# Turn Signals Work Periodically

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/turn-signals-work-periodically/68099>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** chevrolet, malibu\
**Created:** [September 21, 2011, 8:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/turn-signals-work-periodically/68099 "2011-09-21T20:57:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jacunn2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e95f7d/32.png) [@jacunn2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jacunn2)\
**Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 8:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/turn-signals-work-periodically/68099/1 "2011-09-21T20:57:12Z")

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I have a 2003 Chevy Malibu - periodically, they turns signals decide not to work. I don’t know that one thing in particular causes them not to work. What could be the issue and is this something I can fix easily (I’m a novice), cheaply and quickly myself? I’m planning on selling this car privately in the next few months and I don’t want to drop anymore money than needed.

Thanks!

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**Author:** ![oldoutbackowner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ce73a5/32.png) [@oldoutbackowner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldoutbackowner)\
**Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 11:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/turn-signals-work-periodically/68099/2 "2011-09-21T23:36:55Z")

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Do both turn signals not work? How about the emergency flashers? Have you checked the fuse(s)?

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**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2011, 2:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/turn-signals-work-periodically/68099/3 "2011-09-22T02:12:27Z")

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GM multifunction switches of this era have a higher than expected rate of failure. I replaced the multifunction switch (turn, cruise, wipers, etc) on my 2000 Blazer 3 or 4 years back. The switch cost ~$200 and took a few hours to replace. It’s not something you want to guess at.

Before replacing the switch, I used CRC Electrical Contact Cleaner to clean the contacts at the base of the switch on the steering column. The turn signals worked for a few days after the cleaning, perhaps you will have better luck.

Ed B.