PT Cruiser Ignition Switch Replacement

[@ritaleger4143]

Thanks Matt. Great job. Gave me the confidence to do it on my own. Im a Mother and GrandMother!!!! Awsome to you.

[@CarswithNash]

Thanks! Happy to help and appreciate the feedback.

[@DavidWaeldervideo]

You Loaded this with great gems of tips along the whole way. Great job and thank you.

[@CarswithNash]

David Waelder Thanks, I always try to make my videos as informative as possible.

[@eddiel.7770]

Just replaced the ignition switch on my wife's 2003 PT Cruiser using your video as a guide. It was a great help and the job took under an hour. The symptoms were having the all the lights on the dash light up when trying to start the car but the starter not cranking. Jiggling the key seemed to help get the car started sometimes. After I sprayed some WD 40 into the lock area and worked the key the car would start every time. I changed out the lock just to be sure. The key assembly feels tighter in the steering column after the replacement part was installed. I'm hoping that was it, don't really want to mess around replacing a starter on the car which would be the next thing in line. Thanks for the video.

[@CarswithNash]

Sounds like you have it figured out, but remember there is a neutral safety switch as well that could be out of adjustment and causing an issue.

[@eddiel.7770]

It's the GT 2.4 Turbo model with a floor shift and slamming the shifter back and forth didn't do anything. Spraying the WD 40 helped which is why I swapped out the switch. Only time will tell if I got it right. Lol. If it happens again I will go after the neutral safety switch thanks for the tip. @@CarswithNash

[@Mellie]

My cruiser is having the same symptoms. I have replaced everything but the ignition switch. (Replaced neutral safety switch, starter, battery, battery posts and even TIPM) but it's still acting up. 5 shops later and no one told me this could be the issue. Anyway, thanks for the post, good to know this is likely the culprit.

[@maryclark6672]

Thank you for this. I successfully replaced my ignition switch. Your video made it easy.

[@Darth_Conans]

Thanks for the video. I sussed out that my 03 Turbo's ignition switch was the culprit for the problems I was having and used your guide to help swap it out for a new one. It fired right up when I was done.

[@CarswithNash]

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.

[@bigdreeamer]

I've watched a lot of DIY mechanics videos. You explain everything very well and make it very easy to accomplish. Thank you for your very informative video.

[@CarswithNash]

That’s nice to hear, thanks.

[@josephbenassi9697]

You are a great instructor, much thanks for all youre informative videos.!!

[@CarswithNash]

Thank you! I appreciate hearing that.

[@JDawghasaTruck]

Thanks man! You saved me sweat, time, cus words, and broken stuff!

[@CarswithNash]

jsprag8054 Glad to hear!

[@CarswithNash]

Tonia Lazenby There should be the word “subscribe” in red at the bottom right corner of the video, you just click on that.

[@bonesboat2448]

Your video walked me through the procedure great. I had to do a little jiggling with the key but 20 minutes and I was done. Thanks. I sent you a beer.

[@CarswithNash]

Wow, I really appreciate that, thank you so much! Glad it went smoothly for you.

[@Ahmed-bj4gu]

Thanks Matt. Great work and nicely done. My PT has all the dash indicator lights come on for a second or two while driving. Car continues to drive just a lot of dinger noise then it'll drive normal for a bit before it happens again. Many web 'experts' are saying that such dash lights coming on is caused by the alternator going bad so I put a volt meter on the battery terminals and let the engine run while stopped. When the dash light lit up for a second the voltage did not budge from 14 Volts indicating there wasn't anything wrong with the alternator. My next suspect is the ignition switch and just found your video. I've ordered the switch and getting ready to replace, armed with your wonderful instructions. Thanks Again !!

[@CarswithNash]

I think you’re on the right track, I would also try wiggling the plugs going into the computer on the left side of the engine bay (has four big plugs going into it). I made a shorts video a while ago on how those plugs can lose contact and just wiggling them around can fix an electrical problem. Good luck!(-:

[@youwouldknoww]

This is where I’m at currently.. did the ignition switch solve the problem for you??

[@Ahmed-bj4gu]

@@youwouldknoww It did for me..

[@MRTuning704]

What’s up! Your killing it with the up loads!

