Turn signal acting like a blown bulb, sometimes

[typhoon5000]

My turn signals, mostly the passenger side, act as if there is a blown bulb on that side because it flashes very quickly. But it is a problem that cuts in and out. I checked for loose sockets/bulbs and everything seems fine. I noticed if I hit the turn signal arm harder it usually works fine. It also seems to get better as the car warms up . I'm thinking it is dirty contacts inside the turn signal arm on the steering column. Any suggestions/comments?

 

[Black '93]

mine does the same thing sometimes. Once it did need a bulb, and then after I replaced it, the same thing happened. I think it happens more when i have the steering wheel turned a certain way before I click the blinker on. I was thinking that it is either a bad connection and when the contact engages only half way, it makes it think there is a short; or there is some kind of movement in the wiring in there when the wheel is turned and it cant make contact or temporarily shorts itself out on another peice of metal or something.

 

[Black '93]

oh, and i see you have an ATX that is a '93 and black. Thats mine too. What parts are you willing to sell? pm me

 

[Rockledge]

I have a '97 SLO that has a similar issue. The right-hand turn signal likes to act like it has a blown bulb in the circuit, but I've checked (and checked and checked) and such is not the case. However, in my case, it only happens when the interior of the car is cold. After things warm up, the blinker works just fine. This is something I've been watching for a few weeks and right now I'm about 95% sure its related to the interior temperature. So I'm thinking that it might be a problem with the MFS. I'm gonna pull it apart and clean it up, probably this weekend.

 

[typhoon5000]

yea it's the same thing, as the interior temp warms up the problem slowly goes away.

Also I got a stupid question: what's an MFS?

 

[Rockledge]

what's an MFS?

MFS = Multifunction Switch, otherwise known as the "stalk" on the steering column that controls the wipers and turn signals.

This is the general idea as to how to clean it: http://www.shotimes.com/php-bin/mod...e=article&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0&sid=120

 

[Foogler]

Had the same problem here and it progressively got worse. I just changed the entire MFS stalk (me 93 ATX is 13 years old) and all is well. Plus is looks nicer since I can actually read the writing. I think it was about $30 at O'Reily's. Youc an sometimes find them used on ebay.

 

[davidb]

This must be a common problem with these cars because mine does it as well. Only when it is real cold outside.

Dave