I have a PT Cruiser that's 21 years old with 186,000 miles. I figure that stuff like this is going to happen, eventually. I am grateful for techs like you that show me what I need to know to keep it on the road. Thank you!!

I have the same car, and this part was broken in the exact same way. Thank you for saving me hundreds of dollars and tons of time not having to worry about a mechanic over the holidays. Your video was EXACTLY what I needed. You made a really bad day significantly better! Thanks again!

It never ceases to amaze me just how cheaply some of these newer cars are made. Thank you for posting.

Thanks for the video Jo, was quite helpful! FYI, for 2002 model PT's, the removal of the "extra parts" (I still haven't been able to find out exactly what they are for) was required for the piece to fit properly. This vid is for anyone with the question: "What's wrong if my PT Cruiser turns on, but will not start? The starter is good and the battery is good." It is very likely the ignition switch actuator had failed. Chrysler could have engineered this part to be a LOT stronger!

My daughter’s 2005 PT wouldn’t crank this morning and it had me completely stumped. Turns out this was the problem! Her pin was broken in the same way as yours. The replacement cost me $58 after tax at the local parts store. I could’ve gotten it a lot cheaper online, but the car is her daily driver so I didn’t have time to wait for the part to ship to me. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO! 👍

Just replaced 08 PT ignition switch/actuator to correct same no start condition. Gen 2 is more messy to disassemble and requires 5 point torx T30 to remove top steering column screws to gain access since this model does not load from the bottom as the one you filmed. Well done! Common issue, this video will help a lot of. owners. Thanks!

The actuator bottom half (re the first 2 - 10 mm torx removals) in the 2001 - 2003 (?) had a spring that had to be carefully positioned between the two parts upon reassembly, not shown at all (ain't there) in this vid. The earlier model appeared to operate an interlock pin, allowing starting only in the PARK or NEUTRAL gears. That function was not tested after work was completed within this vid. Perhaps it is addressed via a later design mod to the PT, but I doubt it . Still a decent, informative video though.

Im a disabled vet and my 2007 dodge nitro did same thing 2 days ago i watched your video and i got to say thank you my actuator is bad i just had it running like you said now i need money to get that part so thank you again big help for me

Very useful vid; really helped when I had to replace my PT's actuator. Bloody thing failed in literally the exact same way: right-hand side of the shroud cracked and disabled the starter switch. Metal look like the sort of stuff cheap toys are made from. Having said that, it's been in use for 18 years, so perhaps I shouldn't be too hard on the quality of the part. Thanks again!

I have a 2004 PT cruiser, I had the exact same problem, thank you for your video

OMG....This just happened tonight in my sister's 2003 pt cruiser!!! Turned key and hear a click but won't start! I've been on here watching so many videos and ran across yours. It was easy to follow and you actually fixed the problem....thanks Jo Daddy Garage! I'm going to fix it for her tomorrow lol yes I don't mind getting up under the hood of a car especially if I can SAVE $$$$. Keep you posted if she let's me fix it or get someone else.

Waiting for my actuator pin to get here in the mail and if this works I'm going to be so happy and thankful .. thanks for posting this!!

Thanks for video help. Just finished replacing ignition actuator on my '05 PT Cruiser. Took about an hour actual time in the column. Again, thanks for the help!

Had exactly the same problem: replaced the actuator which was DEFINITELY BAD, when re-assembled STILL NO CRANK! Discovered that the FP/ASD (Fuel Pump/Auto Shutdown) 20A fuse was blown! Other online sources suggested checking the #13 Power fuse, but never mentioned that the FP/ASD fuse could cause the same problem! Took us 2 days and lots of frustration, but that one cheap fuse made the difference!

thank you for this video. saved me from taking it to a shop and getting over charged in labor fees. thank you.

Thank you so very much for this video I had the exact same problem as your video broken in the very exact same place your video saved me I'm sure at least $250.00-$300.00 on repairs I picked up the part for about $40.00 at advance auto parts. So thanks again for this video.

Thanks. You saved me money, time and hassling with a mechanic.

Thanks so much, your explanation of the process was great and camera work A+ !

I have been cranking my car with a screwdriver because I that same part was broken in mine '05 Cruiser as well. I think this is going to change Hannah's(the car) life!

Problem fixed. Thank you for taking the time producing this video.

great video...i would add that the silver and goldish pieces of metal that comes with the replacement needs to be removed. if installed, you wont be able to turn the key.

You have just made a new friend?? Thanks so much for the video. done everything you said. step by step absolutely spot on. Thank you my friend..

Thanks going to work on it this weekend..while I'm watching your video step by step...

thank you just fixed the same issue on my bros car took about 35 minutes great video very informal step by step

Excellent tutorial. Terrific details. Great camera work. You explained everything very succinctly. I just subbed I'm sure there are other great vids. you've done. I love the PT Cruisers.Thanx.

