How do you remove a/c vent in center of dash, 1999 Alero? trying to remove center vent in dash to get at the hazard flasher switch, which the part broke that holds the flasher assembly in the dash.

Faulty hazard switch

most common failure is the flasher module which is located in the center of the dash. it is also the hazard light switch above the radio. the module gets a bad contact in it and makes the signal lights work without having to turn them on.

REMOVE HAZARD FUSE IT WILL TURN OFF FLASHER UNTIL YOU FIX HAZARD BUTTON.
YOU GOING HAVE TO REMOVE SPEEDOMETER AND TACH CLUSTER TO GET TO HAZARD SWITCH.TURN OFF RADIO FIRST BEFORE REMOVING NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE BECAUSE YOU WILL DISABLE AIRBAGS WHILE WORKING AROUND STEERING WHEEL AND DASH AREA. WAIT 20 MINUTES BEFORE WORKING AROUND DASH AREA AFTER DISCONNECTING NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE.

The blinker flasher location is behind the Hazard button (on dash right of steering wheel). To get to it, you will have to remove the center air vent assembly. Use a thin screwdriver to loosen and remove the vent. There are locking tabs and you will have to loosen the glue on the bottom. The whole vent comes out as one piece. Reach behind the hazard button to find two tabs that run the length of the flasher assembly. Squeeze together and the assembly pulls out. Disconnect the wires and remove the assembly. Use thin blades to remove the green switch from the black mount. Push in the green tabs and drive the switch forward.

http://www.oldsmobileforums.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-2541.html

there may ber a recall on this problem, it is caused by the turn sigfnal/hazard flasher combination switch relay in the dash, check with the dealer 1st on the recall to see if it applies if not then u will need to replace the flasher unit in the dash, the switch is part of the hazard button and is located behind the ceter panel of the dash here is the whole recall.

2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU -- In December 2004, GM issued a special policy for MY 1999-2000 Alero, Grand Am and Malibu vehicles not covered under recall 03V327. The policy covered turn signal/hazard flasher failure for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurred first) to provide a no cost replacement of the hazard switch. GM sent letters to owners starting December 30, 2004. In January 2006, GM will update the special policy to include MY 2002 Alero, Grand Am and Malibu vehicles not covered under recall 03V-327. The policy covers turn signal/hazard flasher failure for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first) to provide a no cost replacement of the hazard switch. GM will send letters to owners starting late April 2006. The actions taken by the manufacturer is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The Agency reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances. Investigation was initiated on September 27 2005. Closed on January 13 2006. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE05055 »

Replacement The turn and hazard flashers are integrated into one flasher on these models. The flasher is located in the hazard warning switch and the hazard warning switch is located on the trim plate. Replace the flasher by unplugging the old one, removing it from the panel, and plugging in the new one.

1. Remove the bezel from the ignition switch.
   

Remove the bezel from the ignition switch

Carefully remove the instrument panel accessory trim plate.


To remove the trim plate, use a suitable prytool to carefully apply pressure at the retaining clip points . . .


. . . then gently pull the accessory trim plate away

Detach the electrical connector from the hazard warning switch.


Unplug the electrical connector from the hazard warning switch . . .

Unfasten the screw securing the hazard warning switch and remove the switch.


. . . then unfasten the screw securing the hazard warning switch and remove the switch from the vehicle


Installation is the reverse of removal.

THE TURN SIGNAL AND FLASHER ARE TIED IN TOGETHER.YOUR FLASHER SWITCH IS ON THE DASH.ITS A ROUND RED BUTTON WITH A WHITE TRIANGLE ON IT.WHEN YOU PRESS THE RED FLASHER BUTTON ON DASH.IT WILL MAKE YOUR FRONT AND BACK SIGNAL LIGHTS BLINK.WHEN YOU WANT TO TURN OFF FLASHER THEN YOU PRESS THE RED BUTTON.IT WILL TURN OFF FLASHERS.

