Reply #36: There are two major parts in the system... [View All]

[punpirate]

... besides the lights and their associated wiring--the turn signal switch, which is part of the combo switch (which controls highbeam/lowbeam, windshield washer and wiper and turn signals, and cruise on, if you have it).

The other major part is the turn signal flasher.

But, I'd be suspicious if he said you need "everything replaced." One of those parts is bad. The switch is the much more expensive item (~$250). The flasher is quite cheap (under $10). Because of your description of the symptoms (particularly the weak-sounding clicking from the flasher), I would have the flasher replaced first. Almost any auto electric shop can do that for you at minimal labor cost. You won't be out much money to give that a try.

If it then turns that the flasher doesn't help, you can be reasonably certain it's the switch, and an auto electric shop can also give you a second estimate compared to the dealer. They will install exactly the same part as the dealer would--when I look around, I see people selling an AC Delco part--ACDELCO P/N D6229A w/o cruise control, ACDELCO P/N D826A with cruise control.

Hope that helps. Cheers.

On edit, I should add that some flashers will not work with a bulb on one side burned out--there's not enough load to make the flasher work. If you had a bulb burned out on each side, that could make you think the whole flasher system wasn't working.