I bought a 2001 pt cruiser and within a couple of weeks the headlights stopped working. Replaced multi function switch but did not help. Had to re-wire the lights to make them work. Also it sounds like the passenger side front tire has something loose. Possibly bushings?? I've seen several complaints about the lights. What is it gonna take to get a recall in place? We got a ticket for it.
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 78, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Vehicle was used to drive to local store at night. Fog lights were not turned on at any time. I parked in department store parking lot and came out after shopping for about 45 minutes and noticed a burning smell coming from pt cruiser. Opened the drivers door and odor became more apparent. Noticed smoke rolling out of steering column. Also noticed fog lamp indicator on dashboard was on. However, all lights and switches were off. I had to pull out several fuses until I found the one related to the fog lamps. That was the only way to quickly power off the fog lamps and stop the smoldering. This is a potential fire hazard!
Web site topix will confirm the incredible # of folks that have had fog lamps turn on after car is shut down causing battery drain. 100's have paid for replacement part multi-function switch. This controls fog, head, accessory, & dash lighting. To prevent the fog lamps from coming on by themselves, most have removed fuse # 8 to remove the fog lamps from the circuit. People report smoke coming from turn signal lever, & the complete loss of all lighting is quite common. I personally have replaced the multi-function switch 3 times on my wife's 2001 p.t. Cruiser with only 50,000 total miles & she being original owner. By parking her car minus fuse # 8, not using dome lighting, & always parking with the signal lever in the down or left turn position has prevented the mystery fog lamp issue, & kept her battery functioning. This "temp" solution has allowed her about 6 or 8 months of driving w/o the problems other pt owners struggle with. Sooner or later someone will lose lighting or a fire will occur inside the steering wheel which will cause serious injury, loss of vehicle & possibly death. Chrysler denies any knowledge, but wants more than $1,000.000 to analyze & repair. Through the topix p.t forum I was able to learn how to do the work myself for far less than $100. Many are getting ripped off for hundreds while chrysler knows full well of the issue. No less than an investigation, perhaps started with the topix forum will demonstrate the incredible number of failures that still plague the p.t. On later models such as 2001 thru 06 or 08. Also need 3rd. Brake job, & the rims do not seal causing low tires that hurt mpg. Driving comfort, & safety. Dealer & I have tried michelin tires hoping the problem was with the factory installed goodyears. I still hear every 100 miles or so that my wife's p.t needs additional air pressure.
Car stalls on turns particularly to the left, upon key insertion hard crank or starts and idles roughly then shuts off with out warning. While idling at stop lights the rpms may or may not (rev,) after so many mins of driving acceleration becomes more difficult at intervals & stalling usually while turning at intersections. Or going over bumps or up hills. This happens some what sporadically so I never can tell when I'm safe to go. Definitely not something u want to think about w min coverage either way.
I am the original owner of this pt cruiser, purchased on november 22, 2000. My multi-switch will not turn on my fog lights and the indicator in the instrument cluster does not light. I have read many online articles from owners with the same problem. Why won't chrysler fix this on going problem?
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that he was able to take the key out of the ignition in any position (off, accessory, etc) while the engine was running even if it was not shifted into park. The contact noticed the failure every time he drove the vehicle. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact called the manufacturer who referred him to the federal safety agency. The current mileage was approximately 95,000. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
I own a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. I purchased it used in 2006. It's been in the shop numerous times because the battery keeps going bad. In 4 years I've replaced the battery 3 times. Today I was almost in a serious accident. I was driving and it just stalled in traffic! It just died, like it ran out of gas. This vehicle is a safety hazard! I called a tow truck it's in the shop tonight. Mechanic thinks it's the PCM/ powertrain control module, cost around $1000.00!!
Door locks randomly lock and unlock themselves. Remotes and interior lock switches are non-functional. Produces the risk of locking occupants out of the car, or unlocking at night and poses higher risk of theft.
Electrical short / failure in the car horn (simultaneously affecting the lcd of the clock/radio). Issue stems from some electrical wiring in the steering column; not sure how the two are relates but when I bang on my steering wheel the lcd comes back and the horn is functional again. Potential safety hazard as it affects the horn and ability to avoid accidents. No known fix from manufacturer alarms me.
Unexplainable complete battery drain began in 08/2008. Discovered in 03/2009 that the fog lights were coming on and staying on when car was on as well as when off and parked thus, causing the battery drain. Only way to keep fog lights off was to engage the left turn signal or remove the fuse. Took to dealer 03/21/2009 and found the issue is with the multifunction switch, with a replacement cost of $269. Went ahead with the replacement as I do use the fog lights. Have searched internet and have found many, many cases of this exact part defect. Chrysler should recall.
2001 pt cruiser. Horn and radio/clock display intermittent. When the radio/clock display is dark, the horn is inoperative. This happens often. Sometimes the horn does not work for several weeks, other times for only a short time. Two repair shops looked at it, but the problem cleared by it self, and they could not find anything.
Factory installed key alarm system is shorting out, alarm will not deactivate by remote only on ignition switch, doors will lock and unlock while vehicle is in motion. Estimated cost of repair 300.-500.00.
I started driving my 2001 pt cruiser and noticed the fog lamp indicator was on. The lights were not turned on, I checked all the switches. A couple miles down the road I noticed smoke coming from the column through the hazard button. I pulled over and pulled the fuse for the fog lamps which stopped the smoking before a fire started. The fuse was very hot. I see this is a very common problem via the internet on the pt. Why has this not been recalled if its a safety issue with possible fires.
