How to Troubleshoot the Turn Signal in a 1998 Chevy S-10

The turn signal on your Chevy S-10 operates by an electrical signal sent from the battery that is activated by a switch on the steering column. The line feeds through a signal relay that operates like an automatic on/off switch, which then goes to the turn lamp to either turn it on or off. The fuse panel for a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 is located beneath the dash to the side of the steering column. Troubleshooting a problem turn signal starts with checking the fuses.

• 1

  Remove the fuse panel cover and locate the fuse for the front and rear turn signals. The backside of the cover gives a listing of the specific location for each fuse. Replace any damaged fuses, indicated by a disconnected center wire, burn marks or cracks.

• 2

  Turn the vehicle on and activate the turn signal.

• 3

  Replace the turn signal bulb if the front or rear flashes rapidly without the other one flashing. Replace the relay if the signal activates the light but does not turn it off. The relay switches are two cylindrical plugs, one for each side of the vehicle. The switches are located beneath the dash adjacent to the power outlet. You will have to remove the bolts along the underside of the dash to pull it back. The relays are to the left of the power outlet on the frame, and they just plug into place.

• 4

  Turn the other signal on. Replace the actual switch if neither side lights up at all. Replace only the relay if one side lights up fine and the other side does nothing.