2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser lights problems

Filed Jun 2, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · FL · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the fog light warning indicator illuminated and smoke appeared from the steering column. The contact was able to pull the vehicle off the roadway, turn off the engine, and restart the vehicle. The contact smelled burning wires, but there were no flames. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact found a recall for the fog lights online, but was unable to provide further information. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 23, 2013 · Lights · 128,200 miles · OH

Was driving daughter to work and began to smell a burning odor. However, I assumed it was a passing vehicle (streets were very well lit, and I would not have noticed my lights were out). The next morning my wife was heading out to pick-up our daughter from work, and was flashed by the local police for not having lights on. Through the process of elimination I decided to replace the multifunction switch. When I received the switch and attempted to install it I noticed that the wiring harness was slightly melted. Upon investigating the internet for a harness I came upon several websites with numerous complaints involving the same problem. (if everyone were to unite and post their complaints here there would be many) these problems seem to be related to a shorting out of the wiring caused by the oem fog lights. This however, did not cause either the dash fuse or the engine compartment fuse to blow, which is a real concern.

Filed Jun 21, 2013 · Lights · 121,700 miles · TN

Vehicle multi switch failed, causing stock fog lights to short, in turn, draining the battery while vehicle was idle and turned off. *tr updated 08/20/13

Filed May 31, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 79,000 miles · TX

Fog lights malfunction very frequently. For the past couple of months, vehicle's battery has been drained because the fog lights are on (which are never turned on or even used) and will not go off. Happens frequently and it's difficult to get the fog lights to go off, the lights control has to be jiggled just right to get them to go off so we know the battery won't be drained after a few hours. Lately, it has gotten harder and harder to get them to turn off and finally had to pull the fuse in order to make them go off.

Filed Nov 17, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 230,000 miles · UT

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.

Filed Sep 7, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 143,000 miles · PA

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!

Filed May 9, 2012 · Brakes, Electrical · 40,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Feb 16, 2012 · Lights · 62,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the headlights failed several times. The contact was told by the dealer that the fuse needed to be replaced, which was but the failure recurred. In addition, the horn and interior lights would also fail sporadically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the multi-function switch was replaced to no avail. The contact was extremely concerned with the fact that the dealer was unable to remedy the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 62,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.

Filed Jan 17, 2012 · Lights · 148,000 miles · MI

I was driving on a 2-lane road, light snow coming down going around 45 MPH when the headlights went out. Total darkness! I had been driving for about 25 minutes. If there would have been a car behind me I would have been in an accident. I stopped, turned off the engine, restarted the car and the headlights came on. I drove another 7 to 10 miles and the headlights started flashing. Again, I stopped, turned off the engine, restarted the car, but this time I kept the dims on. I had been using the wipers to clear snow off the windshield and also my brights and dims for on-coming traffic. I drove back home with only my dims on.....lights went out 2 more times. I don't feel safe in this vehicle anymore. Is it going to take a fatality before something is done?

Filed Sep 29, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 69,896 miles · MD

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?