I have a faulty part in my 2001 pt cruiser it is called a fog light switch it goes bad in 2001 and 2002 cruisers. I have a website you can go on and see over 300 more people like me who are having the same problems. Google search word for word trouble with multifunction control switch for pt cruiser headlights. Please help along with hundreds of other people who almost lost there lives due to there lights going out.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact received a recall notice pertaining to the fuel system. After the recall repairs were performed, the instrument panel failed. The engine and all the electrical components shut off while idle as well as driving various speeds. While driving less than 70 MPH, the failure recurred and caused an 18-wheel vehicle to swerve over the median to avoid crashing into her vehicle. The dealer reprogrammed the transmission controller module. On july 10, 2007, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for the same failures. The etax relay and the controller software was updated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer on august 30, 2007. The flash controller was replaced and the air bag sensor was reprogrammed; however, the repairs did not remedy the failures. On december 28, 2007, the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to transmission hesitation. The modular engine controller was reprogrammed. The failure mileage was 51,780 and current mileage was less than 62,000. Updated 10/16/08
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact received a recall notice pertaining to the fuel system. After the recall repairs were performed, the instrument panel failed. The engine and all the electrical components shut off while idle as well as driving various speeds. While driving less than 70 MPH, the failure recurred and caused an 18-wheel vehicle to swerve over the median to avoid crashing into her vehicle. The dealer reprogrammed the transmission controller module. On july 10, 2007, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for the same failures. The etax relay and the controller software was updated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer on august 30, 2007. The flash controller was replaced and the air bag sensor was reprogrammed; however, the repairs did not remedy the failures. On december 28, 2007, the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to transmission hesitation. The modular engine controller was reprogrammed. The failure mileage was 51,780 and current mileage was less than 62,000. Updated 10/16/08. *lj updated 10/17/08.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact purchased the vehicle in november of 2007 and the wiring harness was replaced due to electrical failures. In april of 2008, while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle accelerated on its own. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they replaced the brake pads and calipers. Recently, the engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer's diagnostic indicated that the transmission solenoid switch needed to be replaced, along with the power steering pump. The dealer stated that the warranty does not cover the parts. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls that applied to her VIN. The failure mileage was 68,000 and current mileage was 75,551.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving at any speed, the exterior lights dimmed and occasionally the headlights would shut off. Currently, the fog lights remain illuminated and cause the battery to fail. He also stated that by retapping the directional lights would make the other lights brighter. He has replaced the battery. He was informed by the dealer that there were no recalls and the vehicle was out of warranty. The current mileage was 109,000 and failure mileage was 79,000.
Driving light switch failing causing driving lights to come on when switch is not activated resulting in battery drain. Has happened three times in the past 2 weeks. Pulled fuse rather than pay to have fixed.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that her instrumental panel cracked in december of 2007. She did not take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis because it was out of warranty. The manufacturer has not issued a recall. The failure mileage was 38,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The vehicle speed control was previously disconnected. While driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the steering column. The dealer stated that the failure was electrical and related to the vehicle speed control. The high and low beam switch was also burned. The manufacturer stated that there was no existing recall. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down and was able to drive home. A mechanic will repair the vehicle since the manufacturer stated that they were unable to offer any assistance. She is unable to drive the vehicle due to the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 65,100.
2001 pt cruiser. Horn and radio display light intermittent . When the radio display light goes out so does the horn.
My 2001chrysler pt cruiser dash cracked in half for no apparent reason. It caused many electrical errors in the dashboard instruments. I am just thankful I was not in a more serious situation when it happened. I have heard it is common and feel it should be addressed.
We recently took our 2001 chrysler pt cruiser in the shop for a state inspection for renewal of our license plates. In the process, the vehicle kept blowing 40 amp fuses. After 3 hours of searching. The "electrical short" was located "on both sides" of the front headlights". When the "high beams" were used it would blow a fuse. This sounds strange?? One side maybe?? But both headlights?? This should be a "factory recall". You can not use your "high beams" when driving?? Could cost a loss of life. The shop charged me $225.00. It should have been fixed by the factory!!
My LED light on the radio and the horn both cease to work at the same time. We have replaced fuses, lights and radios. Still no working horn.
(1) problem occurred upon parking vehicle (2001 pt cruiser) (2) fog lights couldn't be turned off, smoke and pungent odor emanated from steering column (3) fuse was removed disabling circuit.
Airbag light came on all window & aircondition & rear defroster stop working dealer said under dash wiring harness.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the fog lights would not turn off. The next day, the vehicle was driven and the fog lights worked fine. On the following day the vehicle was driven in early morning with the fog lights on however they would not turn off again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined some wires in the wiring harness were melting and needed to be replaced. Due to the extensive cost of the repairs the vehicle has not been repaired.
Dt*: the contact stated while backing out of a parking space at 3-5 also, the airbag light illuminated, and the horn failed. Although the dealership was contacted, and repairs were made. Updated 06/05/2006. *ak
Defective fog light switch suddenly fails & goes off and on at random running down the battery totally. This electrical problem results in owner being stranded and destroying the battery. Dealer also does not stock part & says it will be a week to get parts. Fog lamp is wired direct, therefore fuse slot shown in owners manual is not operational so fuse cannot be removed to temporarily correct problem. Now waiting for parts!!
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