sure beat paying the dealer....

I had a recal on my 2000 LT for a turn signal problem. I wonder if it was for this problem? It's a lot stiffer now that they did what ever they did to it.

I had the same problem with my 98 Jimmy. Heres a little trick. Dont remove the air bag & steering wheel, instead use a torx bit & a 1/4 wrench to remove the screw on the top of the turn signal switch. You will have just enough room to fit the bit. It worked for me & saves alot of time & trouble.

I had the same problem with my 98 Jimmy. Heres a little trick. Dont remove the air bag & steering wheel, instead use a torx bit & a 1/4 wrench to remove the screw on the top of the turn signal switch. You will have just enough room to fit the bit. It worked for me & saves alot of time & trouble.
Welcome to the site. Thats a good tip, how ever, this thread is now almost 4 years old.