2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: headlights failing or too dim

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 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 Oct 13, 2010 · Lights · 112,005 miles · PA

High beam headlamps went off while driving at night. This occurred last oct. 2009. I replaced multi-function switch. Then last week oct.3, 2010 same thing occurred. Almost got hit by another car while stopping without headlamps. I cannot see why chrysler will not be held responsible for faulty switch. I will not drive at night until chrysler comes up with a fix for its poor switch design.

Filed Feb 8, 2010 · Lights · 64,000 miles · IL

Faults within the headlight/foglight multifunction switch on the 2001 pt cruiser causes the foglights to illuminate, even when the switch is off. I replaced the switch, and although the foglights now work properly, there is now a fault in the dome light function, which causes the dome light to illuminate when the switch is off. I researched the component on-line and retrieved reports of headlights turning themselves off at random intervals. Headlights, foglights, dashboard illumination, dome light and turn signals are all in the same component. For foglight defect, mechanic removed the appropriate fuse from the fuse panel as a temporary fix.

Filed Sep 5, 2009 · Lights · 59,106 miles · TX

The turn signal/headlight control switch on my 01 pt cruiser has failed in that my right hand turn signal to the front does not come on. I have investigated this and been told by chrysler personnel that the probable cause is turn signal/headlight control switch on the steering column. This part is in backorder to the tune of approx 4600 parts and an after market company that I contacted said they are also in approx 30days backorder status trying to fill the need for replacements. In checking with on-line forums I've also found out that other problems with this particular switch involve headlight failure to operate and lights (fog lights) coming on without operator action. I believe this is a critical component failure and needs to be brought to someone's attention that there is a high probability of switch failing "un-announced" and causing serious injury not only to the operator of the pt cruiser but to other vehicle operators as well.

Filed Jan 5, 2009 · Lights · 128,000 miles · FL

Fog lights stayed on until the high beams where turned on then they would go out. Had to have entire left arm control switch replaced at a cost of 189.00.

Filed Nov 17, 2008 · Lights · 105,000 miles · CA · fire

Multifunction switch for turn signal, headlights and fog lights is defective. Electrical failure causes melting, smoke, burning and malfunction.

Filed Nov 5, 2008 · Electrical · 84,839 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jul 22, 2008 · Electrical, Lights · 79,000 miles · NH

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.

Filed Mar 3, 2008 · Acceleration, Electrical · 65,000 miles · WI · fire

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.

Filed Oct 22, 2007 · Electrical · MO

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!!