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Intermittent turn signal problems 2001 TJ

My 2001 TJ's (4.0 5spd Sahara) turn signals have been intermittently not working at start-up after the Jeep sits a while (as short as ~50 minutes). Hazards work, but moving the turn signal stalk up and down results in no clicking or lights. The signals remain inoperative until the vehicle is driven, usually only a short distance (across parking lot to perhaps a quarter mile), then all function is normal. Dealer has replaced (under extended warranty) first turn signal stalk/switch and today the flasher module under the top of the steering column. Here is the seemingly weird part; tonight the turn signals again did not work (hazards work OK) after the Jeep sat a while; moving the stalk did cause a faint flicker of the signal indicator on the instrument panel that wasn't visible during the day. Also, I noticed that with my foot on the brake, the brake light would go out on the side the turn signal stalk was moved to until the stalk was moved to neutral. Seems like the stalk is switching OK and what ever cuts current to the signalling brake light is working, but the lights don't flash. I'll relay this all to the dealer but I would love to here what the guru's have to say. I am going to let the dealer have the vehicle while out of town so they can see the problem first hand after it has sat. These intermittent things can be a real pain to track down I know. I'll let you all know the problem is in any event after we get it tracked down. Thanks for reading.

Kevin

2001 Jeep TJ Sahara
Reply to
Kevin Grayson
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I'd start checking the wiring and the body grounds. Almost sounds like a bad harness, but can't rule out a bad ground connection.

Reply to
DougW

Second thought. Do you have a tow hitch and lights? If the socket or the wires running to it get damaged, that can cause problems. (not very common, but worth checking)

Reply to
DougW

Reply to
KByington

I do have the Mopar trailer light harness teed into the wiring at the left rear turn signal. I'll let the dealer know. Thanks.

Reply to
Kevin Grayson

Reply to
philthy

Well, the dealer has gone on to replace the instrument panel and the the ignition switch. Still has the problem. A few new things I noticed; the faint flicker issue I noted only happens when the brake pedal is pressed. If I move the turn signal stalk up slowly I could get the right signals to light up continuously, but on the left I could only get the light to flicker as the switch moved down. With the hazards (that always work) I noticed that the left side lights as a steady light first then the right and then goes to flashing both if I press the switch in very slowly; is that normal operation? Also, when ever I activate the turn signals (when they are working) that the initial flash is a rapid double flash (can be not noticed if not paying attention). The first half of the double is much shorter than the second flash. I have also taken to noticing a soft click sound that preceeds the turn signals going back to normal operation; sounds like a softer version of the normal turn signal click.

The dealer most recently had the jeep in the shop with the column cover off and the signals acting up. They pulled and reseated the (replacement) flasher and they started to work. They think that maybe the replacement flasher was bad also. With all the various things that happen (or not) it seems the problem in the turn signal circuit should be able to be isolated or least point to where in the circuit the problem may liy. I suspect a bad wire/connector in the harness somewhere that is intermittent. And thank God for the extended warranty (instrument cluster alone is almost $1000 msrp). I really like this Jeep, it has been otherwise solid and hope they can get this tracked down; not good to not have turn signals in town with snow and ice! I'll keep you all updated and appreciate any suggestions

Kevin

2001 Jeep TJ Sahara p.s. my wife (who is newer than the Jeep) is not very found of the Jeep (getting in and out, etc) and we're expecting next year; she won't be excited about me driving the baby around without all the safety equipment working!
Reply to
Kevin Grayson

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