10/7/2018 my 2005 Pt cruiser had this problem mechanic took half day to find problem... thanks for vid.

Good job, thanks for your time to help other people like me god bless you

Awesome video. Clear and concise. Thanks!

Ok, thanks for the reply.

Thank you so much for your video. Fantastic.

I think this is what's wrong with the one I'm working on.very good video and instructions,thanks.

Thank God you so much you save us 2!

Thanks a lot! Here we go today! :)

I've hady car DEAD for a month now, THANK YOU. Off to try and get these items.

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

You saved me a lot of headache and $$! Thanks.

Great Video ! ! Take care !

great video just finished my 04 cruiser took about an hour

Love it great job explains everything in de tail ty so much

Thanks dude. Love the comment at the end. Sounds good even though it's a PT. lol

Nice work. Thanks for keeping another PT Cruiser on the road, just kidding.

I hope you still see these comments and can respond. My '03 has been bugging me this way. It's already had three starters installed; the first two were warranteed, though it now appears that all may have been unnecessary. What I want to clarify before tearing into the ignition is this: when the car in the video would fail to start, was it still producing a sound at the solenoid? Mine is still acting out once in a while; the solenoid seems to get power, but the starter does not turn the engine (pretty much just like a failed starter, but striking it with a pipe doesn't help.) I think this video is leading me in the right direction..

Great video, thanks!

jo daddy garage a special thanks for the video

Good job

I have an '06 PT Cruiser and it seems mine is doing something similar. While driving the car, it acts as though the ignition has been turned off, and back on again, giving a real "UFO" look to the dashboard lights, as everything flashes on and off. It's been getting worse here of late, with actually shutting the car off, and one time (just once, thankfully) the steering actually locked while going around a corner. So, I am going to follow your instructions and see what I can find (naturally, when I took it in for service, they could not "replicate" the problem, so they "don't know" what the problem could be............

Hey I love my PT. It's not fast and I've had better handling cars but it's been very reliable and I can put an 8 foot ladder in the car and shut the hatch- lots of utility. Anyway the Dorman part came with a spring.. can't find any mention on that either here or in the instruction sheet.

Awesome

Well done I wonder how you determine that it was that was the problem as opposed to replacing a starter

T H A N K S !!! A LOT ! THIS VIDEO HELP Me SO MUCH TO SOLVE SAME PROBLEM .

Thje "extra parts" on the piece was due to the fact that the part is a universal part designed to fit other models which use the "extra parts"... i've seen another video where the person actually removed those pieces although not sure if it is necessary or not.

first comment on you tube... i laughed when you said, " thats a good sound.. even since its a PT Cruiser "... good stuff...

Thank you so much for this video....having the same problem with my 2006 PT Cruiser are the instructions for the 2005 the same for a 2006? Going to try this..

thanx!!!

i have 2004 with the same systoms, was driving then died ,let set a min. or two start up run a min,then die.now wont even crank over,all lights on ,radio works ,starter has power to it,if you jump the starter it will crank,but wont start.i took the actuator out ,nothing look missing or bad,but looks diff. from yours. appeciate any help,thanks enjoyed the vidio

Where did you get the actuator? I've searched for one for my 2007 PT Cruiser and can't find one...

My 2008 PT Cruiser is having exactly the same issue. Does anyone know if this actuator will work with a 2008 model? Thank you to anyone who can help.

Found out it goes into a pocket in the lower lock cylinder housing cover.

Does this component affect the the function of the radio,the reason y I ask is the radio does not work in on position but it will work in acc position?

This exactly what's happening to my 02 Caravan. I was able to start the van with a screwdriver in the ignition switch. My problem now is that I cannot find a replacement Ignition Actuator Pin anywhere :( so I'm stuck.

The 2007 does not have those removal holes for the trim…how do you get it off??.

Daughter has a 06 convertible and I replaced per your instructions and it was easy. THANKS. The ignition is much better, can tell from turning the key but it still only clicks really fast and all the lights blink fast when the key is turned. The lights that tell you if your in park, drive,etc. blink fast also. Do you have an idea?

I paid $400 to have that fixed a couple years ago !!!!

My key has been cones out while running. I knew something was wrong but now it's stuck in crack mode 1 n won't start fells like its not catching think it's the actuator pin but not sure haven't been able to look . Have no tools whatsoever. . Gonna try n change it tomorrow. Hopefully this is it.

Hi Thanks for the video. I Did everything step by step and my 2005 pt cruiser still won't start/crank? any suggestion on what should I troubleshoot next? Thanks

why did you have to remove the top piece of column, it looks like you couldve done the job leaving it?

ok... 2nd try. I had to drill out the cylinder and have just received the new one. Going to try again! I am going to take extra extra care to align the parts this time.

