Maintenance and Upkeep Discussion HHR maintenance tips ranging from oil change intervals to brake pads and everything in between.

Driver's sight tail light working, but not blinking

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 28, 2017 | 03:52 PM
  #1  
sturz's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: 12-11-2015
Posts: 8
From: Saint Clair Shores, MI
Driver's sight tail light working, but not blinking

Hello all,

I've search a good bit but haven't found a solution to my problem as of yet. So my 2006 HHR LT (w/ 196,xxx) had the driver's side rear blinker intermittently working for a couple of weeks, and now it seems like it has completely stopped working. I changed the bulb yesterday just to make sure it wasn't just the dual-filament bulb, but unfortunately it didn't fix it. I'm thinking because the issue was intermittent there has to be a short somewhere, or maybe has to do with a fuse under the glovebox (I believe?).

Any help or suggestions would be great. I'm about to sell this car and I feel like I won't be able to with this issue.

Thanks
Old Nov 28, 2017 | 04:05 PM
  #2  
donbrew's Avatar
Moderator
 
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,536
From: Fredericksburg,VA
The blinkers are controlled by the BCM. all of the rear lights on each side share a common ground, right below the tail light.

If it was a fuse other things would be affected.

If nobody has been messing with wires it is not likely to be a broken wire.

My guess is the multi-switch. About $35 on eBay, easy DIY.
Old Nov 28, 2017 | 04:15 PM
  #3  
sturz's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: 12-11-2015
Posts: 8
From: Saint Clair Shores, MI
Originally Posted by donbrew
The blinkers are controlled by the BCM. all of the rear lights on each side share a common ground, right below the tail light.

If it was a fuse other things would be affected.

If nobody has been messing with wires it is not likely to be a broken wire.

My guess is the multi-switch. About $35 on eBay, easy DIY.
Thank you. Where is the multi switch located? Is there a more specific name for it or any DIY write-ups?
Old Nov 28, 2017 | 04:40 PM
  #4  
donbrew's Avatar
Moderator
 
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,536
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Sometimes called the turn signal stalk.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...-signal-58531/
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...tically-20022/



Turn Signal Multifunction Switch Replacement
Removal Procedure
Remove the instrument panel cluster trim plate bezel. Refer to Instrument Panel Cluster Trim Plate Bezel Replacement .
Remove the lower steering column trim cover bolts and remove the upper steering column trim cover. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement .
Disconnect the turn signal multifunction switch electrical connectors.
Position the left lower steering column trim cover out of the way,
Depress the switch locking tabs and remove the turn signal multifunction switch (1).
Old Nov 28, 2017 | 04:43 PM
  #5  
sturz's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: 12-11-2015
Posts: 8
From: Saint Clair Shores, MI
Thanks again!
Old Nov 28, 2017 | 07:53 PM
  #6  
RJ_RS_SS_350's Avatar
Moderator
 
Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,512
From: California
Is the front blinker working?
Old Nov 28, 2017 | 08:04 PM
  #7  
sturz's Avatar
Thread Starter
 
Joined: 12-11-2015
Posts: 8
From: Saint Clair Shores, MI
Originally Posted by RJ_RS_SS_350
Is the front blinker working?
Yes, the front signal is working.
Old Nov 28, 2017 | 08:07 PM
  #8  
RJ_RS_SS_350's Avatar
Moderator
 
Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,512
From: California
Then I would be thinking not a short, but a poor connection, an open. Test the wiring, including the socket.
Old Nov 29, 2017 | 10:22 AM
  #9  
Oldblue's Avatar
Administrator
 
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,088
From: Welland,Ont Canada
The wrong bulb can cause an issue, ensure you have the correct bulb. Either take the passengers side bulb for test purposes or try a multi meter test.
I’m voting multi switch, it’s happened before.
Old Nov 29, 2017 | 11:13 AM
  #10  
donbrew's Avatar
Moderator
 
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,536
From: Fredericksburg,VA
I may be changing my vote to the socket since each signal bulb has it's own wire from the BCM.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:21 PM.