Dashboard short 2004?

[new2cruisin]

Hi,

I have just under 6000 miles on my new 2004 Cruiser. A couple days ago I went to get into the car and noticed my dome light was on. When I got in the car the "door" light was on on the dash. I opened and closed all the doors, the dome light stayed on and the "door" light remained lit. I got in and started driving and noticed I had no instrument panel at all. No tach, no speed, no gas, no lights, nothing. Everything else on the car was working fine (ran fine, lights worked, radio, air, etc).

Took it to the dealer who told me the dash had shorted because of a buildup of static electricity. They are replacing the entire dash.

I called a friend who is a mechanic who told me that Chrysler is having trouble with the PT Cruiser dashes and that's probably why they are replacing it rather than just resetting it.

Anyone hear anything abou this?

[Hooligan]

Nope, I have a '02 Base Model, have had no problems. Give us a little more info, like where you are from etc. [:I]

[MX-5]

In 4 years on 9 PT forums, no one has had an abnormal problem with instrument cluster.

There was only a program update for the 2002 model year.

[stirfry]

Interesting.

[new2cruisin]

The car is an inferno red 2004 base, black interior, with the "power convenience package" and tinted windows. We added fog lights and an additional power outlet shortly after purchase. We got a great deal on it ($12,140 after our trade of a 1999 Escort) new off the lot. Love it! Very utilitarian without the SUV gas mileage or the minivan look! We're in St. Paul, MN.

Service manager seemed surprised that Chrysler approved a new instrument panel but when I read the notes from the evaluation and repair it said they could not get the panel reset.

Strange. Have a new one now. I'll let you know how it's doing in about 6000 miles!