Would this be the same for a 2008 PT Cruiser? When I search for an Ignition switch actuator for this year it doesn't come up. I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with my car as it just broke down on me. I'm getting the same as you have in this video - lights and audio sounds come on (radio, beeps and such), but the car won't crank or turn over. Any ideas?

I bought a Dorman Ignition Actuator but have a question what do I do with the big black spring ?

I have an 01. When your actuator failed, did you notice that when you turned the key to the start position there wasn't the spring back to run position? That's the way mine is doing. Thanks for the video.

I know this video is older but I hope you still get these comments. I have a 2005 PT cruiser and I was having a similar issue. I followed your video and it fixed my issue. Car starts and runs great. However, my radio stopped working. If I put the key to ACC it works fine, if I start the car it does not work at all. No clock or lights nothing. Any thoughts?

do you know if this effected the OBD II power to the port?. i tried using one to check the problem but would not connect.

PT Touring 2006 Crank's it does starts but takes time...indications Battery which is New and fully charge...Could the ignition switch may be the problem?

I could've saved $280 if I had found this video, first!! 😫😫😫

i have the same problem mine is a 04

Nice video on my 2005 pt cruiser when i turn on my car on my radio it plays then it turns off i have to play with the key for the radio to turn off is that also the promble too just asking

Great video, thank you, i also have a problem with the cluster of my 2004 pt, it wont work, sometimes comes on and goes out again, any sugestions? What can it be? Thank you for your time in making these videos. God bless!

Thanks for the video but if I don’t have the key how can I get the key switch off from the ignition? I am in New Zealand and I am working in a dumped car which is in a Pick-a-Part yard, they have lost the key and the battery was taken away, I thought my key may work but it doesn’t. Can I ask what can I do? It seems it’s impossible to buy one here and no one has this ignition in store.

The extra parts look like they are the steering column lock.

I change that part 😅now it’s not starting at all

If my daughter lost the key to her pt cruiser, can she just purchase an ignition switch assembly, and will it just work or would it need to be programmed

Hi, it;s now June 2019 and I have a 2006 pt, GT. Are all the actuators the same in all pt years? Also, where did you buy your actuator, I check every where, even Mopar, rock auto etc: If you could, notify me in Messenger under Dennis Ward. Thanks.

after you changed the ignition switch did the radio work? I changed mine and now the radio doesn't work. thoughts?

My 2003 pt cruiser run but dies u have to want then it run then dies

Is it possible to by pass it so it works without it?

So, I have been told that only a deal can do this repair on my car because of some anti-theft that in the key. When you turn the key back and forth before connecting the battery did that rest the code or does the ignition switch actuator have nothing to do with the anti-theft?

That was a very will done vedio.

Sorry i missed it, but whats the DEFECTIVE PART ON THE IGNITION? So i can fix mine because i have the same problem...

ha ha, stop raging on the PT, lol good fix...

my sister has a 2003 pt criuser thought it was the alternator bad but still the lights flickers when i disconnect the battery to make sure the alterator is working can anybody tell me what the problem is thank you and the alternator is new

my '04 will sometimes start and sometimes no, is that the actuator?

Having an awful time putting the key cylinder back in, any tips?

I have a 2005 PT cruiser that's hard plugs plug wires cam sensor crank sensor put in it still spiders doesn't want to take gas over 3,000 RPMs and shuts down sometimes hard to start can someone start

were is the neutral safety switch on a 06 pt cruiser?

did you have to reset the key

I wish you were near me I think that’s my problem

how did you find out it was the ignition actuator? i have the same issue that could be the actuator just need to verify.

Merci, je vais essayé de repasser mon Neiman pt cruiser crd 2003 , my pt France 446600 km

Joe,I purchased a 02 cruiser she had lost the key.I was trying to figure something out. So I took the steering wheel cover's off and unplugged the actuator from the ignition switch. I took a screwdriver and put it in the actuator and turned. Dash lights came on , turned to start position and damned if it didn't turn over. Now it had been sitting for awhile so it took several attempts after getting a spray bottle putting gas in it I sprayed some in port. Started up.I should of let it idle, but I never. Put battery back on charger. Let it fully charge, got in inserted makeshift key in actuator turned dash lights all came on as before turned to start and nothing.checked fuses all good. What could be the problem now? Why do you or anybody that reads this think I should do???? Only car I have and I have children. I really need advise. Please Lord let the right person read this and help me. Amen 971-813-3726 Sam, or Sure Shot . Thanks I wait!

After changing the key Excelerator switch pen my Radio stopped working can anyone help maybe what I messed up on