355 turn signal issue -- very strange

I recently removed the dash from my '96 355, had it recovered, and reinstalled it. Afterwards the right side turn signal didn't work; no flashing at all from any bulb. The left side worked fine and the 4-way flashers all worked, so it wasn't a loose bulb.

The wiring diagrams and information in the owners manual and workshop manual didn't help much. The first picture below shows the under-hood fuse/relay box. The information on the lid is what is shown in the various diagrams. The first issue is that what is identified as a "flasher" isn't a flasher, its a relay. The second thing is that when I remove it, the left signal still works and so do the 4-way flashers, so I'm not sure what this component does. Maybe "flasher" means when you pull the stalk to flash the lights; didn't try that with this relay removed.

So, failing at that end, I hunted down where the turn signal clicking noise was coming from. There are 2 relay/flasher units under the dash just above the carpet in front of the drivers door. I could hear and feel both of these clicking when the left turn signal was operating. It turned out that the one with the green holder was a bit loose and insuring a tight connection fixed it. But the next strange thing......when I take this one out (the one with the green holder), the signals still work fine! So what the heck is that unit doing?

Anyways, the turn signals are working now, but it seems like there are 2 components that aren't really needed. They must have a purpose, I just don't know what it is.

Rick
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