Chrysler Group LLC Customer Assistance Center Customer service "superivsors" (would not provide their last names) Troy and Camila Can't drive my PT cruiser; wipers no longer work, company can't find parts to repair mine and wipers of 100s of other Chrysler owners Auburn Hills, Michigan
I own a 2005 PT Cruiser bought new five years ago. Two months ago, the wipers suddenly stopped working. Mechanic identified problem as a faulty intermittent wiper swtich that needed to be replaced and could only be be ordered through Chrysler. The vehicle in unsafe to operate without wipers because we live in Florida where it is now rainy season and it rains nearly every day. The mechanic could not get the part despite many calls to Chrysler, and we and the mechanic contacted nearly every Chrysler dealer and junkyard in the state of Florida trying to get either a new or aftermarket part with no luck. This has been going on for over two months now! We have no way to get to work, and if we do drive to work, we have often recently gotten stuck sitting by the side of the road when it rains because we cannot drive without wipers. It's Florida! It rains almost every afternoon! We contacted Chrysler corporate a few days ago after getting the runaround from dealers for two months, and learned there are several hundred backorders for this very same part all with owners whose wipers don't function! ! This is a health, safety and hazardous issues, particularly for customers in tropic climate in Southeastern U.S. where rainy season lasts four months! The part number is 5019-710AA. How can Chrysler be allowed to deny owners the ability to fully enjoy their cars by failing to provide parts for a late model car? This car is fully paid for and has only 50,000 miles on it, and I need it to drive 54 miles to work each day, and can no longer get to work safely because Chrysler cannot get and won't make the part. They say they "may" start to manufacture it again in July, but can't be sure when/if I'll get my part since so many other people need it too. They have steadfastly refused to get me a loaner car until they figure out how to fill my order and the backorder for this wiper part for hundreds of other consumers across the country who have Chryslers that can't be driven because they can't use the wipers!
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Ronny g
North hollywood,California,
USA
If they can't get the part, they can't get the part..
#5Consumer Comment
Thu, July 01, 2010
Right or wrong, the important thing is safety..this is not a very expensive part. A 15 second internet search yielded an OEM replacement, same part number for 52 bucks...(google "2005 PT Cruiser wiper switch") but it could be used, you would have to call or contact them
{#5016949AA, 5016949AB, 5019710AA, SW2288}
Also found a few used for around 40 bucks, but those are a risk as they were pulled from wrecks. But better then nothing if any kind of warranty or guarantee is provided.
CHRYSLER 5019710AA SWITCH INTERMITTENT $ 52.80 JUSTGOODEALS GUTTENBERG NJ 07093
Or one of my favorite online places to buy parts..Rock auto parts...
AIRTEX / WELLS Part # 1S2130
It's 95 bucks from them but I bet it is in stock and the part number matches for the replacement part correctly. It is the entire stalk switch assembly for your vehicle.
Yes, these switches are on the column "stalk type" and are referred to as "multi switches" I do not have a schematic for this particular circuit at my disposal but normally with intermittent wipers the switch and "relay", or "relay module" are separate components. Typically the circuit that actually makes the wipers operate intermittently are not actually on the stalk switch..but if this was properly diagnosed by the mechanic, then it is safe to assume you just need the switch replaced. If the switch was good, but the module was bad, it would be easy for someone like me to bypass the module to get your wipers working again, but I know what I am doing. They would not be intermittent, you would lose that luxury, but for safety they would wipe the windshield and you would be able to operate the vehicle in the rain with confidence.
If you decide to purchase the switch, it is a fairly simple procedure to replace it. if you can do it yourself, or have a friend/family member who is somewhat mechanical, you will save some cashola. Many mechanics and ESPECIALLY the dealer will rip you off blind, even for a procedure that only takes 1/2 hour or so.
Here is the procedure...
* disconnect battery, but make sure you have your radio code or have installed a memory saver if your radio is code protected. (normally I can skip disconnecting the battery since I know this circuit is not live unless the ignition is on, but this is just a precaution in case someone is not experienced, in the worst case a fuse could blow, the circuit is definitely fuse protected from the factory)
* remove shroud around steering column (this is maybe 2 or 3 bolts/screws at most, some cars are only clips)
* disconnect multifunction switch (a plug)
* unbolt switch (2 bolts at most)
* replace switch
* reverse to install
Fixed, back on road again without danger. Maybe you can get a reimbursement from the manufacturer if this becomes a recall. If not this is still an inexpensive and easy repair. They do not want to deal with it apparently, nor is it reasonable they will give you a loaner car for a broken wiper switch on an 05 PT (lets be realistic here), but there is no reason to go without wipers if the part can be purchased elsewhere. The dealer would probably charge too much anyhow. I don't think this part is covered under any warranty after 5 years so unless it becomes a safety recall issue, you are footing the bill regardless.
Jeff
Manda,Nebraska,
U.S.A.
Blame Barak Hussein Obama
#5Consumer Comment
Wed, June 30, 2010
It's his company now, blame Obama.
Karl
Highlands Ranch,Colorado,
USA
*CHRYSLER IS LINKED WITH THE FEDERAL RESERVE, ACCORDING TO A SITE ON THE WEB. Anyone can 'Google' this- WHO OWNS THE FED?, and go to the site with the 5 charts and see that Chrysler....
#5Consumer Comment
Wed, June 30, 2010
is named in 'Chart 3', correct?
Jim
Millbrook,Alabama,
U.S.A.
Master Mechanic Jim here (Retired)
#5General Comment
Wed, June 30, 2010
Ask if they can replace the windshield wiper switch with a non-intermittent switch, often the only difference is the switch itself, and will work as good as new.
I'm not familiar with this switch, is it on a pedestal sticking out of the steering column?
If so a fair number of aftermarket switches will interchange. (But they're not marked for the PT Cruiser)
Is there a NAPA (National Auto PArts) in reasonable range?(Google it)
If so they have interchange books to find odd/old parts.
Finding a windshield wiper switch shouldn't be so hard.
Jim