Edmunds Answers questions

2003 PT Cruiser Electrical Problems

rawlegal — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:06:56 GMT

My 2003 PT Cruiser Touring Edition has only 35,200 miles. I experienced simultaneous failure of headlights; parking lights; tail and brake lights, dashboard lights and power door locks.There are no fog lights or heated seat. The map lights and dome light, as well as the radio and heater work.I am not sure about the cruise control. No fuses are blown.
The dealer did an electrical diagnostic, and said it is an "Open Circuit in or at location C-106 <from the electrical schematic> UNDERNEATH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL He said there are no failed electrical components.Therefore, all labor. Unless it is a component failure, my extend warranty will not cover it.

Does his diagnosis sound right?
PS. I know zero about such matters!

just bought 07 pt cruser,11 mpg city and 17 highway with 22000 on it,what can i do,its an automatic

mchops — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:12:34 GMT

I found it was a rental but new in shape and looks,bought in flordia and put in service 06/2006 and took out of service 03/2007,,bought at auction and come to indiana and sold to me at the chysler dealer the end of 12/2007.it has no cruise control..automatic...my wife has drove it mostly in town with about 40 miles highway..154 miles on fillup and took 12 gal...I drove 60 mph on highway and got 17.3 mpg...This sucks big time..It get the same as my big ford pickup and I bought the pt for gas milage,,only added another gas hog to the driveway..

how to remove headlamp access cover splash shield on Chrysler PT Cruiser

airchild10 — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 12:11:03 GMT

under wheel arch there is a cover that protects lamp fittings from splash back. I dont know how to get this off.

Engine malfunction light on 02 Chrysler PT Cruiser

ptuser — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:57:59 GMT

02 PT - engine malfunction light came on and stayed on after going through half tank gas - checked gas cap. Had battery replaced - corroded terminals & cables not replaced. Engine off and on several times. Owners manual says, "take it to the dealer." Any suggestions?

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Is it normal to have difficult shifting on a grade? Should there be any grinding any time?

slim42 — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:46:07 GMT

Is it normal, when shifting and you are on a hill or a grade of any type really, for there to be difficulty in the shifting? Should there be any grinding at anytime you try shifting in this type of situation? or is this normal for a stick shift. I have driven an automatic all my life and this is the first stick I have ever had? The car is fine on slight slopes and straight aways but in the hilly areas I have problems in trying to shift into first gear. Sometimes reverse as well. Is this normal for any car with a stick shift?

I have a 2005 convertible Chrysler PT Cruiser. The tail lights keep busting. They are getting water in them. What to do?

sdenny — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:21:07 GMT

when I see that they are out and go to replace them they are busted and full of water. Why does this keep happening? What can I do?

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Engine slowed and died while driving. Manual transmission. Won't start after replacing coil, ckp & ckp sensors.

starhammock — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:09:46 GMT

driving 45-50mph motor slowed suddenly. accelorator did not do anything. no warning lights noted. after coasting to a stop with engine not running-it would then not restart. manual transmission on limited edition '01 pt cruiser. using timing light fire noted to #1 and 4 and could reach only one other wire it had no spark. replaced the coil with only fire to the #4 noted. replaced the ckp and cmp sensors had no change. using a chilton's repair manual for my car. do you have any other ideas on the problem?

01 Chrysler PT Cruiser needs transmission replaced. Any ideas on cheapest or most reliable service in Columbus Ohio?

shumphreys — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:53:35 GMT

recently had all solenoids on trans fixed this new problem is inside the trans

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser cranks but no start

vetboy89 — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:09:12 GMT

Did you ever get this problem resolved? I am having the exact same issue with a 2001 and it is driving me crazy. Replaced coil, cmp and ckp; even went another step and replaced the PCM and had it reprogrammed at the dealer but to no avail.

Cranks but no start

Spark at #1 and #4 but no spark on #2 and #3

Crank signal to coil 1 which runs cyl 1 and 4, but no crank signal to coil 2 for cyl 2 and 3

Low compression but I think it is just washed down from over cranking at this point.

If you got this resolved I would love to hear what you did to resolve it.

Thanks in advance,

VB89

Chrysler PT Cruiser Rear rotors

actuloid — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:17:50 GMT

How do I remove the rear rotors from my pt cruiser 2001

2005 PT Cruiser Turbo GT. Rough Idle after new air intake and BOV installed.

lorio — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:51:37 GMT

About a week ago, I installed a new K&N Typhoon air intake and BOV on my '05 PT Cruiser Turbo GT convertible. Has been running great until this morning. Went to start it up and the idle is very rough. Engine light comes on. Sounds terrible when I pushed the accelerator. Turned it off and tried again with same results. Any ideas?

