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Blinker prblems

3K views 10 replies 6 participants last post by  bicdaddy 
#1 ·
When I bought my WJ and test drove it, the left blinker only worked intermittently. By this I mean that it would not come on right away after pulling the handle, but if I gave the steering wheel column a little tap, it would come on. The dealer said that they would fix it before I brought it home so they just changed the front bulb and it worked for them. It was fine for a while but them the problem returned. I brought it back in and they did the same thing, they said that the bulb was loose and not making contact. I don't know why that would prevent the front and rear blinker from working tho, the little flashing arrow on the dash wouldn't even come on until I gave it a little tap. It only got worse after that, eventually tapping the steering column didn't work anymore and I had to resort to turning on the blinker then turning the flashers on and off or just driving down the road with them on (when no one was around) until the blinker would remain lit. You have no idea how annoying it is to do that everytime you want to make a left turn in the middle of town. One thing I have noticed tho is that when the Jeep is cold, it is almost impossible to get it to stay on, but if it's been sitting in the sun all day, it is a lot easier and sometimes it works just fine. Just recently tho, it's almost stopped working completely and now the right blinker is doin the same thing. I have no idea what is goin on but I have to get it properly fixed fast, quick and in a hurry. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.


P.S. Sorry for the massive post..
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Same thing on my mothers 03 WJ Limited H.O. Actually sounds like some of the exact sh** she did too. She also said that if she turned the steering wheel to the hard left it would make it work. It did a few times but i think it was just coincidence.

My memory is kinda vague but it is the switch "block" control unit thing or whatever it is called that is for the turn signal that went bad. It was the left turn signal also that was intermittent then it eventually died. I think its something like this. http://www.speedycarparts.com/sku/Jeep_Grand-Cherokee_Omix_Turn-Signal-Switch_2001_2004_O321723420.html?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=00034009390006901_0400295636

But i have no idea if it is the same one so dont just jump and buy it lol. Looks like its for certain years any how. IT would be a cool idea to also if when you try this out it could be returned if need be but out of the 2 people that have had this problem, it was the switch control thing both times.
 
#7 · (Edited)
What do you mean almost impossible to stay on? Does it start up first time? Maybe you need a Engine Block Heater.
LOL, I meant that it's difficult to get the blinker to stay on, not the engine. Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks Mike and Eddie for shedding some light on this for me. I'm just glad that the problem is not in the wiring. I had to replace nearly all of the wiring in my old ZJ after many of the components started to fail. Let me tell you, that was not cheap. I would be happy to pay only $150 or so to get rid of this problem compared to the alternative. Also, luckily for me, my uncle is a mechanic at the dealership where I bought my Jeep, so he and I can use the shop after hours to replace the module, so labor costs won't be more than a case of beer (which has been the going rate for all the help he's given with my Jeep so far). I will definately speak with him in person before I go out and buy this part tho.
 
#4 · (Edited)
I think its some kind of blinker control module in the steering wheel column. This is what the actual lever is attached to. Its all one piece. If the contacts in there are F'd up, the blinker won't work right as your explaining.
 
#5 ·
Yeah i wasn't too sure what was actually replaceable in there but i do know it was something, lol. I didn't think it was as expensive as the link i provided. Maybe someone else can shed some addt'l light on this issue. Unfortunatly i couldnt find the service record for the repair.
 
#6 · (Edited)
That link you provided is exactly what needs to be replaced. They are pretty pricey. I had to replace one that I broke on one of my ex's VW Jetta and it was $300 and change. It because its not just a blinker lever. The headlight switch, fog lights, interior light and dash dimmer is on some of them too. Unfortunately, its all one piece...The Bastards!! Lol. I think the steering wheel had to come off too so they can access it.
 
#8 ·
No problemo Ryan. Like i said it was a fix for two people that i know with WJs and a very very similar issue. So it was my first thought especially when you described the problem. Eddie also hit home a more firm confirmation that i agree with. Hope this works out.
 
#10 ·
I don´t know what the real problem is inside the switch stack, but you could try to get some spray contact cleaner in it to see if that will solve the issue. If its worn inside ofcourse it won´t help, but its worth a try.
 
#11 ·
I took the turn signal multi-function switch out, and plugged in a new one. The left blinker still didn't work. Luckily I didn't 'install' it and got my money back. I then replaced the relay, and it now works like a charm. The turn signal is louder than it has ever been, but it works 100% now.
 
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