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 Shorted
NOTE:
After making any repairs, perform BODY VERIFICATION TEST under VERIFICATION TESTS.
- Turn the ignition on. With the DRBIII, read DTCs. If the DRBIII displays PANEL DIMMER SHORTED, go to the next step. If the DRBIII does not display PANEL DIMMER SHORTED, 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 multi-function switch harness connector. Disconnect the instrument cluster C2 harness connector. See Figure. Measure the resistance between ground and the panel lamps dimmer signal circuit. If the resistance is below 5.0 ohms, repair the panel lamps dimmer signal circuit for a short to ground. If the resistance is above 5.0 ohms, go to the next step.
- Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the multi-function switch harness connector. Measure the resistance of the panel lamps dimmer circuit of the multi-function switch (between the signal circuit terminal pin and the ground circuit terminal pin. If the resistance is below 80 ohms, replace the multi-function switch. See MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES article. If the resistance is above 80 ohms, the test is complete.
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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