Are you sure they gave you the right one??? On the 2002 the turn signal flasher is apart of the hazard too.
Remove Hazard/cruise bezel on front of dash and be very careful as it breaks easily. Remove the center air conditioning vent in the dash. The vent is held in the dash by (4) PLASTIC hooks. Two on top and two on the bottom. THe top left hook is almost directly above the left vent adjustment tab on the louver and the bottom left hook is in about the same spot below. The top and bottom right hand hooks are above and below the right louver adjustment tab similar to the left side. They break easily!!!
After removing the vent you will be able to see the Hazard/cruise control retainer. This retainer is made from black plastic and has (2) rather large flaps on the left and right side of the hazard switch which is in the top part of the carrier. Simply squeeze BOTH together and the whole thing will fall out behind the dash.

Both the switches have the usual electrical connections. The hazard switch has a white tab on the right side that is depressed to free the connector. The cruise switch has a green lift tab to free the connector. You can now remove the carrier with both switches.

The hazard switch is in a green sleeve which must be removed from the black group carrier. Figures doesn't it! to do that depress the green tabs on the sides of the sleeve to get it out, I had to break the tabs off to do that. Do not worry about breaking the tabs since the new part includes this sleeve. The new part from GM at the dealer cost 71.86 as of 10/27/08.

Now replace the faulty switch and reassemble. If you have the part in hand BEFORE you start this should be a 30 minute job.

Another comment if the turn signals do not work but the cornering lights do then try this first. The other thing would be a bad turn signal leaver on the column and i believe that's around $250.00 at the dealer, going to be less at Auto Zone or the Salvage Yards.

Good luck and Hope this helps. Keep me posted be glad to help

Check out this recall below:
Bulletin No.: 04098A

SPECIAL POLICY
Subject:
04098 - Special Policy Adjustment - Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Flashers 

Condition
Some customers of 1999-2002 Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile Alero, Pontiac Grand Am, and 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass may have turn signal/hazard flashers that become inoperative.

Special Policy Adjustment
This special policy covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

Good luck and hope this helps:
HAZARD WARNING SWITCH REPLACEMENT - ON VEHICLE 
REMOVAL PROCEDURE 

Remove the center air louver deflector. Refer to Air Deflector Louver Replacement - Center Vent. 
Remove the instrument panel cluster. 
Remove the hazard warning switch bezel from the instrument panel using a small-flat bladed tool to release the retainers.
Remove the left side bolt from the hazard warning switch through the instrument panel cluster pocket Remove the right side and center lower bolts from the hazard warning switch through the center air louver deflector pocket.
Reposition the hazard warning switch from the instrument panel to access the electrical connector. 
Disconnect the electrical connectors from the hazard warning switch. 
Remove the hazard warning switch from instrument panel. 

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Connect the electrical connectors to the hazard warning switch.
Position the hazard warning switch to the mounting points in the instrument panel. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Install the left side bolt to the hazard warning switch through the instrument panel cluster pocket. Tighten Tighten the left side hazard warning switch bolt to 3 N.m (27 lb in) . 
Install the right side and center lower bolts to the hazard warning switch through the center air louver deflector pocket. Tighten Tighten the left side hazard warning switch bolt to 3 N.m (27 lb in) . 
Install the hazard warning switch bezel to the instrument panel pressing into place until fully seated. Install the instrument panel cluster. 
Install the center air louver deflector. Refer to Air Deflector Louver Replacement - Center Vent.

In Olds Alero the flasher is intergrated into the hazard light button. It is all one assembly in the dash. It is in the $40 dollar range, but that is the only way to fix the flashers is to replace assembly. You must remove the plastic housing from around the dash cluster to reach. It is located to the right of the dash cluster. If you are good with your hands you will be able to get it out without taking out the cluster. Be careful, it is held in place with plastic snaps. Part number is on the assembly and it is GM exclusive.