Expert: Roland Finston - 8/1/2011

Question
Hi: I have a 2007 PT cruiser touring edition automatic. Right now the wipers, high beams, turn signals are not working. I checked all the fuses located at the engine area. All ok. It start working normally for a couple of hours, but this morning just all went dead. Only the main beam turns on when the car starts and goes out when the car is turned off. What it could be? Thank you very much. Ralph

Answer
Hi Ralph,
Ah...the electronics are more and more 'opaque'. I have two approaches to suggest.
Because all of the devices which are 'out' appear to be controlled from the module on the steering column I would wonder if there might not be a connector located along the steering column from that module to the power box in the engine compartment that may have become disconnected. So take a look along the column for such a situation.
The other approach would be to get a fault code readout via a plug-in code reader. Many nationwode auto parts stores will do a free readout. Get the spectific letter/4-digit number of each such fault code and we can then look up the troubleshoot for those. But I do believe we have some specific common-mode problem that takes out these disparate systems and the logical choice would seem to me to be the connector opening up.
One last item would be fuse 4 (10 amp) in the main power box as that powers a section of the ignition switch which in turn powers the module on the steering column. If that is blown, that would take out the module.
Roiand