Russ, Chris and Shannon answer questions about your vehicle on their popular radio show heard Saturdays from 10AM until Noon on WTYM AM 1380 / FM 103.7.
Dear Motor Medics,
I’m having trouble with my turn signals on my 2001 GMC Yukon. They will randomly work on the passenger side and they never shut off after making a left turn. My local shop thinks it’s the turn signal switch but at several hundred dollars to replace I’m a bit reluctant as this is just a truck I use to pull the boat a half dozen times a year and I don’t have the extra funds, they go into my boat. Is the turn signal switch something that can be done at home by me?
Brad in Davis Oklahoma
Dear Brad,
If you have a turn signal switch that has failed it can be replaced at home by most average skilled home repair folks. They are available at most auto parts stores and are usually less than two hundred bucks. The switch controls the wipers, the turn signals and the cruise making it a multi-function switch so it has quite a harness of wires running down the column. If you want to tackle this item for the first time we suggest watching a you tube video about it first and then decide if you want to tackle it or spend the extra for a shop to install it. Different vehicles are set up in different ways with some requiring the removal of more or less parts to do this job so before you tackle one it’s always good to know what you have.
Take care, The Motor Medics
Dear Motor Medics,
My windows on my Dodge Durango are failing one at a time. The passenger rear failed first then the driver’s side followed by the passenger front and now my driver’s side is moving slow. This wasn’t too bad until it got to the driver’s side front. It’s my drive thru window so it has to work guys. I also lost my A/C a few years ago so it would be nice to get some air flow. All of the windows made a grinding noise before they stopped and now the just grind when I try them. I can also push them up and down by hand.
What’s my next step?
Tony in Mason City Iowa
Dear Tony,
Windows are usually a fairly easy fix. The symptom you are describing sounds like a window regulator but you will need to have that verified before you throw parts at it. We wouldn’t want you to spend unneeded money. If it is a regulator that’s a fairly easy fix requiring about an hour of time or so per window to repair. The regulator and motor are an assembly that can be purchased aftermarket or even picked up used for a reasonable price. Some folks choose to do them at home as well. Depending on where you purchase the parts they may even come with instructions if new but watching an online video first is always important. Make sure the tracks are free from dirt too.
Take care, The Motor Medics