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser cooling fan not working

aja2666 — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:17:33 GMT

fan motor checks good, as do fuse and low and high speed relays, any answers?

How do you fix a wiring problem for the headlights for a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring?

jboze — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:29:22 GMT

The bulb has been changed several times and the left headlight still does not work. I was told there is no fuse to change for 2006 PT and it would have to be reset. Has anyone had this problem>

I'm looking for ideas for a design to add to the exterior of my Chrysler PT Crusier, silver with black top. Any ideas?

ptnlilly — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:09:01 GMT

I recently purchased my 2007 P.T crusier convertible which is silver w/blk top and want to add some detail to the exterior paint. Maybe along the bottom of the doors, or maybe something small (such as black puppy paws?) all over? I am open to any suggestions at this point.

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. What causes shift issues with manual transmission at different temps?

motax390 — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:10:52 GMT

My 5 spd manual trans shift normal thru all gears @ low temp. After driving a while shifting into 1st or 2nd gear is difficult. When I do accomplish shift car creeps @ stop light with clutch depressed.

How do I remove the battery on a Chrysler PT Cruiser?

lamiikee — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:30:28 GMT

Battery Maintaince - I am trying to replace the battery on my P T Cruiser

2007 PT Cruiser rims and hubcaps?

olguy — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:47:24 GMT

Hello all,
I just purchased a 2007 base pt cruiser with 19,000 miles for $8,000 out the door from Chrysler dealer. I'm wondering if Hub Caps (standard 15 inch like in 1940's) would fit on these 15 inch 2007 rims? They(hub caps) are the Pressure (put on by light hitting around the rim) type caps. If not, are there any avalible rims out there that do allow the use of these type hub caps? These caps are 40's style chrysler hub caps.
Thanks

Wife left a gallon of milk in her car for 3 days. Wondering if anybody had an idea of how to get the odor out?

evospeedre — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:59:25 GMT

rotten milk odor in car

My 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser continues to run even without the key in the switch.

burgerpimp — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:05:15 GMT

and at times if the engine turns off,the power is still on as if the key is in

Problem with CD player in 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

luv2read — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:07:07 GMT

I just had the headlight switched replaced in my 2003 PT Cruiser. The CD player has not worked since I picked up my car from the mechanic. There is no CD display on my system only AM/FM radio. I know that the battery of my car was disconnected when they replaced the headlight switch. Would this have anything to do with it? I have never had problems with my CD player in the past.

Thank you.

Chrysler PT Cruiser. What are the values are supposed to be? Also where is the PCM on this car? I'm a Ford/Chevy guy and lost.

limmomann — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:08:30 GMT

I have replaced tons of racks,pumps,lines etc... on hundreds of different types of cars and have NEVER seen this code!!!!!

What do I do when my 2006 Chrysler PT Cruisers' engine light comes on? It has around 17,000 miles, standard engine and 5 speed.

kruschev — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:39:27 GMT

Iwas just driving normaly around 40 mph when I noticed the engine light on. I was told it could be the gas cap o-ring, but it looks alright to me.

Electrical problem on the Chrysler PT Cruiser. No power to windows or heater, and airbag light is on.

tlbell — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:57:17 GMT

HI!
My name is Tom and today I ran into the same problem of o power to my windows, heater, and airbag light is on.
Is it possible that you have found a fix for tis problem and would share it with me?

Thank You!

Tom
dexter, mi

Chrysler PT Cruiser. Replaced thermostat, water pump, changed oil. If oil presure light won't go off and it still runs hot, what now?

feliceanne — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:40:36 GMT

I have a 2004 turbo platinum series had to replace the air unit, it locks itself the oil presure light will not go off and then it started to run hot. Now the car is on jackes in my garage. thermostat has been replaced the oil changed still no luck. Now the water pump is next and that is your worse nighrmare. 'Might have been easier to remove the engine or blow it up put it out of my misery. I really do love the car but it is just one thing after another. and if the water pump is not the answer what should I try next thanks

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser sensor problem

kjp1017 — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:32:05 GMT

hi joel,

thank you for your help. I did replace this a couple months ago and reset codes. keeps coming up throttle position sensor low output. could it be anything else

I have a Chrysler PT Cruiser 2002 and the check engine light (MIL) popped on (not flashing). What to do?

ben42 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:16:26 GMT

As we bought this used car (115000 miles) just a month ago and did not drive that much we don`t know why the MIL turned on, because we only gassed regular gas. Also we don`t have a manual for that car and can not look up what we are supposed to do. In general can we still keep driving or can it get worse? Could there occur any problems with the transmission or anything worse?

