2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser lights problems

Filed Nov 14, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 96,000 miles · MA

I replaced my vehicles battery 2 days ago(nov 12, 2019)(very old battery and with the cold in massachusetts it needed to be changed). Now with a properly functioning battery the voltage regulator in PCM (not alternator) is signaling alternator to raise charging voltage intermittently to as high as 17.1volts, but has been frequently bouncing between 14.1v -16.7volts. This increase of voltage to a unsafe level causes all electrical accessories that are in connected to the charging system and are operational to flash/ flicker. Extremely distracting at night with headlights and dashboard flashing/ flickering. After a lot of research I found out the PCM needs to be reprogrammed with the proper updated firmware in order to fix the factory weak parameters. I spoke with a service manager today(nov 14,2019) at my local chrysler dealership (central jeep chrysler dodge ram fiat @ 56 boston providence tpke, norwood, ma 02062) about the problem and asked to have my PCM reprogrammed since only that specific model car manufactures service shop will have the capability and PCM firmware to repair it. The manager refused to do any work on my car since he said, "I wont touch cars older than 10years and close to 100,000miles". Then asked if I was even a customer at that specific location, saying no again after I said I wasn't. There is no other option than the factory dealership to fix a factory flawed PCM, which makes the risk of my battery exploding due to the increased regulated voltage very likely. This problem isn't new to chrysler since they have issued several tsb(s) in my specific vehicle and this exact problem: 18-112-16 18-026-03 rev.a 18-016-03 18-020-04

Filed Mar 4, 2019 · Lights, Steering · FL

My exterior front lights are very dull and aren't bright when turn them on.

Filed May 23, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 140,000 miles · VA

Vehicle was parked. Turned off. Multifunction switch that had been replaced previoulsy malfunctioned again. Fog lights just came on out of nowhere luckily I turned around and noticed it. When I opened my car door I noticed the switch was smoking. After some quick thinking I pulled the fuse. If I had not thought of this I belive it would have caught my car on fire and the ones parked next to it. I have had the fuse pulled for a year. Flash forward to my current state in va and it's inspection time. I failed for a faulty function switch. The guys replaced the switch first stoplight I come to no signal. Took it back to garage they said switch was bad out of the box. After this epidemic this will be the 4th multifunction switch that I know of installed on this car. How in the world has this part not been recalled yet. Please do something!

Filed Aug 11, 2017 · Lights · PA

The multifunction switch had to be replaced or else the fog lights remain on and drain the battery.

Filed Oct 31, 2016 · Airbags, Body · 112,450 miles · NC · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving 35-40 MPH, the front amber head lamps failed, which resulted in a front end passenger collision. The front passenger wheel detached from the vehicle during the crash. The contact stated that the glove box fractured and separated upon deployment of the air bags, which caused facial injuries to the front seat passenger. The front seat passenger sustained lacerations to the face, a fractured eye socket, and a fractured nasal passage. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 09e012000 (exterior lighting) and the federal safety agency campaign number: 08e033000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 112,450. *js

Filed Feb 4, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 140,000 miles · GA

The wiring harness melted, which caused the multifunction switch to burn out and running tail lights to not work properly. Replaced multifunction switch and burning smell came from steering column. Pulled new multifunction switch and noticed melted connectors.

Filed Aug 4, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · VA

Battery went completely dead after only two years. Had the battery replaced and now the dashboard lights and the headlights flicker terribly and even more when on high beams.

Filed Dec 18, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 127,730 miles · MN

I've had this vehicle approx. 2 years. At an earlier time I had used the fog lights twice with no incident. Later and prior to 12/17/13 the fog light indicator appeared on the instrument panel, the fog light switch wasn't even turned on but the light came on by themselves. I jiggled the switch and the lights and indicator went out, after that the fog lights wouldn't work at all. On 12/17/13 I went out to my garage to find the fog lamps on. The headlights were off, the car not running, the keys weren't even in the ignition. The lights just came on by themselves. I managed to turn them off (for the night) only to find when I got to work the next morning I couldn't shut them off. I drove the car home, finally pulled the fuse for the fog lamps and returned to work. I've also had incidences where the headlights will dim slightly and then illuminate fully. According to some of the forums I've read, there are a lot of people having this problem. Some people also report burning wires and dead batteries. I wish they would file a complaint. Thank you.

Filed Jul 29, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 94,000 miles · GA

About 3 three years ago the headlights started flickering and the radio light would totally go out. Now the fog lights are coming on with the car turned off. I am taking the car to a mechanic - hopefully they can fix the issue.

Filed Apr 9, 2012 · Lights · 70,000 miles · MI

At approximately 70,000 miles the fog lights would remain on even in the off position. Placing the turn signal in the downward position when exiting the vehicle would remedy situation, further fixed by pulling the fog light fuse. Latter on at 80,000 miles the low beams failed and would not turn on. High beams would work or the fog lights would work (after putting the fuse back in). The danger was further enhanced by when you would use the turn signal the fog lamps would shut off. This was fixed by removing the multi-stick from the steering column and replacing it with a new component. All issue were resolved by this fix.