Fog Light Switch Problems of Chrysler Pt Cruiser - part 1

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!.

See all problems of the 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser 🔎.

While driving with my headlights and fog lights on, using my turn signal turns off my headlight on that side until the turn signal shuts off. I have also seen this in a Chrysler 300, and a town and country. And, I have seen this in a chevy camaro and a vw. Something is seriously wrong here!!! the date is only because you need a date. It is frequent,.

See all problems of the 2007 Chrysler Pt Cruiser 🔎.

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

The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated that the fog light warning indicator illuminated and smoke appeared from the steering column. The contact was able to pull the vehicle off the roadway, turn off the engine, and restart the vehicle. The contact smelled burning wires, but there were no flames. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact found a recall for the fog lights online, but was unable to provide further information. The failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser 🔎.

On returning home from an event in the evening I parked my vehicle in the garage. I turned off lights and then the ignition and everything shut down except the fog lights stayed on (the vehicle was completely shut off). I never had the fog lights on that evening. I tried various a temps I. E. Pushing the butten in, turning the vehicle on and then off again, etc. , but did not have any success. My wife went online and found (from many people having the same problem with their pt crusiers) to put the left turn signal on, shut off the vehicle, then push the fog light butten in. This worked so that I didn't wake up to a dead battery. If you go online you will find many people who own Pt Cruisers with the identical problem including some having smoke coming from the multi function switch. I hope to hear from someone soon!!.

See all problems of the 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser 🔎.

I had just put fuel in my car and was driving across a parking lot. I proceeded to park my car and noticed smoke rising out of my steering wheel and a burning smell. My lower set of lights ( fog lights) had turned on by themselves, which is odd since they haven't been working for at least two years. In order to stop the smoking in the steering wheel, I had to remove fuse #8. Same set of lights have turned on before a few years back draining my battery since I couldn't turn them off with their switch. In addition, my headlights turn off automatically at random while I'm driving and my clock lights go out frequently. Headlights have gone out on me 5 times over the past 3 years. I try not to drive much at night as a result.

Fog lights came on by themselves while parked with no key in ignition (while at work). Common issue found all over the internet. Cause is a defective multi-function switch. Smelled a burning smell. Repair shop was unable to find any problems through diagnostics which was before the car had been seen during the day with it's running lights on. That drained the battery and required a jump start. Happened several times. Due to overwhelming number of complaints listed throughout the internet for this same issue we feel a recall should be issued as this is a fire hazard. The 15 amp fuse (number 8 on interior fuse panel) never blew but was discolored from heat.

Fog lights won't turn off, stayed on long enough to run down battery. Not good for single elderly woman volunteer stuck in a parking lot across town. Understand the problem has been reported in many, many vehicles for at least 10 years. Did I miss a recall? I'm the original owner. Where in the world will I find a multifunction switch and someone to install it? will the company cover the cost? are they on a fixed income?.

I have a concern about all the issues with this car. On March 29th my fog lights would not turn off even when ignition switch was turned off. I went on line and saw several "blogs" about this issue - I am an older women with minimal knowledge of these things so I went to a parts store that was open and the clerk pulled the #8 fuse out - for the fog lights so my battery would not run down before service/repair was open on Monday- the mechanic stated he could fix it and also that the dealership just took in a used cruiser and the fog lights did not work - they found that someone had took the fuses out for that cruiser also - is this a defective issue- appears now according to the internet the replacement part has been improved. I also had to replace the entire computer and again seems other cruiser owners have had this issue also - this is a lot of expense and with the loan on the car is difficult to now get a different car as this does seem to be a lemon - but I have to keep it till I can afford to get a different car - with all these issues - no one will want this one either.

See all problems of the 2005 Chrysler Pt Cruiser 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2010 Chrysler Pt Cruiser 🔎.

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.