We would be really happy to get some help on that problem.

Thank you

Is anyone having a problem with their control panel getting hot? Chrysler PT Cruiser.

kramerd — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:17:43 GMT

I have a 2006 pt cruiser. The circle around the control knobs get very hot to the touch when the lights are on. It will burn your fingers. They replaced the control panel. it still does it. Can anyone help me?

I have a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The dash just cracked from the defroster vent to front, right in the middle. Anyone else?

acdelco — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:55:51 GMT

The dash cracked from the defroster vent to the front, Chrysler dealer said they never saw this before. A friend said he saw something on the TV news about PT's & another car having dash problems. Anyone else have this problem? I only have 44,860 miles & garage keep & when out used sun screen to cover windshield. Hard to understand why this happened.

I have a Chrysler PT Cruiser 2004. Has anyone tried to replace the water pump? It's a nightmare.

feliceanne — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:44:57 GMT

The oil pressure light came on I changed the timing belt, thermostat, water pump and now I have to replace the camshaft sprocket because it has a hairline crack. I should have taken the entire engine apart I have never worked on anything so difficult in my life I should have taken it to the dealer. It would have worth it no matter how much it may have cost.Should I have the dealer fine tune it when and if I finish the repairs?

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser turbo, has the low oil pressure light come on at idle after vehicle has warmed up?

jasonwallace — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:28:05 GMT

2005 chrysler pt cruiser turbo, has the low oil pressure light come on at idle after vehicle has warmed up?

How to I adjust/aim the headlights on a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

fpeltier — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:53:27 GMT

My headlights are aimed too low. I cannot locate adjustment screws. I have looked under the hood and in the wheel well access panel.

4th cylinder of Chrysler PT Cruiser is not working (valve/piston related). Is engine probably shot? Got $3k quote to do engine.

tylercruise — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:02:45 GMT

2002 PT Cruiser 130,000 miles started rattling and buckling; till-now- trustworthy, inexpensive mechanic with good reputation first fixed speedometer: I foolishly kept asking if engine might be shot [heard (unfounded?) rumors about pt cruisers having bad engines]. First he said "might be engine"; engine light was on; previously when he checked this engine light he said it was just computer and didnt even charge me for his time checking it (6 months ago). This time I left the car; eventually he said, "think its the engine;" after checking used engine prices he said, "can do it for 3k." but I don't know how well he's checked it because he doesn't explain; may have good experience and intuition - or just figure I'm a sucker. I took it to a second mechanic for a 2cd opinion who explained that the forth cylinder was at about 25 (should have been at about 125 or so like the other 3 cylinders). This second mechanic said he'd have to take it all apart to see the extent of trouble (whole engine or not) and suggested I take it to a Ford Chrysler dealer instead, since it was beyond the scope of his shop. Diagnostic work alone will probably be very expensive there; a friend suggests I just take it back to the first mechanic because he is good, cheap and has a good rep; just doesn't explain things very well in his pleasant, incomprehensible Irish accent. The car has little power going up hills; I seldom drive it and only go 10 miles an hour, since these problems recently began. It is an automatic and is slow to switch gears; the transmission was replaced under waranty after I bought the car used at a good price in 2003 or 04. When you turn the heat on you smell fumes in the car; this started a year ago when an autobody shop fixed the doors. Its my first American car and I didn't expect it to be as good as my previous Toyotas but maybe my engine paranoia has brought on an unsolicited engine change from an otherwise honest mechanic. Any knowledge on these cars and the likelihood of me having to replace the engine after about 130,000 anyway? If the forth cylinder is not really functioning is this an indicator that the engine is probably shot? Can one cylinder be corrected cheaply after expensive dealer diagnostics if that is the only problem? Get my drift: Am I wasting time and money to go to a dealer if the cylinder problem ends up being almost as expensive as a 3k engine replacement anyway? (Know absolutely zero about cylinders, as you've probably gathered, by now). I could trade it in but if I can stop the fumes from coming in when heater is on and fix it mechanically, I want to keep it. From a non-mechanical point of view I really love the car; it's paid for. (At least no car payments and registered cheaply in my home state.)

I have a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser turbo convertible and need to find which fuse or relay works the power windows.

crrleo — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:14:40 GMT

the lights were left on over night. after boosting the battery that is when i noticed the windows and the convertible top was not working. i looked through the owner's manual and could not find anything relating to the power windows.

