lane change indicators not working on one side

[blinker]

I have a Buick Regal model late 1996 (bought in 2013). All the lane change indicators worked fine until recently: when I switch on the right lane indicators, the right lane indicator arrow on the dashboard panel lights up but does not blink. front, side and rear lights on the right side all light up but do not blink. I don't think a bulb in one of those lights is busted (as they light up). the problem has appeared and then disappeared a few days later without my doing anything. now the problem is back. I could wait for it to go away by itself but I don't like that option. what could be the cause?
I don't have the manual right now so if it is a loose fuse, where is the fuse located?
is it a more serious electrical fault requiring to replace a "computer module/unit" somewhere?
the left lane indicators all work fine.
BTW: my car is located in Europe. very few people here specialize in old Buicks (whic was actually built in Canada apparently)

 

[92sub]

Sounds like your flasher unit it going bad.
This is the small device that actually makes the clicking noise under your dash when your indicators are flashing. It's easy to find when it's working!

GM part number 19209674 but usually the aftermarket replacement is called a '552' flasher. Google 552 flasher and you'll see what I'm talking about.

You actually have two of these, one for lane change and one for Hazard or 'breakdown' flashing. In a pinch you can swap one for the other to verify the flasher is your problem.

 

[blinker]

sorry for sounding stupid but it's not just the clicking noise that is absent, the arrow on the dashboard doens't blink and neither do any of the the three blinkers on the right side of the car. i'm not sure if that was clear in my initial post. since i don't have a clue about auto repair, i'll need to take it to a european garage specializing in US cars. will replacing this "552 flasher unit" solve my problem? how much labor time is involved? don't know about the USA but over here mechanics try to take advantage of mechanically-challenged people like me. the part "552 flasher" seems cheap but how long does it take to replace the unit (minutes, hours?). labor time is the real cost in my case it seems. swapping one for the other might seem like a breeze to you but I don't have a clue where to start. any more details would be welcome. thx!

 

[92sub]

I understood your comments.....was just trying to let you know it's ALSO your noise maker.

Since it works for left turns, engage the left and follow the noise of the clicking until you find the flasher. It will be under the dash attached to a small clip. Many times you can reach up there with your hand and pull it down. The wiring is connected with one connector containing two wires.

If you want to try swapping the flashers, engage the hazard switch and follow the noise it makes.

I will advise however, before you do any of this to make sure all your bulbs are working as one burned out bulb can stop the flashing process. The easiest way is to engage the HAZARD switch and walk around the car comparing side to side to find the bulb that is not working. If all bulbs are flashing, move on to the flasher replace.

 

[user1238]

sorry for sounding stupid but it's not just the clicking noise that is absent, the arrow on the dashboard doens't blink and neither do any of the the three blinkers on the right side of the car. i'm not

If it's only the lane change position that's not flashing then the turn signal switch is going bad. It's a disc-type switch with a bunch of "finger" contacts on it, located behind the steering wheel. The metal loses tension from heat (soon after the warranty expires) and doesn't make good contact. This used to be a bad problem on 1988-93 W bodies, but was improved when they changed back to old-style steering columns in ~'95.

To fix it u have to remove the air bag, steering wheel, lock plate, and parts of wiring connectors under the dash board. Frankly, if it's working at the full turn signal position, just use that while u study literature on replacement. First time it's gonna be a 3-4 hour job.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repairinfo/repairguide/repairGuideContent.jsp?pageId=0900c152800681fa

Avoid BWD / Autozone / O'reilly / Schucks switches - they are "made in china" crap. I know from experience. My "bad design" '89 is on its 3rd BWD switch, first two replacements developed electrical problems, current one flashes great but does not auto-cancel from left anymore. I get them exchanged for free under warranty and with experience can swap it in the parking lot in 30 min.

Try spraying some silicone lubrican into the switch area - it helps temporarily on odd occasion.