2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Mar 10, 2020 · Acceleration, Electrical · 141,000 miles · OH · fire

It started with the dashboard lights and the middle stick lights (p,d,r,n++) I can't see at night what speed I'm going or my levels or anything bc the lights quit working, I had the battery replaced I've had the battery changed twice, I've had the thermostat changed twice but it still over heats not too long ago with both of my toddlers in the car on a 3 lane highway locked up on me couldn't use the steering wheel or brakes had to pull the emergency break it's just been repetitive I bought the car from my sister who's grandmother got tired of putting money into it it stutters sometimes like it's slow to shift into gear to accelerate it can happen anywhere. It was my first car it's never been wrecked, I never thought to check for any recalls, I bought it in july of 17. It's only had a total of 2 owners. It used to shake real bad I couldn't go over 55miles an hour but even 55 was iffy. The scariest thing for me was it locking up on a highway with an intersecting lane I had just had everything replaced for a second time before it started smoking and locked up and completely shut down my kids 3 & 1 were in the back all I could think to do was pull my emergency break I drifted and swerved until the car finally came to a stop luckily not wrecking or injuring anyone, just fear of driving I really trusted this car. I had to call the police to get ahold of a state trooper who gave me a couple days to move it given my circumstance and 45 min away from home, a stranger stopped to help and offered to give us a ride back to ironton from the west portsmouth highway he lived in portsmouth out of kindness moved my car to his house there after dropping us off that night to keep from getting it towed. Officer noted everything. I didn't think of anything until I just recently got another 2004 pt that started fire in the headlights and going through a lot of the same problems.

Filed Jan 22, 2010 · Electrical · 79,000 miles · CA

I have a 2004 pt cruiser which I bought in nov 2005. First incident, rear left passenger window stopped working. Headlights and brake lights burn out very rapidly. Latest "big" problem started in june 2009, brother noticed my fog lamps on, not only had I not turned them on, I never used them before. Thought it was a random incident but battery kept dying. Finally determined in july 2008 by mechanic that the switch arm was malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. Told by dealership are back ordered and to "just unplug the lights" to fix. Mechanic replaced, thought problem solved. Then panel kept claiming door ajar. No door was open!!! Mechanic replaced door latch. Thought problem solved. Went out to car on 1/19/09, it was gone. City towed it due to complaint of my alarm going off and not shutting off. Cost me $234 to reclaim and find alarm is malfunctioning and battery being drained again!! Interior lights going off and on while driving. So far since june 2009, (battery, alternator, switch arm, door latch, towing) have spent about $1000 in repairs. I have yet to find out cost of alarm and obvious electrical repairs to come. Until reading other complaints, had no idea the smell of burning I have smelt on occasion may actually be coming from my own car. Do yourself a favor, don't ever buy a chrysler.

Filed Jun 24, 2009 · Electrical, Lights · 62,400 miles · KY

Multifunction switch failure - fog lights will not turn on - headlamps flicker - dealership reports there are currently over 3000 of these on backorder - part #05073049ab.

Filed May 13, 2009 · Lights · 75,000 miles · MN · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the headlight switch. He investigated further and noticed that the switch was melting and smoking. He exited the vehicle and proceeded to disconnect the battery to stop a fire from occurring. The headlights cannot be used because the switch failed; therefore, he cannot drive the vehicle at night. The contact called the dealer and was informed that they were aware of the issue, but there were no current replacement parts to repair the failure. The part that they believe will correct the failure is on back order. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 75,000 and current mileage was 75,600.

Filed Apr 3, 2008 · Lights · 48,742 miles · CA

I own a 2004 chrysler pt cruiser and came close to hitting a jogger in the pre-dawn hours. The low beam headlights are passable, but the high beam is completely useless and creates a definite safety hazard! I have had the headlights reamed and even changed to 80 watt bulbs, but the problem is in the headlamp housing design. The highbeam puts out a diffused, unfocused light which does not add any increased night vision over the low beam lamps, fortunately the low beams stay on with the high beams. I am not aware if the auto manufacturers must meet minimum headlight performance standards, but if they do exist I'm sure my pt cruiser would fail. Thank you, brian p. Moran

Filed Oct 8, 2007 · Lights · 60,490 miles · SC

The fog light switch on my vehicle has malfunctioned and now the fog lights will not turn off, even though they are not even supposed to be able to turn on without the headlights being on. This causes the battery to die if not corrected promptly.