Damn fog lights..

[ucantcme]

I gotta go to work tomorrow...For sure.

I also drive with my foglights on very commonly. I also put aftermarket, Xenon lights in the foglights.

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by cleverklutz

If you replace the fog light bulb with a higher wattage bulb will more draw go through the stalk? I bought some look alike 9005 HID bulbs and found out that with the 90* bend on the end they won't work in my headlights. They are rated at 70W each. I saw the fog light bulb used a 90* bend and I modified the bulbs so I could put them down there. I think the stock bulb is 35W, did I just double my draw through that stalk? I drive with them on all the time when on low beam as it helps with lighting up deer in the ditches. I don't wanna start my car on fire, I like it too much!

Ben

Replace those bulbs! It isn't just the switch, the wiring is just big enough for the amps of the stockers. I saw pics where someone put in higher-watt bulbs, and the connectors and insulation on the wires melted. Not good.

[Gottasmilealot]

The light switch going bad is a common problem. When mine went, I had the same problem with the fog lights coming on unexpectedly when parked. The fog lights would also flicker on and off when they were not turned on while driving. Eventually the fog lights stopped working, and I had to have the switch replaced to pass PA state inspection. I'd recommend having the dealer do it unless you feel comfortable attacking your steering column.

Chrysler refused to do anything about it because I was out of warranty, even though it's a defective part and they are aware of the problem. Very disappointing. I believe it cost me around 175.00, as I recall. The switch was very expensive, but the problem did not recur.

[ucantcme]

Originally Posted by Gottasmilealot

The light switch going bad is a common problem. When mine went, I had the same problem with the fog lights coming on unexpectedly when parked. The fog lights would also flicker on and off when they were not turned on while driving. Eventually the fog lights stopped working, and I had to have the switch replaced to pass PA state inspection. I'd recommend having the dealer do it unless you feel comfortable attacking your steering column.

Chrysler refused to do anything about it because I was out of warranty, even though it's a defective part and they are aware of the problem. Very disappointing. I believe it cost me around 175.00, as I recall. The switch was very expensive, but the problem did not recur.

You say its expensive, versus everyone else saying its not that much???

From what our fellow PT'rs say it's a fairly easy install. >_>

[Gottasmilealot]

And your point is?

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by Gottasmilealot

And your point is?

The point the ucantcme is making is that we've already told him that's it's not an expensive part (around $70) and it's pretty easy to replace it, even posting a link as to how. Most owners that have had to replace it, do it themselves and save the $100 the dealer wants for labor. It's a half hour job.

Now I'll admit I wouldn't let my wife tackle the job as she hasn't a clue what end of the screwdriver to use unless she was stabbing me in the back for bringing this up on an open forum, but we can talk a good percentage of owners into doing it themselves and saving money.

[Gottasmilealot]

Cheaper is always an option. That $70.00 part gets marked up, add labor, profit, and whatever they tack on to cover their guarantee, then it's up to what dealers are charging. Buy a cheap part off Ebay, take a chance and do it yourself... go for it.

The real shame with this issue is that Chrysler must have had defective parts installed during assembly, they know it, and won't do anything about it; despite many problems with this switch. They say they're unaware of any problems with the switch, which just isn't the case.

Aside from this switch, my vehicle has been very dependable, but I won't buy another because of how they responded (or didn't respond) to this issue. If they don't acknowledge their defective part problem (it's certainly not a customer abuse problem), then it's not reasonable that their existing customers will buy their next car from Chrysler. Not a good position to be in after fighting the mileage estimate misrepresentation issue and being late into the hybrid and high mpg model production scene. You would think that they'd take care of their customers, but they don't. They're saving the cost of a switch but losing customers. What will put pressure on them is if cars burn up, because the insurance companies will pay the claim, then subrogate against Chrysler to collect the money they paid out due to possible total fire loss vehicle claims.

Some day they'll get it, but until then, anyone with the problem should have it fixed one way or the other.

[CREWZIN]

It's not only the multifunction switch. The power steering pump, the fan motors, the steering rack, the front wheel bearings, the front bushes all seem to have a half life or the normal parts. I've been around since Sept 2000 and on almost every PT forum there is and I can see the problems that come up, but on the other hand, over a million of them were sold and as we all know, we mostly only here from the ones that go bad with a few exceptions.

[ucantcme]

Thank you Crewzin.

All the half-a$$ parts I've had to replace already. It's a shame Chrysler doesn't do anything about it.

[nomad327]

I plan on putting a separate fused power supply to my fog lights controlled by a standard automotive relay. The normal power from the switch will then only power the relay pickup coil which is almost no current flow. The wiring would be pretty simple, and take all the load off of the delicate switch on the stalk. My switch still functions, so I don't need to replace it, all I need is a few small pieces, cost maybe $20. I've been waiting for warmer weather, will keep you posted.