PT WILL NOT START
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 6:37 amThis has come up with several members cars and I have personally changed 4 Ignition Switches so maybe we can consider this a "Common Problem"? You turn your key, the dash lights up but when you turn all the way to start, nothing happens? If the lights stay on when you do this, we can assume the battery is not dead and you have an ignition switch problem. The switch is fairly easy to change. It is mounted to the steering column opposite the key switch.
You have to remove the plastic cover behind the steering wheel, there are a couple of phillips screws under the column up in recessed holes. Then the ignition switch is held onto the column with a couple of Torx screws.
Unplug the wiring harness on the switch and pull off the switch. (NOTE: If you look at the picture, you will see a little red piece on the wire connector, you have to slide that out to unlock the connector. Be sure to slide it back in when you get the new switch in. Most connectors on the PT Cruiser use a similar lock on connectors)
There should be a small white plastic rod coming from the key tumbler and into the center of the switch, be mindful that it goes back in the hole in the new switch, this activated the "key in" buzzer. Reverse the procedure and install the new switch. The whole job should take about 20 minutes.
Here is a picture of the switch I found
You have to remove the plastic cover behind the steering wheel, there are a couple of phillips screws under the column up in recessed holes. Then the ignition switch is held onto the column with a couple of Torx screws.
Unplug the wiring harness on the switch and pull off the switch. (NOTE: If you look at the picture, you will see a little red piece on the wire connector, you have to slide that out to unlock the connector. Be sure to slide it back in when you get the new switch in. Most connectors on the PT Cruiser use a similar lock on connectors)
There should be a small white plastic rod coming from the key tumbler and into the center of the switch, be mindful that it goes back in the hole in the new switch, this activated the "key in" buzzer. Reverse the procedure and install the new switch. The whole job should take about 20 minutes.
Here is a picture of the switch I found