YOu are right, you "should" not have to pay a dime but the several dealers I called all wanted me to pony up for a diagnostic fee "just in case" it was not the flasher. They all said I would get the diagnostic fee back if it turned out the flasher was the problem but then went on to talk about non recall related electrical issues.

 

the same thing happend to my 2000 alero i was able to turn the blinkers on again by pushing the hazard light....yet this is onlky a temporary solution.....i went to gm and ordered the flasher for it. i havent had any trouble since. to get to the flasher unscrew the gauge cluster and reach back there

 

Yeah, I know what it is! I just had the same problem I have to push the hazard on and then they work but i just bought a 02 Alero 2.2 last week and I took it to the dealer today and it is DEFFINATELY the flasher, the part costs $23.00. But yeah hope that helps you guys!