COMBINATION FLASHER
DESCRIPTION
The combination flasher is located to the back of
the left multi-function switch housing on the top of
the steering column, where it is concealed beneath
the upper steering column shroud (Fig. 5). The com-
bination flasher is a smart relay that functions as
both the turn signal system and the hazard warning
system flasher. The combination flasher contains
active electronic Integrated Circuitry (IC) elements.
This flasher is designed to handle the current flow
requirements of the factory-installed lighting. If sup-
plemental lighting is added to the turn signal lamp
circuits, such as when towing a trailer with lights,
the combination flasher will automatically try to
compensate to keep the flash rate the same.
The combination flasher cannot be repaired or
adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, it must be
replaced.
OPERATION
Constant battery voltage is supplied to the flasher
so that it can perform the hazard warning function,
and ignition switched battery voltage is supplied for
the turn signal function. The Integrated Circuit (IC)
within the combination flasher contains the logic that
controls the flasher operation and the flash rate. The
IC receives sense ground inputs from the multi-func-
tion switch for the hazard flasher, right turn signal,
and left turn signal. A special design feature of the
combination flasher allows it to
9sense9 that a turn
signal circuit or bulb is not operating, and provide
the driver an indication of the condition by flashing
the remaining bulbs in the affected circuit at a
higher rate.
Because of the active elements within the combina-
tion flasher, it cannot be tested with conventional
automotive electrical test equipment. If the combina-
tion flasher is believed to be faulty, test the turn sig-
nal and hazard warning system prior to replacement.
Refer to (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHT-
ING - EXTERIOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the steering column cover from the
instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT
PANEL/STEERING
COLUMN
OPENING
COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the screws that secure the lower steer-
ing column shroud to the upper shroud (Fig. 6).
(4) Move the tilt steering column to the fully low-
ered position and leave the tilt release lever in the
released position.
(5) Remove the upper shroud from the steering col-
umn.
Fig. 4 CHMSL Lamp
1 - SOCKET
2 - CHMSL LENS
3 - LAMP
Fig. 5 Combination Flasher
1 - COMBINATION FLASHER
2 - LEFT MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH
TJ
LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR
8L - 9
CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP (Continued)