Chrysler PT Cruiser

ajc3

I unhooked the battery on my PT to clean off some corrosion on one of the bolts. When I restarted the car, the CD player shuffled thru the discs and then CA-pooy. Radio does not even register that there is a CD player in the vehicle now. Took it to the Chrysler dealer and got a, "Um, yeah, um, Uh-huh." Was told that this is a problem with SOME PT's, but not all (said he'd seen it before). He couldn't get it to register either and now my 6 CD's are being held hostage. It's a April 04 vehicle with 27,500 miles on it. Warranty, of course, expired on 4/15/2007. In my mind, this is something that should NOT happen to a vehicle wiht this few miles on it. Plus I have Sirius, and rarely use the CD player. Was told this was about a $600 replacement. Anyone have any thoughts, heard or know anything about this issue? Can't get my CD's back w/o taking the radio apart. Was told to go by a new radio thru a radio store. Very helpful dealer advise. Appreciate any help!!!

krony

Chrysler puts PT Cruiser’s future in doubt
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20265908/
Automaker will build them through ’09, but demand for them is softening

micweb

Hardly a sad day for PT Cruiser fans. Maybe a sad day for early adopters who paid a premium over list price.

But to me, the PT Cruiser looks as good as it did on day one. In fact, better - all of them have body colored bumpers instead of the grey bumpers on the original base model. The current version has a nicely redesigned interior. They still work REALLY well for their intended purpose. I know, I had two, and they served as mini-minivans for my small (in size, not numbers!) family - before people had heard of a Mazda5 or Kia Rondo.

In fact I just saw the 2008 PT Cruiser in LX trim (that's what they call the base trim model now) at a dealer and it's still a triumph of packaging and "retro" design. It now comes with side air bags (unfortunately not side CURTAIN) as well with power windows, door locks, and keyless entry, standard.

The large dealers in Northern California routinely advertise the PT for $12.5 K with an automatic - a great price, especially compared to its nearest cousin, the HHR from Chevy. One San Jose dealer has been selling sunroof equipped, Boston Acoustics equipped, automatics for $11888.

Is there anything else available in America, from a domestic or import maker, than comes close in value? It sure beats a Focus or Cobalt. Stripped Dodge Calibers sell for more!

If Chrysler discontinues the PT, it will only be when they have a similar entry level car with a little more "class" than most entry level cars. The PT is perfect for Chrysler - it drives traffic to the showroom, introduces first time or budget drivers to the brand, and has some cachet - it's an economy car in specialty car clothing.

Probably the only problem Chrysler has is having to price them so low to move enough of them to justify keeping it in their lineup - but they must have amortized a lot of their initial capital investment by now.

Yes, the PT is probably a little past its "freshness date," but over a million have been sold, and they have a great reliability record. I doubt they will come out with an updated PT since Chrysler would have to sink a lot of capital costs into a now-limited demand/price specialty car. But it's hard to imagine what kind of viable replacement they can come up with - I simply can't see a "re-badged" Dodge Caliber in Chrysler's future, that car has Dodge DNA so deeply written into it, it wouldn't "fit" on a Chrysler lot.

If you doubt me, read the major metropolitan newspaper ads and see how PT Cruisers keep popping up as very economical "ad specials." Not just one or two for 5-10. This is a car which is easy and cheap to maintain and keep running. I couldn't think of a more functional vehicle for a single mom who needs an inexpensive alternative to a bloated (in price and features) minivan or impossible expensive "cross-over."

What would you recommend to your friends now that Chrysler offers a lifetime power train warranty - a Honda CRV for $22k or a $12k PT Cruiser? Trust me, a $10 difference buys a LOT of baby food.

charlesf4

And then there was the VW bug that went on and on. I have often thought about how those people feel that went out and bought the first Cruiser with the out landished mark ups.

