02 Cruiser...Multiple Problems (1 odd/dumb question)

[Silver02]

I bought a (5-speed, manual) 2002 PT few years back and have had quite a few problems. However, recently I have had more than I could handle. Over the winter it kept overheating, I had multiple items replaced including the timing belt and much of the cooling system. It went well after I spent an arm and a leg on that. I am not much of a mechanic, I do what I can, but for the most part I leave it to the experts. However, I want to be educated before I go around again with some mechanics.

First, my dumb question. On my 02 PT Cruiser, I just now noticed that there is no fuse in slot #16 which is labeled as A/Stick Ignition. Is there supposed to be a fuse there?

Second, the car has a very rough idle which has been going on for some time now. When I added fuel injector cleaner it fixed it for a very short time period, but it came back and additional fuel cleaner has not helped.

Third, my air conditioner seems to be blowing hot air for anywhere from the first 30 seconds to the first 2 minutes. It is fully charged, that I knew enough to check.

Fourth, I let the car stay in the garage for two weeks (to save up some cash) and my other car gets better mpg. I started it tonight and let it run for a good 10 minutes (I hadn't started it for 2 weeks or so). I pulled it out of the garage and when I checked for liquid in the garage there was a large amount of anti-freeze on the garage floor (about the size of 3/4s of a dollar bill).

I will be taking it to a local guy and not a dealer. Is there anything I should know/suggest to him. I understand I'll have to pay for what he does, but I don't want to have to pay for him to search for the problem or fix something that is unneccessary.

I just found this site and I love it. I thank anyone in advance who responds!

Silver02

[CREWZIN]

Welcome to the forum.

First. My 2001 doesn't have the number 16 fuse either and it's not labeled (blank). In 2003 Chrysler came out with the Autostick, so maybe you have a late 2002 when they were thinking of that option for the next year. Don't worry about it.

Second. Rough idle could be caused by several factors; overheating because the fan isn't working and pressure builds up, The IAC (Idle Air Controller) is dirty or malfunctioning, plugs or wires need changing.

Third. I did a search on "taking a long time to cool" and most answers were that your low on freon. You said you checked that but do you have the proper set of guages for both high and low side to correctly set the system?

Fourth. What can I say, you have a leak in the cooling system. Most of the time it's an easy task for the mechanic by using a pressure test to find the leak. A leak could cause air into the cooling system which could cause other problems in the heating and air-conditioning systems.

[Silver02]

1st...Thanks...I just thought I knocked it out and needed it.
2nd, 3rd, & 4th: I took it in today to a local guy and he is slow but does a great job. I'll report back what he finds...and how much it costs.

3rd(also) I don't know if I have the proper set of guages. I bought a "package" deal of super cold stuff that came with gauges. I had the guy at AutoZone or PepBoys or whereever I was watch me to make sure I did it right. He said based upon the guage it was fine.

Like I said...I don't know much or claim to know much about the innerds of a automobile, but I will report back in the event that it helps someone else out there.

Thanks for the Quick Response!

Silver02