Trouble with Multifunction control switch for PT Cruiser headlights

[paulaspt]

Has anyone heard of or had problems with the multifunction control switch that turns on the lights and turn signals? I'm going crazy with this problem. This will be the 5th time I will have it replaced. I own a 2001 that I've had since it rolled off the truck and was the 2nd one in my town. I get no warning that there is a problem. All of s sudden the headlights go out (at night of course)and the lever feels broken. Wiggling it keeps the lights going on and off and I've managed not to get in an accident but on 4 occasions I've been on country roads withot any street lights. The 5th time was on a freeway. Any ideas or comments you could give me would be greatly appreciated. I never feel secure at night even when it's been replaced.

[Bruce]

paulaspt wrote:

Has anyone heard of or had problems with the multifunction control switch that turns on the lights and turn signals? I'm going crazy with this problem. This will be the 5th time I will have it replaced. I own a 2001 that I've had since it rolled off the truck and was the 2nd one in my town. I get no warning that there is a problem. All of s sudden the headlights go out (at night of course)and the lever feels broken. Wiggling it keeps the lights going on and off and I've managed not to get in an accident but on 4 occasions I've been on country roads withot any street lights. The 5th time was on a freeway. Any ideas or comments you could give me would be greatly appreciated. I never feel secure at night even when it's been replaced.

My problem with the multi-function control lever is the fog lights come on without asking and will stay on even when the car is parked and not running unless I have the lever set at left turn signal. I am waiting on a quote for replacement of this part.

[Rob]

I have the same problem, any suggestions please help me!!

I'm at [e-mail]

Bruce wrote:

<quoted text>My problem with the multi-function control lever is the fog lights come on without asking and will stay on even when the car is parked and not running unless I have the lever set at left turn signal. I am waiting on a quote for replacement of this part.

[John]

No advice, but I also had that device go bad on me at 80k in my '01 LE. Replaced it for $140 and haven't had any probs for last 15k

[Bob S]

Bruce wrote:

<quoted text>My problem with the multi-function control lever is the fog lights come on without asking and will stay on even when the car is parked and not running unless I have the lever set at left turn signal. I am waiting on a quote for replacement of this part.

I have been chasing down a dead battery problem in my wifes PT... We checked the charging system over at the local college and found everything is OK...... so why is my wifes PT's battery failing?? I was working on my other car in the driveway and saw the Fog Lights on... they are recessed and hard to see when not sitting... The switch went bad on the end of the turn signals.... I pulled the fuse for now until I can get the parts.....this problem consumed my whole weekend..... What a pain... but at least I know what caused it....

[Trish]

Bruce wrote:

<quoted text>My problem with the multi-function control lever is the fog lights come on without asking and will stay on even when the car is parked and not running unless I have the lever set at left turn signal. I am waiting on a quote for replacement of this part.

I have been having this exact problem off and on. Unfortunately, now I can't get the fog lights to go off except with the left turn signal on (in park and the engine off), same as you've described. I will be taking it into the Dodge/Chrysler dealership tomorrow for a quote. I'll let you know what I find out. Does anyone know of a service bulletin that's been put out on this to the dealers?

[Mike M]

How did you make out? I just ran into the same problem.

Trish wrote:

<quoted text>

I have been having this exact problem off and on. Unfortunately, now I can't get the fog lights to go off except with the left turn signal on (in park and the engine off), same as you've described. I will be taking it into the Dodge/Chrysler dealership tomorrow for a quote. I'll let you know what I find out. Does anyone know of a service bulletin that's been put out on this to the dealers?

[Therese]

I guess that makes how many of us? We first found out about it after the battery died and we needed to replace it. The fuse idea is a good one. Do you know which fuse number it is? We bought ours used and don't have a manual. We love the car otherwise.

[jack frisch]

i have the same exact poblem tonight in my 2001 pt!!!!
jack
staten island ny

[jack frisch]

i got mine fixed yesterday for 184 total. 81 for the switch and the rest for labor
a one hour job approx. i called and had it done in the same day
jack

[MoD]

Same problem, fog lights stay on unless left turn signal on, then last night fog lights stay on even with left turn signal on. Getting it replaced for $200.00.

[Selina]

I have a 2001 PT Cruiser. AND Yes the fog light switch is doing the same thing. If you place the colum on the left turn signal the lights will go out. However the electric of it will drain the battery. I've been all over town at junk yards to find THE part, as well as the dealers. NOBODY wants to sell me the MultiFunctionConnectorKit. that my mechanic is requiring to fix this problem. Come -on Chrysler.....YOU know there is something wronge here. AND plenty of us Love our Cruiser's...the dealer ship quoted to me 2,450. Just for the colum, Which i am not asking for, BUT, will fix the car. I'm down now with it.

[Bruce]

Same story here ... 2001 PT Cruiser ... fog lights go ON all by themselves and can't be turned off except with left turn signal activated. Uggghhhh ...

Also anybody else get a lot groans and creaks out of their front suspension? I've recently replaced right front ball joint (making a clunnking noise going over road), so didn't expect these new (?) noises.

[Therese]

Therese wrote:

I guess that makes how many of us? We first found out about it after the battery died and we needed to replace it. The fuse idea is a good one. Do you know which fuse number it is? We bought ours used and don't have a manual. We love the car otherwise.

The fuse number for the fog light for the 2001 PT Cruiser is behind the fuse panel and it is #8. Pull it with a pair of needle nose pliers, and so far everything now works fine.(Of course, except the fog lights that want to burn continuously) Now, they don't light at all and that is fine with me!

[Frank]

Therese wrote:

<quoted text>

The fuse number for the fog light for the 2001 PT Cruiser is behind the fuse panel and it is #8. Pull it with a pair of needle nose pliers, and so far everything now works fine.(Of course, except the fog lights that want to burn continuously) Now, they don't light at all and that is fine with me!

The mfs is P/N 05073049AB. Not too much trouble to replace.$85 plus a new battery that had been cycled too much. Two screws on the bottom, two on the inside, plus two to attach the cruise control. Also, you need to transfer a relay to the new switch assembly.

[bmidd]

I also found that my battery went dead but i just happened to see my fog lamps on and have a bad multi function switch. went to the dealer and was told he sold 3 this week and they were back ordered. I said he cant keep them in stock. The parts man says a lot of cars have this problem. When will chrysler issue a service bulletin and fix this problem correctly.

[Debi Decker]

I have the same problem, after two dealerships and two batteries, thank God I found this website. Thanks for the input, hopefully they will recall this part at Chrysler.

[Rick]

Add another one to the list of malfunctioning fog light switches, I have a 2003 PT and the switch just went bad last week I pulled the fuse. Has anyone had any luck getting it fixed for free? Since it is obviously a defective part

[Dick Hauck]

Same problem. Just bought a '01 for the wife and found the fog lights were inop. Upon checking it out I found the fuse missing. When installing a new fuse the fog lights came on with the switch but would could not turn off. I pulled the fuse until I can get some estimates to fix the problem.

Dick H., Ocala, FL
rhauck [e-mail]

[Mark]

Bruce wrote:

<quoted text>My problem with the multi-function control lever is the fog lights come on without asking and will stay on even when the car is parked and not running unless I have the lever set at left turn signal. I am waiting on a quote for replacement of this part.

I have the exact same problem...fog lights on at all times except when the left turn signal is on in park, and the battery drains as a result.(The fog lights also turn off when the headlights are turned on while driving). I also pulled the fuse because I never use the fog lights anyways, and things are back to normal (for now). Based on my past experience with Chrysler (dealerships and company), give up on the idea that they may fix it for free--their customer service is a joke.