The first time I saw a Cruiser at the LA Auto Show I knew one day I would have one. I test drove one later and was disappointed because it felt so under powered. I waited around and bought a 2004 GT Turbo. it is a gas hog but I don't care. I love the car!!

superwoody

I have a 2007 PT Cruiser that didn't have cruise from the factory so I ordered the factory speed control kit from Mopar. Everything went fairly well on the install except for a couple of problems of the instructions not showing the correct view. In other words, in one case where it shows to plug 2 wires into a certain plug, there was only room for one! Has anyone here installed a kit in an 07'? Also, does the computer need to be reset/reprogrammed for the cruise, the instructions had ZERO words on it just pictures :confuse:

HELP ANYONE

krony

No help from your dealer? I'd check with them on some help...especially if it's Mopar parts.

atuncay

I have the exact same problem with the kit I just received. The part number on it is 82209360AB, it shows the incorrect connector configuration on the steering wheel and has the pin numbers reversed on the connector on the firewall.

Calls to Mopar have not helped. Have solved your problem?

-ahmet

car2star

Hi ajc3, the problem you described just happened to me. 2004 PT cruiser with 25K miles. Battery died and my radio works but does not recognize the CD player in "mode". The dealer said something about a "reset", but said to buy a new radio! Did you ever get an answer? Thanks.

wschell

CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF A DUST COVER FOR A 2006 PT CONVERTABLE WILL FIT A 2007 PT CONVERTABLE.

THANKS, BILL

krony

A dealer should be able to tell you for sure but from what I know due to the major facelift for 2006 there are no differences between any of the 06 and 07 PT's with exception of equipment in the base packages and the "PT Cruiser" decal/emblem going to the rear hatch instead of the doors. That's probably a safe cost reduction .

carbugs

I had a Plymouth Sundance that used 1 quart of oil for every 1000 miles and some other serious problems such as broken air conditioning, paint coming off, stalling and loud squealing noises that made people stare. I took that car to every dealer within a 50 mile radius of my home and it was never fixed. Chrysler finally sent me a letter stating that 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles is "normal". I should have framed that letter, it was hilarious. Took a huge loss on the vehicle.

russhawley

Hi, I was wondering if you resolved your problem and I would also like a copy of the instructions if that is possible. I am a pretty good mechanic but I would like to see what all is involved. Thanks

russhawley

I was wondering if someone could send me the instructions for the speed control kit part 82209360ab. I would like to see what all is involved before I purchase the kit. Thanks, Russ. They can be emailed to rushhawley@aol.com

billybug

HI,

Just got back from Ely, Mn with our 2001 PT. Original battery and 30,000 miles. Seven year old battery started car at -24 degrees F! Not wind chill but the real thing.

Bill

mysophie

I'm having the same issue, has anybody solved this? If so, what was the fix? Any help is appreciated.

tomquinn3

I bought our 2004 PT , no turbo, new from a dealer. We currently have 105,000 miles and had great luck with this car. We just replaced the Timing Belt and Water Pump at the recommended 105,000 miles. Otherwise, we have only replaced he left turn signal bulb and nothing else. I drive at average speeds of 75 MPH constantly. I read all the issues with the automatic transmissions. My thought when purchasing was to use the 5 speed manual. I do not believe with mixing a small horsepower engine with an automatic due to the constant up and downshifting when power is needed. This hard constant shifting is what I believe is causing the auto transmission problems. I feel I have an additional 100,000 plus before I will have any major problems. I also have used Synthetic Oil, a bit more expensive but well worth it in the long haul.

smcelduff

I have a friend who has one of these cars and we are trying to remove the larger of the two rear seats and we pull on the cord that seems to be the only thing used to release the seat but the mechanism seems not to release such that we cannot move the seat from the floor. He will be taking it to the dealer shortly to have it looked at unless there is some "magic" someone here knows about when removing these seats.... thanks in advance for any help, hopefully I have described problem well enough.

rondee

I have a new to me /07 PT Convertible black top We park in an underground parking Hi Rise and it is very dusty. and I mean dusty. I got an answer they are available but were from? I am looking for a nylon top cover that covers the front windshield and rear window and only the top! it should be sort of like a nylon jacket that you can stuff into its own pocket or a small stuff bag with a drawstring and put it in the glove box. I dont need it for rain or snow just dust .
Hope you guy's can help out?
I am new to this forum and hope I can find my way back so please email me with the answer
rongk@sympatico.ca

