turn signal problems

[Stealin hubcaps]

i have a 96 formula

when i turn on my left turn signal, it just stays on solid....all my lights work and my hazards work properly...also in the dash when i turn the left one on the arrow stays solid too....my right blinker works, but it is real delayed, there is like a 1.5 second delay between flashes....i had a friend tell me that it could be a bad ground, and i was wondering if anyone else has any ideas.

[raroZ28]

Does this car have relays under the dash? Might want to check that out.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

The cause is usually a bad bulb filament on the side that won't flash. A bad connection at the bulb will do the same thing. Check bulbs carefully and sockets for corrosion or loose/burned contacts.

[Joe 1320]

The cause is usually a bad bulb filament on the side that won't flash. A bad connection at the bulb will do the same thing. Check bulbs carefully and sockets for corrosion or loose/burned contacts.

Also keep in mind that the bulbs are a dual filiment design. The basic light illumination may work, but the second higher intensity filiment for the brake or turn signal portion may be bad. You should turn on the lights and walk around the car to verify that portion. Then turn on the hazzards and again walk around the car. My bet is that you'll find one high intensity element of a bulb not functioning.

[Stealin hubcaps]

Also keep in mind that the bulbs are a dual filiment design. The basic light illumination may work, but the second higher intensity filiment for the brake or turn signal portion may be bad. You should turn on the lights and walk around the car to verify that portion. Then turn on the hazzards and again walk around the car. My bet is that you'll find one high intensity element of a bulb not functioning.

well, i already did that...all lights and hazzards work fine...so thats not it.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

well, i already did that...all lights and hazzards work fine...so thats not it.

Try replacing the flasher and/or checking the connectors at the base of the steering column.

[SS_CarGuy]

If the filaments are good in the bulbs then it is a bad flasher cannister which is located under the dash to the left of the steering column (if memory serves me right.) On the Camaro, you remove the dash panel under the steering column to get to it....not sure if the Firebird has the same setup or not.

If a bulb goes bad, your turn signals will work but will flash real fast. If the turn signals just come on and don't flash then almost always the cannister is bad. Locate the cannister and head down to your local auto parts store to get a replacement...it should only be a couple of dollars.

[Joe 1320]

If a bulb goes bad, your turn signals will work but will flash real fast. .

I can't comment on 98 and later, but 93-97 this is not the case. I know for a fact that the turn signal will not funtion, the indicator light on the dash will stay on solid and the lights will not flash.

[SS_CarGuy]

I can't comment on 98 and later, but 93-97 this is not the case. I know for a fact that the turn signal will not funtion, the indicator light on the dash will stay on solid and the lights will not flash.

You may be right Joe. I was basing my comments on personal experiences with other cars I owned before my Camaro. But it sure sounds like the cannister is bad and for a few bucks I would replace it to see if it solves the problem.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

The turn signal flasher is to the right of the steering column, not the left.

[Black97]

I can't comment on 98 and later, but 93-97 this is not the case. I know for a fact that the turn signal will not funtion, the indicator light on the dash will stay on solid and the lights will not flash.

I had a similar experience on a car. The turn indicators on one side would stay on. Eventually I found a bulb in the back that had some corrosion on it (it still was working though)???. I cleaned it and everything worked fine for a while. Ended up replacing it and never had the problem again.

[TODD 2000 V6 CAMARO]

Sounds to me like you just need to replace the bulb. My turn signals did the same thing when one of the bulbs went bad. The bulbs are cheap, just change the side that isn't flashing, might be a good way to start before replacing any other parts. Just my $0.02