[@CarswithNash]

M&R Tuning Yeah I’ve been getting caught up on my editing during this cold snap we are having. Thanks for watching!(-:

[@kevinallen2972]

dude just saved me big time its 5 degree mine did this for first time

[@stewartbradshaw3011]

Thanks, exactly what I needed.

[@seang5629]

Great Video Matt . Very helpful ,Thank you !

[@CarswithNash]

Great to hear!(-:

[@mauricedavis2905]

Thank you for this

[@heike9108]

Hi Matt. I can't thank you enough for your awesome video!!! I've had several friends tell me that they would put in my new ignition switch for me. I waited and waited...finally I had enough and decided to try and put it in myself. With your video I was able to install it in no time. Thanks so much!!! Who needs a man Lol ... Now I just need to reinstall my alternator 😵‍💫 Do you have any videos for that? Lol Take care and keep up the great work!😊

[@CarswithNash]

That’s great to hear! Sorry no alternator video yet, I haven’t had one fail. I do believe it is a bit of a pain because you have to remove the motor mounts and pull the engine ahead to get enough room to get the alternator in and out. (that’s what I’ve heard)

[@heike9108]

Thank you Matt 😊 A friend of mine took the alternator off. He thought that it was the reason why my car wouldn't start. It was a pain to get out. Hopefully he'll reinstall it soon. If not, I will try and put it in also. I'm sure I could do it Lol 💪🏻!! I'll let you know if I end up tackling it also 😉 Thanks again Matt....take care

[@bobrusso1814]

Good job Matt.

[@CarswithNash]

Thanks!(-:

[@russelallen5342]

Thanks, very helpful.

[@bonesboat2448]

Great video. I'll give it a try. Mine is getting flaky. It's my wife's dad's car. Maybe I'll have her do it 🙂 since you did such a good video.

[@crystalvotzke7628]

hello Matt that was a good video.

[@CarswithNash]

Crystal Votzke Thank you!

[@christophergaggo4088]

Hi Matt, thanks for a great Vid. I just replace this part on my 01 as I thought this was the problem. I have a parasitic drain and when I disconnect the wiring harnesses to the ignition switch it resolves, connect and the drain returns. Any ideas you could offer?

[@OnlineMechanicTips]

good video, you nailed it

[@CarswithNash]

JT Automotive Rideshare Guru Thanks! Been meaning to get caught up on your channel, I’ve just been editing nearly non stop during this cold weather so I haven’t felt like watching youtube myself that much.

[@julioherrera1443]

Hi Matt, did this resolve the parasitic draw you had in an earlier video about this car?

[@Steelbooking541]

Do you think this could be the problem when my Pt won’t start, has power to everything, but makes absolutely no noise when I turn the key and the key feels loose and off in the ignition while in the starting position? I have two keys and both do this, so it’s not a bad key. Started right after I drove a bunch, drove great but wouldn’t start after.

[@zodifyy7971]

Yea it’s the ignition switch I have the same symptoms

[@bonesboat2448]

Thanks!

[@DJAustinKallistoCrafts]

Thanx!

[@ImChrisDuke]

Thumbs up Matt

[@CarswithNash]

ImChrisDuke Thanks!(-:

[@orlandopadilla8304]

Did you change the switch for a reason? I have a battery draining problem I think it's the switch. It drains in about two days when I park it for a few days.

[@bobbyenglish158]

I got it thanks anyway

[@chuckthebeast7693]

The extra plug is for the GT autos, that's where the autostick connector plugs in. I know this because during my troubleshooting of my autostick not working, I discovered some dinglenuts put the wrong ignition switch in (manual transmission) and just left the autostick plug dangle

[@CarswithNash]

Good to know, thanks.

[@braveheartrv2946]

You are so adorable and did such a great job! Sometimes my ignition won't go. Is this what I need? I would like to have seen the signs that I need to do this.

[@CarswithNash]

King's Acres That sounds more like a keylock issue which is a separate part, you probably need a complete new lock cylinder. Sometimes if the steering is locked with pressure on it, it can cause the key to jam up but if that’s not it then it probably needs a new lock cylinder.