Ron G Kennedy
Kitchener Ontario Canada

tedebear

Did you try a Google search? Here's what I came up with by using the following keywords:

PT Cruiser Convertible Top Dust Cover

I'm at work and I cannot check each one in the list but that should get you started. If it's not what you're looking for try some different keywords and see what turns up.

jpf

Why not buy a car cover? They come in standard sizes and should fit your car. Living in Canada, you should find one at your local Canadian Tire store. Good luck.

krony

Hey folks...I have an '06 Limited that seems to be having a issue with the outside air temp readout on the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (on the dash). At first I got the runaround that they couldn't recreate the issue, then I took it in while happening and they replaced the sensor which is located in front of the radiator.

It's now acting flaky again, sometimes will be off by 20 degrees then after 5 minutes of driving with "wake up" and count up/down to read accurately. My service advisor at the dealership says it's normal to sometimes have 5 min of lag which I think is crazy.

Anyone else have that issue and got it fix?

nortsr1

I, also, Have a 2006 PT Limited and have had that same problem periodically. The first time I noticed it, I took it back to the dealership and after about fifteen minutes they said thay fixed it. About a week later, it acted up again but, as you said, about five minutes later it was A.O.K.
Now, I just let it "reset itself' and it works fine (until the next time)!!!

kjp1017

Having trouble with a code 0222 throttle positioning sensor low output. When pulling a hill of any size, car bucks and carries on and tranny shifts awkward. what can I do?

charlesf4

There is the problem of shifting! It is a non-turbo. I have a 2004 turbo and believe me I never have shifting problems.

krf

there is a cover out there go to caPopTop.com they carry a top just what you are looking for it is made out of tyvec material and the more you use the softer it is i know they carry one for the pt convertable i have one

charlesf4

Thanks, A friend of mine picked one up for me here in So. CA.
Charlie

aladdinsane

Hi...
Why is this particular forum lifeless? It's a pity. The PT Cruiser ain't dead, and it looks as though it still has a long(?) shelf life to go. From what I read Fiat intends on keeping this machine in the New Chrysler stable as a niche vehicle. If the "New" Chrysler wakes up and gives this vehicle the attention it needs the PT may rise like the Phoenix and revive itself, so to speak. They should do as VW did with the original Beetle: maintain the body as is and make all sorts of mechanical improvements to it, to make it a superior machine and keep it from being a "has been" idea passed it prime, IMHO. I dig the PT and only hope it lives on, contrary to what the squares say.
Peace!<-AladdinSane<- :shades:

jpf

Unfortunately, the PT Cruiser will only live on for another year. The factory in Mexico that builds the Cruiser will build a Fiat model (likely the Fiat 500) for the 2011 model year. I recently purchased a PT Cruiser convertible and I thoroughly enjoy the car.

204meca

My wife & I have had a PTC for a rental car about 5 times in the past few years, most recently in HA where it seemed like every 3rd car was a Chysler product and PT Cruisers abound,
Although most of the cars I have ownered have been Hondas & we currently drive a Del Sol, A4, & Forester, I must admit that the PTC makes a great rental car. Lots of glass for good visiblity, plenty of room for suitcases, relatively comfortable & quite ride, reasonable fuel economy (we have typically gotten 23-26 mpg). The power is adequate for relaxed cruising & it handles pretty well for an inexpensive car. In fact I found it handled the corners of Wiamea canyon well at above average speeds coming down on two occasions last week. - relatively flat & no drama.
All that to say, while I would probably never buy a PT Cruiser due to poor mpg for it's size, I think they make a great rental car for getting from point A to B relatively comfortably & inexpensively. I can heartily recommend them for rental car for 2 people.

curve

So I was looking at wagons on CR website and the PT Cruiser is ranked second to last in owner satisfaction, just ahead of the Dodge Caliber...this is out of 24 cars! I'm not sure how a new buyer who does his/her homework can argue with the majority and buck the trend/experience. It may be part reliability issue but also driving experience. I doubt this model will last long given many factors mentioned on this site. :lemon: