MX-5, Master Tech of all things PT, once posted pictures as he took the stalk apart to show us how it was built with cheap parts. Pointed out exactly why it would burn out because the parts that were used couldn't handle the heat of the voltage going through it.
You'd probably have to fabricate parts yourself to re-built it so it would last and as Hooligan pointed out, nobody has ever posted that they tried that.
Here's the link to the posting if you care to look.......
Why the multifunction switch fails - PT Forums - The PT Cruiser Enthusiasts and Owners Resource