Was driving daughter to work and began to smell a burning odor. However, I assumed it was a passing vehicle (streets were very well lit, and I would not have noticed my lights were out). The next morning my wife was heading out to pick-up our daughter from work, and was flashed by the local police for not having lights on. Through the process of elimination I decided to replace the multifunction switch. When I received the switch and attempted to install it I noticed that the wiring harness was slightly melted. Upon investigating the internet for a harness I came upon several websites with numerous complaints involving the same problem. (if everyone were to unite and post their complaints here there would be many) these problems seem to be related to a shorting out of the wiring caused by the oem fog lights. This however, did not cause either the dash fuse or the engine compartment fuse to blow, which is a real concern.

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.

The fog lights in my 2004 Chrysler Pt Cruiser stay on, even after the ignition is turned off. I have to 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 roomate told me my lights were on.

See all problems of the 2004 Chrysler Pt Cruiser 🔎.

Fog lights malfunction very frequently. For the past couple of months, vehicle's battery has been drained because the fog lights are on (which are never turned on or even used) and will not go off. Happens frequently and it's difficult to get the fog lights to go off, the lights control has to be jiggled just right to get them to go off so we know the battery won't be drained after a few hours. Lately, it has gotten harder and harder to get them to turn off and finally had to pull the fuse in order to make them go off.

Vehicle was used to drive to local store at night. Fog lights were not turned on at any time. I parked in department store parking lot and came out after shopping for about 45 minutes and noticed a burning smell coming from Pt Cruiser. Opened the drivers door and odor became more apparent. Noticed smoke rolling out of steering column. Also noticed fog lamp indicator on dashboard was on. However, all lights and switches were off. I had to pull out several fuses until I found the one related to the fog lamps. That was the only way to quickly power off the fog lamps and stop the smoldering. This is a potential fire hazard!.

The problem I am having started about 2 months ago, my battery was suddenly drained and I had no idea why. I had to buy a new battery for about $125. When my fog light indicator began to flicker on and off on its own. I'd just press the end of turn signal arm inward towards the steering column and the indicator light went off. Gradually, the pressing process did not work anymore and I discovered that shutting off the car with the left hand turn signal pressed down, at least temporarily solved the problem (so I could do some research on its solution). Not knowing what to do, I brought it into the dealer and for $65 they diagnosed it at a need to replace the multifunction switch which they said required the pulling of steering wheel and over $600 more to fix. I opted out on that, since car has 112,000 miles on it. Then, with a week of very hot 90 degree temperatures, , I found that brand new battery totally drained and began reading the internet posts of the possibility of pulling the fuse. Of course being a USA car, the manual didn't identify the fuse for the fog lamps in the "under the hood" fuse box. It seems that the heat allows the fog lamps to still turn on when the left hand signal arm is pressed downwards. Going further, I found that fuse #8 in the interior dashboard fuse box could be pulled and should solve the problem without further repair. I find it very interesting that Chrysler does not even show you a sketch of the interior fuse box in their owners manual. This approach does mean that the manufacturer of the vehicle is not allowing the buyer (me) to fully enjoy all the features of the vehicle! seems to me that Chrysler corporation has not recalled the defective cars on purpose and needs to have a debacle like Toyota had before they will do the right thing and fix a bad design. .

Fog lights going on/off without activation by driver. After motor was shut off fog lights continue to stay on. Trying to control fog light function thru multi-function switch not successful. Had to pull fog light fuse from fuse panel. Pt cruiser websites confirm this is a common problem with multi-function switch on most model years of Pt Cruisers.

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.

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. While examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that the multi-switch on the steering wheel malfunctioned and was causing the fog lights to remain illuminated after the vehicle was shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were 50,000.

The multifunction light switch causes the fog lights to turn on and off at random, even when ignition is off. Issue happens at all speeds.

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact was driving 25 mph when the fog lights failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that the switch for the fog lights needed to be replaced. The there were no recalls for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 40,000.

