general problems of the 2010 Chrysler Pt Cruiser

The engine blew up! under 70,000 mileage but after 10 years. Mechanics can’t figure out what’s wrong with it. The try this and that. The catalytic converter, spark plugs… everything you can imagine. Just started to cost more than it was worth.

There were many instances where the gauges would momentarily go to zero, and engine would almost quit, only to return to normal within a second or 2, in most cases. On rare occasion, engine would quit, and not restart for a while, then everything ok again. I found that I could duplicate the symptoms by quickly turning the key to "off" then back to "run", and by doing this quickly many times, the problem would not re-occur for a few weeks. Several trips to the dealer did nothing except cost me money. I have fixed the problem by replacing the start switch located in the bottom of the steering column. I had talked to Chrysler direct several times, and I would have thought they would be aware of this problem, and the remedy. I am most disappointed they were no help.

I drove 15 miles an pulled at 55 mph into oskaloosa IA reduced speed to 35 down to 25 an thought I smelled something burning like wires an antifreeze ,black smoke rolled out from under neath my hood on passenger side put in park popped hood opened hood flames coming from underneath engine in front of alternator grabbed snow throwing it on flames called 911 got fire extinguisher sprayed got fire out fire dept. Showd looked they said smelt like wiring& antifreeze burnt smell . Then looked in side of car keys in my hand dash lights all lite up an flashing . Fireman said electrical melted the windshield washer fluid container . Cause car was off we discounted battery took neg off laid it where nothing touch an went take pos. Off sparks shot out of neg. Cable end. The day before at nite I put brake on in car an head lights flickered never done that before . They'd dim bright while driving. Fog lights kept burning out they came on when car was off. Several times. I replaced alternator/ starter/battery/ valvecover/ all 3 sensors/ new headlamps they were so dim with new even. Ud even get scked just checkin engine oil dip stick. Replaced struts &schocks an both tie rod ends bearings. All since Nov 2013.