2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser: battery drain or dead battery

Filed Oct 2, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 60,000 miles · PA · fire

The multifunction turn signal switch started to smoke and we couldn't turn off the fog lights. We had to pull the fuse since there continued to come smoke out of that switch -- we had to open the windows to drive home in order to get rid of the smell/smoke. Our chrysler dealer said that this part is in high demand. The part was $275 and a similar high amount for labor the first time. From that time on I ordered online and replaced the switch two more times. Today, 10/01/2014, the switch started to smoke again. This would be the fourth switch. This is a known problem and should be a recall since it can cause a fire and drain the battery.

Filed Apr 2, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Rough idle at stopped intersections, lunges and stalls. Stalls a approximately 15-25 MPH while making left or right turns making it very difficult to turn while placing the vehicle in neutral and starting the engine again. The fog lights turn on by itself after the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off draining the battery. Had to disconnect the fuse in order to prevent this from happening again. To this date non-functional fog lights. The vehicle has several electrical problems from instrument cluster not functioning while driving to radio and climate control not working until you stop the vehicle and turn it off. Then start the vehicle again then it works properly for another few days. This is a recurring problem. Wheel bearing has been an issue too and currently needs to be replaced.

Filed Feb 12, 2013 · Lights · 51,150 miles · CA

The fog lights in my 2004 chrysler pt cruiser stay on, even after the ignition is turned off. I have to leave the left blinker on for the fog lights to turn off. And some times the fog lights turn on for no apparent reason with the ignition off. The fog lights stay on and drains the battery down , did not notice till it was parked on the street and roommate told me my lights were on.

Filed May 28, 2012 · Lights · 113,000 miles · VA

The fog lights in my 2004 chrysler pt cruiser remain on, even after the ignition is turned off. I have to remember to leave the left blinker on for the fog lights to turn off. Other times the fog lights come on for no apparent reason with the ignition off. The fog lights stay on and drains the battery.

Filed May 4, 2012 · Electrical · 74,300 miles · AL

Faulty multifunction switch module caused fog lights to illuminate while the car was off and in the driveway, resulting in a dead battery. Fog lights came on when I connected jumper cables to external battery. Fog lights go on and off as the light control stem on the multifunction module is wiggled. Removed fog light fuse to prevent recurrence until multifunction module can be repaired/replaced. Internet search and this site indicate this is a persistent and recurring problem across many pt cruiser models and years.

Filed Jun 27, 2010 · Electrical, Lights · 48,100 miles · CA

Fog lights on my 2004 pt cruiser stay on all the time, draining the battery. Multifunction switch does not turn off the fog lights. Pulled the fuse to disable the circuit and attempting to find a replacement part.

Filed Oct 14, 2009 · Electrical, Lights · 100,000 miles · NJ

In my 2004 pt cruiser-first was unable to turn on light in rain, then all of the lights stopped working, while I was driving. Got it fixed for $600, then fog lamps will not turn off. All of a sudden there is smoke coming from the console, now the only way I can keep my fog lights from draining the battery is to remove the fuse each day. I have heard of both problems occurring in pts with other people.

Filed Sep 26, 2009 · Electrical, Lights · 82,151 miles · CA

2004 chrysler pt cruiser, the multi-function switch failed and the fog lights on the car remain on even with the switch off and the key out. This drains the battery. This is a known issue, there are over 4000 parts on back-order so many other pt cruisers are having the issue.

Filed May 11, 2009 · Electrical · 77,444 miles · TX

Fog lights came on and stayed on without being turned on, even when car is off. Smoke from steering column. Dead battery. 395 instances of this on one web site. 77,000 miles on a 2004 pt cruiser.