"Engine" light on PT Cruiser, any ideas?

Question

I have an '01 PT Cruiser with about 120k miles on it. I've noticed when I've pulled out of our driveway and get up to about 55mph or so, that it will jerk slightly. Almost like its trying to change gears, but not really smoothly. Most of the time it's fine though. (Could this be a bad spark plug??)The engine light came on a few days ago. I checked several of the fluids and they looked good. Just thought I'd see if anyone had any guesses what was the matter. I may call my mechanic today, but thought I'd see if anyone had some ideas what my problem is... THANKS

I tried the code and got "P 0303". Does that mean it's a spark plug?

Answer 1

What you described sounds like a misfire.
Using the key on/key off method, your code will display in the digital odometer area and chances are that you'll have one of the following codes:

P0300 Misfire detected in multiple cylinders.
P0301 Misfire detected in cylinder #1.
P0302 Misfire detected in cylinder #2.
P0303 Misfire detected in cylinder #3.
P0304 Misfire detected in cylinder #4.

This usually means that one of your spark plugs, or spark plug wires has gone bad. If you get one of these codes, replace the plugs and if it still does it, replace the wires.

If it has a different code, come back and add it here, or ask another question to find out what it means (or do a search for it).

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P0303 means that for some reason, the number 3 cylinder has misfired. Highly likely that it is due to a bad spark plug, but could also be a bad wire, or a few other things too.

If it's been a long time since the spark plugs were changed (or if you're unsure of how long it's been if you bought it used), then go ahead and get new spark plugs for it.

The plugs you want will be Champion spark plugs, which you should be able to get pretty much any parts store. Champion part number is RE16MC (the stock number is 443, which some parts stores go by this number), take this number with you when you go to buy them (this is for all PT's except for turbo engines). The Champions should be about $4 each at the dealer, probably less at the local parts stores.

The plugs you take out will have a different part number on them (probably RE14MCC5), this is a newer plug, do not use the same number as what came out of it, there was a service bulletin (TSB number 08-008-04) to use the new plugs when replacing them. Local parts stores (like NAPA, Advance, and such) may not have the updated information and will likely give you the old spark plug numbers. So just tell them you need the Champion RE16MC (If you prefer, you can use NGK LZTR4A-11 plugs).

Also, should you need them, the spark plug wire set should only be about $35 or $40 at your dealer. Well worth it to buy the OEM wire kit (part number 5018394AG) over the aftermarket sets.

Ask the local parts store if they have a scan tool that they can erase the codes for you after you replace the plugs. Many do these days and will scan and erase codes for you. Might even have them scan it to check for any other codes when buying the plugs, as the key on/off doesn't always show all codes stored. The dealer will charge to clear the codes.

But DO NOT clear the codes by disconnecting the battery or unplugging the computer. That erases everything and it will have to relearn all the different inputs once you hook it back up. That means it might drive kinda funny for a while afterwards, besides, no need to risk sending a voltage spike to fry the computer unnecessarily by getting a spark from the cables.

Answer 2

Pt Cruiser Engine

Answer 3

Yesterday my "check engine" light came on for the first time since we bought the PT in 2001. I took it into a Chrysler dealership this morning and made the following diagnosis: Code P0601, PCM internal failure, $1037.00; Thermostat leak, repair $281.64; Radiator leaking, $460.49; Replace spark slugs & wires, $299.95, Throttle body service, $189.95, replace water pump and timing belt and front cam seal, $1516.94. About 50,000 miles ago a dealership said I needed to replace radiator as leaking. Kept an eye on it and NEVER had to add water or find any drippings. Now have under 91,000 miles with no problems until engine light came on. Car is not worth that much to repair, so guess will drive till it won't go no more.

Answer 4

Hello You say you have 2 Cigarette lighter Sockets. First try both Lighters to check they work. (Rear one may have a On/Off switch in the front to stop kids playing with it.(Like Front only Electric Windows)). They will burn out but not if they have not been used, Mine are from new in my 97 Vectra and never been used If so go to 4 If Not 1 Check what fuses cover them, You may have them both on the same fuse or separate ones. Even new fuses may be faulty, If possible change it with one you know is working and replace that one with the new one and recheck. 2 Check if other items covered by the fuse/s are working correctly. 3 Have you had a After Market Radio/CD Player fitted. Some people will use the Lighter feed as they need Permanent Feed to the new Radio, New cars have 2 Electrical feeds 1 Red 1 Yellow to store the Code on the Radio 4 Check if you have Cigarette lighters or Cigar lighters. The Cigar ones are bigger in diameter so are a lose fit so will only work if your SatNav Charge Plug is jammed in with some cardboard to keep the contact. Andy C

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
"Engine" light on PT Cruiser, any ideas?
I have an '01 PT Cruiser with about 120k miles on it. I've noticed when I've pulled out of our driveway and get up to about 55mph or so, that it will jerk slightly. Almost like its trying to change gears, but not really smoothly. Most of the time it's fine though. (Could this be a...

Answer 6

This works for 2001 and up, and for '80's up to mid 90's Chrysler products (won't work in between years, sorry!)
Turn key on, off, on, off, on with each position being for maybe a second. Read and record codes displayed on your digital odometer. Doors must be closed for this to work. Everything should be off (no lights, etc.)
On earlier models, you must count the light pulses. Later models show the codes alpha-numerically.

When you are doing this, turn the key enough for the idiot lights to come on, but not enough to turn the starter.
Call your dealer, a car parts place, or look online (Google "Chrysler Fault codes" or "Chrysler engine codes" or such.) to find out what the codes mean.

Answer 7

If the engine miss fires a certain number of times in a given r.p.m., the light will come on. Check the plugs. If they haven't been replaced with in the last 20,000 miles, replace them AND the plug wires. It almost always takes both to fix the problem. Disconnect the battery and hook it back up to erase the codes and turn off the light. This engine is notorious for taking out plugs and plug wires. And always use the same type plugs as Chrysler recommends. Very important!

Answer 8

Do this: Turn the key in the on position, then off, on, then off, then keep it on the on position, not running. The engine light will begin blinking in separate digits. Count each digit and it will make a number. Let us know what you get.

Answer 9

that means an engine misfire, could be for alot of reasons but probably needs tuned up with plug wires. thats the best place to start

Answer 10

Yup just go to Auto Zone they will plug it in and tell you why the check engine light is on and theyll do it for free.