Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Panel Dimmer Open
NOTE:
After making any repairs, perform BODY VERIFICATION TEST under VERIFICATION TESTS.
- With the DRBIII, erase DTC's. Turn the park lamps on. Rotate the panel lamps dimmer switch through the full range of adjustment. With the DRBIII, read DTC's. If the DRBIII displays PANEL DIMMER OPEN, go to the next step. If the DRBIII does not display PANEL DIMMER OPEN, the condition is not present at this time. Monitor DRBIII parameters while wiggling the related wire harness. Refer to any Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) that may apply. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connector terminals.
- Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the instrument cluster C2 harness connector. See Figure. Check connectors, clean/repair as necessary. Measure the voltage between the panel lamps dimmer signal circuit and ground. If there is any voltage present, repair the panel lamps dimmer signal circuit for a short to voltage. If there is no voltage present, go to the next step.
- Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the instrument cluster C2 harness connector. Disconnect the multi-function switch harness connector. Check connectors, clean/repair as necessary. Measure the resistance of the panel lamps dimmer signal circuit. If the resistance is below 5.0 ohms, go to the next step. If the resistance is above 5.0 ohms, repair the panel lamps dimmer signal circuit for an open.
- Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the multi-function switch harness connector. See Fig 1. Check connectors, clean/repair as necessary. Measure the resistance of the panel lamps dimmer ground circuit to a known-good ground. If the resistance measures less than 5.0 ohms, replace the instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANELS article. If the resistance measures more than 5.0 ohms, repair the panel lamps dimmer ground circuit for an open.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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