Turning Signal Problem on 03 Avalanche

GeToChKn · May 23, 2013

The blinkers on the left or right side blink really fast. The hazards work normal. All the bulbs appear to be fine and shine good.

I took out the flasher relay module to replace it, but they want like $80 for it and I don't want to dump $80 on it without a way to test.

Any ideas, or how I can test the relay module or something before I dump $80.

the module is part # 10383320 3/6 - w/opt trailering

GMCDriver1 · May 23, 2013

Are you absolutely sure all the bulbs are good? GM is good at installing very small little bulbs on the sides of the taillights and the headlights. The 01 or 02-07 Silverado (not sierra!) had them in the sides of their taillights.

The 99-07 Sierras (Sierra only) had a little small one on the front signal area that would also stay lit when lights are on but flash in sequence to the primary bulb, when that goes out the signals will flash fast too. see picture below.

Type of small itty bulb I am referring to:

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hl=en&biw=1360&bih=662&tbm=isch&tbnid=w-3jdr9k7rZwSM:&imgrefurl=http://autorepair.about.com/od/fixityourself/ss/bulbrepl-rear.htm&docid=bXdsPmpNUWc7YM&imgurl=http://0.tqn.com/d/autorepair/1/0/Y/6/-/-/intro.jpg&w=864&h=648&ei=RXmeUeDPIunFyAGr1YDwAw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:8,s:0,i:104&iact=rc&dur=2951&page=1&tbnh=180&tbnw=256&start=0&ndsp=20&tx=147&ty=43

On the sides of these (not sure they are there or not for the Avalanche)

And here it shows you the small bulb I am talking about for the headlights. (Not the bulb that is replaced)

http://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/2005_Chevrolet_Avalanche_1500_LS_5.3L_V8_FlexFuel/lights/turn_signal_front

The little bulb on this one is to the left on the side of hte housing of the main lower brake/turn/tail lamp.

tanked_darren · May 23, 2013

I've never had to try this on a GM product, but are the hazard relay and the flasher relay the same? If so try switching them.

GeToChKn · May 23, 2013

All the bulbs light up and it does have those small side ones. I may try replacing teh bulbs first. Worst case, I have extra bulbs.

As far as I can tell, the whole flashing/towing/hazard module is 1 $80 module.

gmtech4 · May 24, 2013

there is no symptom listed in GM info for your concern ,,,,,there are 17 DTCs affiliated with the lighting systems,,,,,you may want to get it scanned with a real scanner,,,,

heres the description and operation for the signals/hazards for giggles...

Turn Signal/Hazard Lamps

The IGN E 10 A fuse in the underhood fuse block supplies battery positive
voltage to the turn signal/hazard switch assembly. The FLASH 25 A fuse in the
I/P fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to the turn signal/flasher
module and ground is supplied at G200. When the turn signal switch is placed in
either the left or right position, a voltage signal is completed from the turn
signal switch to the turn sign/flasher module. When the hazard flasher switch is
activated, a ground signal is completed from the turn signal/hazard switch to
the turn sign/flasher module. The turn sign/flasher module then sends an on-off
voltage signal through the LT TRLR, RT TRLR, LT TURN or RT TURN 10 A fuses in
the I/P fuse block to the appropriate turn signal or to all 4 fuses for hazard
operation. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) indicators receive voltage from
the LT TURN and RT TURN fuses as well as the DDM/PDM for the mirror turn
signals. The DDM/PDM has no function or control of the mirror turn signals other
that a pass through connection for the circuits. The audio chime is also
activated when the turn signals are on. When the hazard switch is pressed, all
turn signal lamps will flash including both IPC turn indicators. The front turn
signals are grounded at G100. The rear turn signals are grounded at G401. The
Mirror turn signals are grounded by the DDM/PDM.

GeToChKn · May 24, 2013

Would the DTC code indicated a bad ground or bad flasher module? As it seems to be as many different causes as solutions and trying to narrow it down to the cheapest.

I have a GMC van that had a bad ground from the rear tailights and would blink only on 1 side really fast when the break peddle was on, it would trigger the abs/tcs, etc, and act really wonky and other research seems to indicate that a bad ground causes more erratic wonky things.

A bad bulb usually only seems to affect 1 side that flashes fast, on the side of the car that the bulb is bad. Both sides flash very fast when turned on but hazzards normal. This is leaning me towards the flasher module, but before I dump 90$, is there anyway to test the module or would a DTC indicate a bad flasher?

GeToChKn · May 24, 2013

Changed all the bulbs not that. Starting to think it's the flasher.

gmtech4 · May 25, 2013

i said there could be a code because of 17 avail for the system,,,,

Schematic and Routing
Diagrams | Document ID: 884855

Turn Signal Multifunction

Duelin · May 25, 2013

Follow the body harness from the front to the back and check all connectors. Also pull apart any connectors to see if there is any corrosion. Also if you still feel that you need a flasher module then here is a couple of links. and I am sure there are more.

http://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm-flasher-10383320.html

http://www.oehq.com/oeparts_ACD10383320.htm

GeToChKn · May 26, 2013

Bit of update. Talked to the last owner about this and he said he brought in a year or so ago to have the turning signal level replaced at a dealership and they replaced it, and ever since then, it flashed fast. He brought it back to the dealership like 4 times over the issue and they told him, it's fine, it's the way it works now with the new lever and eventually he gave up as no one would look at.

Could a new/different lever contribute to this problem or did the dealership screw something up and just didn't care to look into it and fix it?

GMCDriver1 · May 26, 2013

are you refering to the multi-function switch/turn signal lever? It could be possible they used the wrong type? Not sure.. That MFS can cause those issues especially if any wires got crossed or shorted or pinched.

GeToChKn · May 26, 2013

are you refering to the multi-function switch/turn signal lever? It could be possible they used the wrong type? Not sure.. That MFS can cause those issues especially if any wires got crossed or shorted or pinched.

Yes, that's the switch and lever the dealership "fixed" for the previous owner. And it was slow before and faster after and the dealership told him that's the way it was now.

GMCDriver1 · May 30, 2013

Not a very compitent dealership in my opinion. Well you can try changing the relay but I'm thinking it is switch related or something in the column then if the bulbs are all ok as you have indicated.

tanked_darren · May 30, 2013

are you refering to the multi-function switch/turn signal lever? It could be possible they used the wrong type? Not sure.. That MFS can cause those issues especially if any wires got crossed or shorted or pinched.

Yes, that's the switch and lever the dealership "fixed" for the previous owner. And it was slow before and faster after and the dealership told him that's the way it was now.

I guess you got a intelligent service rep to give you that response. GM service reps are known for their exceptional intellect.

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GeToChKn · June 6, 2013

Does anyone know if the turning signal switch could be tested, like when you press the signal left, does it simply send a LEFT + GROUND signal down the harness through the fuses to the flasher module?