have a 1989 taurus gl sedan, 3.8liter. the turn signal works sometimes, sometimes not. when it does, sometimes it will slowdown, and stop. bought the flasher unit which mounts under the dash, from the dealership. $58. no change. the 4way flashers work great, but still the turn signal problem.
what should i consider doing next?

 

Flasher? or Flasher Control unit?...

Ensure you are using the correct BULBS....An incorrect bulb can change the "Current Draw" to something a flasher module cannot understand. This will also , eventually , damage the module.

 

unclediezel,

A good suggestion. I went over to advance auto, and got all new bulbs: 3157 for the turn signals, and 194 for the side markers. wasn't much money, and, what the heck, that might be the problem. However, all of the old bulbs were the same numbers. I will post giving the results.

 

Make sure you clean all your sockets inside too, and use some dielectric grease on bulbs contact area when putting new in, to save on corrosion, moisture etc. (or vaseline if not available )

 

Gosh, Mike.B,

why did you wait to make your post until after I replaced all the bulbs? your ideas are great, but too late.

 

if you still have problems start checking grounds on the system.
remember Murphy was an optimist