Fuse for turn signal on a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

crsrgirl2 — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:19:26 GMT

Can you tell me where the fuse for the turn signal is located in my 2005 PT Cruiser (it's not in with the rest of the fuses)?

I am having problems with fabric in my 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Everything stains it, even water. Any suggestions?

solem6 — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:23:59 GMT

Water stains the fabric I have tried cleaning it nothing works. Has anyone had this problem? Should I have the seats scotch guarded would this help? But what about the stains that are already there. Help I have 3 children! I have never owned a car that stains just from water. Could it be something wrong with the fabric?

What is the oil pan on 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser made of? How is it mounted under car?

mph702911 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:01:25 GMT

composition of the 2006 pt cruiser oil pan? how is the oil pan mounted under the car?

What kind of antifreeze do I put in a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

marc357 — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:15:42 GMT

I need to change the antifreeze in a 2004 pt cruiser. I don't have a manual and it states on the area that I need to add a special project. Does anyone know exactly what I'm I need to do?

Problems locating and remedying a vibration in a 06 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

gregg11 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:28:11 GMT

and have not had results yet read your post and would appreciate your input. You post was in April 2008

My Chrysler PT Cruiser horn starts honking by itself. Has anyone else had that problem?

culledj — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:02:19 GMT

2002 Pt Cruiser has keyless entry and the horn starts honking by its self while driving and parked

I've had my 06 Chrysler PT Cruiser for a year. Had to have the power steering hose replaced two months ago and now the steering.

tinawhtd — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:45:14 GMT

06 PT Cruiser, power steering squealing, took it to dealer he replaced the power steering hose said nothing else was wrong with it. Now 2 months later it is squealing again. Is there a constant problem with this?

Where is the TCM on a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

ann36 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:05:22 GMT

Thank you for answering initial my question - however - where is the tcm on my 2001 pt cruiser and can I clean this item myself?? I'm just a girl and know nothing about cars - but I can learn real fast - if this is easy enough!! thanks again!!

My 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is stuck in park. How do I fix this?

emilyw1985 — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:46:42 GMT

The button i press down to put my car in park will not go all the way down to allow me to put my car in reverse or drive. I can here the clicking on my stick and in the steering wheel...it seems like a cable or something is loose...is there a way i can fix this so i can take it to a shop?

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Thumping noise coming from area of left rear shock. Nobody can figure out what it is. Driving me nuts.

stressedout4 — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:08:35 GMT

I rode just inside the rear hatch, and it sounded like the top of the shock was very loose. It thumps somewhere behind the plastic fender covering on the inside of the cargo area right above the left rear wheel. 3 mechanics have tried to pin it down, but with no luck. What could it be! We want to sell this car, but not before we figure this out!

05 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.4l non turbo. Found a vacuum line off.

05pt — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:20:11 GMT

i found vacuum line off the back of the intake manifold. the hard line went to a rubber line that was burned off by the exhaust manifold. does anybody know where this hose goes to? thank you

Have 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser with a fluid leak on the passenger side front end. Looks like transmission fluid. Happens when cold.

van2008 — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:18:24 GMT

This only happens when it is extremely cold outside like zero or below. The car has 47000 miles on it.

Will getting a transmission fluid fill or change help my Momma's shifting problem in our Chrysler PT Cruiser?

chevyboy4gramp — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:32:38 GMT

WILL not shift very well, it gets stuck

My granddaughter has a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser which is going through front tires very fast.

grandmajo — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:24:25 GMT

My granddaughter has a 2006 Chrysler which is going through front tires very fast.

My grandson has a 2007 PT Cruiser also. Both of them have had to replace their tires very soon and are wondering if this is just a PT Cruiser thing. In other cars I would say front end alignment but seems crazy that two cars different years, but same type have this problem/

I have a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Transmission failed after a rebuilt was put in, of course after the 12 month warranty. What does a new one cost?

fvillegas — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:31:41 GMT

New transmission installed price?

02 Chrysler PT cruiser with "insufficient EGR airflow" code. Anything a backyard mechanic can do at before changing valve?

backally — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:37:59 GMT

Car runs good, just the check engine light on. Came on intermittent for a couple days, now is on steady. Thanks in advance for any help!

Why can't a later model 2.4 engine be put in a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

mastifffreak — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:08:18 GMT

Want to put a 2005 or 2006 engine in a 2001 Crysler PT Cruiser as they are plentiful in the salvages, I know that I will have to use the ecm and wiring harness and appropriate parts. Can you switch over all the attaching parts from the 2001 motor if these parts are not available, need to hook up with someone who has extensive experience on pt cruisers, thanks.