[@wonderwond]

what were the symptoms before hand ? my 2002 pt , you can be out driving somewhere and randomly the car goes into neutral , RPMS shoot very high . all dash lights go nuts, check engine/low fuel,etc all come on and starts dinging,, then all a sudden back to normal,, few min later does it again. sometimes bucking like a mule when it does it.. NO ERROR CODES listed

[@CarswithNash]

John Hill I did have blinking dash lights, but that was about it, the new switch fixed that for me. I think you should change your switch, it is probably causing some of your symptoms, but I also think you have a grounding issue. I recently made a very detailed video on maintaining your electrical system to avoid these kinds of glitches, here’s the link, I’d recommend the full process on your car, it will likely solve your issues: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmqXXpWujtaCd9k

[@RickyL305]

Does this go with 2008 models also?

[@EddyDean]

Hello Matt, Great video! Thanks for sharing!! Question I had the same problem with my 2003 Turbo PT Cruiser, I changed out the Ignition Switch Actuator Pin and was able to get my PT cruiser to start up and run the only thing is I don't have a radio now, but it does work if the key is in the accessory position but it does not work when the car is running, the Steering wheel won't lock up like it used to either, what could be the problem? Thanks!

[@CarswithNash]

Sorry, I have not had experience with that. But to me it sounds like you must have missed something up in there, I would go backwards through your steps and make sure everything is proper.

[@mau85124]

hi matt how are you I have a problem with the 2010 pt cruiser. The alarm goes off out of the blue. The car is closed and does not ring. When I open it with the remote or the key in the lock, I open the door and it starts beeping. After 10 seconds stop. And after a while it sounds again. That could be happening? thank you

[@CarswithNash]

Sorry I wish I could help you but that is not a problem I have experienced before. Maybe a programming issue with the key fob? I think it’s normal for the alarm to sound if you just use the key, I know I had a 2004 Dodge Durango and when my key fob failed and I had to manually open the door with the key it would always alarm till I put the key in and started it… Not totally sure but I would think the 2010 PT would be the same. Sounds like the key fob is not properly deactivating the alarm.

[@danielr.schafer9504]

I did the same thing on my 02 pt and the radio light isn't working in the on position, but works in the acc position?

[@CarswithNash]

Sorry I missed your comment earlier, you probably have it figured out now but was it a faulty part?

[@kphernandez76]

Hey Matt what were the symptoms of your vehicle, to where you needed to change the ignition switch? My Daughter's car keeps running after I take the key out should I replace ignition switch?

[@CarswithNash]

Wow that’s really a weird symptom! Mine had flickering dash lights... That should be the fix for that though, a new switch, I can’t think what else would cause it to run on like that, the switch should be killing the power and clearly isn’t.

[@dancredali1360]

my wife's PT cruiser will continue to run when the key is pulled out if the barrel is not fully returned to the zero position. the key shouldn't be released without pushing the button next to the barrel. I think it is a worn lock. to turn the engine off I just reinsert the key ( even just half way) and turn the barrel to the off position.

[@oddjobz9858]

My 86 grand am did that it’s the tumbler worn out

[@plastic1492]

He Matt enjoy your channel would you have the part number of that ignition switch >> mines a 2006 > think that little plug on the switch that you didn't use is for the key chime .

[@CarswithNash]

music makes us happy The reason I don’t include the part number is there may differences between years and models. I used a “Standard Automotive Products” switch from Rockauto, best to look one up on their website to confirm the right one for your car. The key chime is controlled by the white pin the key presses in on.

[@plastic1492]

@@CarswithNash ok thanx Matt

[@360Adventures1]

Is there a spring Inside that Rod? If so how do you put that back in once it pops out

[@CarswithNash]

The key pushes it out I believe, you have to have the key out at one point if I remember right.

[@lindabryan3205]

I can't find a video on the pt door lock replacement. It seems it would be easier than the ignition but no videos😟

[@CarswithNash]

I only do videos on things that are broken and I haven’t had a door lock break yet.🤷‍♂️

[@abijah2478]

I can't find anywhere online how to not replace ignition switch but how to wire and attach ignition switch connector to harness.

[@CarswithNash]

Sorry I have not had to do that repair myself. If you find a wiring diagram perhaps that will help you.

[@bobbyenglish158]

Hello Matt my gauges do not work all the lights work can you help?

