Hazard/blinker mechanism clicks w/o being activated

I have a 2002 Chevy Malibu with 139000 miles on it. Recently, the device which controls the turn indicators and hazard flashers has decided to start “clicking” on its own - with no prompting from me. It does not activate the lights in any way, and when I do put on my signal(s), it behaves as it should. Everything is ok then. But as soon as the turn is made and the indicator shuts off automatically, the rapid fire clicking resumes - at about twice the normal tempo. I put a new mechanism in it, but that makes no difference. The technicians at the local dealer are scratching their heads over this

and I am clueless. I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

What mechanism. Does this car have a module that controls many of the lighting functions?