I am the original owner of this Pt Cruiser, purchased on November 22, 2000. My multi-switch will not turn on my fog lights and the indicator in the instrument cluster does not light. I have read many online articles from owners with the same problem. Why won't Chrysler fix this on going problem?.

The contact owns 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. While the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the fog lights began to illuminate without intent. There were several attempts before the fog lights would turn off. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated the fog lamps would remained on after the vehicle was turned off. The contact had to removed the fuse in order to turn the fog lamps off. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the switch that operated the external lights was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any of the recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 103,000.

Multifunction light switch in Pt Cruiser is poorly designed, resulting in unreliable exterior light operation. Either can turn on fog lights, or lights remain on when car is off and switch is off and drains battery. Mine has occurred 5x. Internet search finds this to be common to pt's, with others reporting electrical short, smoke, and total meltdown of the multifunction switch.

Fog lights will not turn off. I had to unplug the lights in order for them not to stay on. Now they are completely off. Will never buy a Chrysler product again. I have 46,000 miles and everything described in these reports went wrong with my vehicle.

I am having issues with my 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The fog light switch has worn out and is causing my car battery to be drained due to the fog light staying on. I was going to replace the part. However I was checking online for quotes when I stummled upon a forum full of complaints for the same issue. There are over 600 comments regaurding problems with the Pt Cruiser, most of them with the same issue. I hope there is something somebody can do about this. I am hoping for a recall of the part, I will buy a new part I just don't want the same part again. This is a dangerous problem becuase I have been left strannded due to my car being drained of battery life more than 5 times.

The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. While the vehicle was parked the fog lights came on and caused the battery to fail. The control switch for the fog lights continued to remain illuminated on the steering column when the lights turned off. The vehicle was not inspected when the complaint was filed. The failure and current mileages were approximately 94,000.

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.

Fog lights would not turn off. Brought into dealership in el segundo, CA for repair on 03/29/06 was told it was an internal switch and repaired for $86. 58. I thought the problem was repaired. Then in 2008 it happened again and I took it into another dealership in w. Los angeles, CA and they told me it was a switch in the steering column so it had to be replaced and that totaled approximately $340. Now on easter (04/04/10) on my way to a bbq to my parents home, the fog lights came on again . . . And wouldn't turn off again. But this time it caused me to panic because it overheated and smoke started to come out of the hazard light switch and turn signal switch while I was just getting off the freeway. I was lucky because I was not to far from my parents home where my brother who was formally a mechanic had the mind to pull out the fuse to the fog lights. The fuse was very hot when he pulled it out and the smoking stopped. He did state that the car could of caught fire if he had not pulled the fuse out in time. I was lucky. I do have the old part available.

The multifunctional light switch on Pt Cruisers is defective. Over 500 Pt Cruiser owners have reported that suddenly the front & back fog lights come on & do not shut off even when the motor & all other switches are turned off. Obviously there is a short in the switch which could result in head lights suddenly being turned off when driving at night. This failure has been constant forcing me & others to remove the fuse controlling the fog lights so that the battery does not drain down after the vehicle is shut down. I and others have encountered extreme difficulty in obtaining a replacement part.

The fog lights on my 2005 Pt Cruiser come on by themselves. Engine off - keys not in ignition. Dead battery twice in the past 24 hours.

2000 Pt Cruiser with 50000 miles. Multifunction light switch on steering column has failed in past two weeks. When vehicle turned off, fog lamps stay on. Only way to get them to turn off is to turn on left turn signal. Went to dealer to get replacement switch and we are #1500 on waiting list for new switch. Chrysler has no outlook for when new switches will be available. Pulled fog light fuse to keep fog lights DE-energized. Great risk according to widely distributed reports that light wiring harness can fail, melt and start fire. The only safe thing to do is park car and remove battery until new switch is available.

Short in multifunction switch causes fog lights to come on resulting in a dead battery. I am concerned because this is a 15 amp circuit and it may possible cause an electrical fire also. Appears to be a common malfunction with the Pt Cruiser for all years.