[@CarswithNash]

I actually don’t have any experience with that particular problem. Did you try replacing the ignition switch? It seems to be able to cause weird electrical glitches when it gets worn out. Aside from that perhaps the cluster itself has an issue, but as I said I have not experienced anything like that so I’m sorry I’m not coming up with anything to help you.

[@jokerg4134]

so y do you like the 03-05 and not 06 and up?

[@CarswithNash]

Shayne Gillis Mainly just a styling preference, I’m not a fan of the redesign. I’ve heard the ‘06+ are more proned to electrical issues and some had issues with thrust bearings, although personally I’ve never had any issues, my mom has an ‘06 that has been mostly trouble free.

[@avagates7091]

How much do a job like this will cost on my PT 2006?

[@CarswithNash]

Ava Gates At a shop, they should charge an hour of labour, so that would vary depending where you live (labour rates are around $110per hr in my area) And the part would vary as well, I got a cheap brand one off Rockauto for $16 but one from the dealer would be $50+ I’m sure & most shops add markup to the part as well. It really can vary a lot but I’d say around $150 would be the average you’d pay.

[@robhughes9172]

my key is broken off in the cylinder how can that be fixed

[@jamesvandread6695]

Hey Matt is thisnthe same process for a 2006?

[@CarswithNash]

I think it should be pretty similar but I’m not positive, I have not done one.

[@randyscott8660]

I use to have a PT and the cable for the door in the heater bent it was 12 dollars for the cable and they wanted 700 to put it in they said the whole dash had to come off .

[@CarswithNash]

randy scott That could be, on any modern car the heater tends to be very labour intensive to repair. I will have a video when I swap A/C into a non A/C PT, so we’ll see then, that is probably gonna happen this summer.

[@LaineyGloss]

Are the screws needed the same for a 2009?

[@CarswithNash]

LaineyGloss I can’t say for sure but likely they are, I haven’t had to change one on a PT that new yet. You can always just remove the steering column cover & check, it’s not a vital part so if you need to run an errand with it off that’s fine.

[@LaineyGloss]

Matt's Garage I took my 2009 pt cruiser to have the ignition switch replaced, I had the lights flashing on and off and the car losing power as I was driving. After having the switch replaced my car was perfect for a few days and now I’m having the same problems again. Do you know what else could possibly be wrong? I’d really appreciate your help.

[@CarswithNash]

LaineyGloss Sorry too hear.There is always a possibility a new part can be defective. The other possibility is that something is causing too much draw on the switch & burning it out. Ensure all the grounds & electrical connections under the hood are clean (I take them all apart & clean them with steel wool, then I put dielectric grease on to protect them). Another thing is if your ignition lock is worn out it could be jamming up & positioning the ignition switch wrong, if you vehicle is high mile you might consider that. Electrical glitches are the hardest to figure out since everything is somewhat connected.

[@ritaleger4143]

Why is my 2007 pt cruiser coil have power to it all the time

[@CarswithNash]

Did you try to change the ignition switch? The power to your coil should be turning off with the key for sure.

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Hey Where's the dielectric grease?

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Good video.

[@CarswithNash]

MostlymoparIH Lol! I don’t use it much on the inside of the car, although I would if it was anything in the foot well area etc where it would get exposure to moisture.

[@mostlymoparih5682]

@@CarswithNash Just pulling your negative cable I mean leg. At 1:45 your terminal looks dry. :> )

[@CarswithNash]

MostlymoparIH Oh I figured as much, still I figured I better explain why I didn’t...

[@1951WINGNUT]

Thanks!

[@1951WINGNUT]

I wanted to show my appreciation for your excellent DIY videos. I'm hopeful that swapping out the Ignition Switch will solve my "no instrument panel lights" problem. I have a follow-up issue as well. My ignition lock is intermittently sticking. I purchased a new programmable ignition lock, however, when I depress the detent switch, the ignition lock does not disengage and I am, thus far, unable to remove the defective lock and install the new one. Any tips as to how I should proceed? I hope you check your comments page often, as I need your response ASAP. Sorry, just do. Regards, KP USAF retired

[@CarswithNash]

Appreciate your super thanks so much!

[@1951WINGNUT]

Matt, I need your input for my follow-up question about the faulty ignition lock as soon as you get time@@CarswithNash