Convertible PT Cruiser Buyer's/Owner's Guide
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- I tell you everything you need to know about convertible PT Cruisers, I show how to put the top up and down, show you what to look for if you are buying a convertible PT Cruiser, I drive on the highway with the top up and down to show you the difference and I show you how to manually raise you top should it fail to go up. I also show you some of the less desirable differences compared to a conventional 4 door PT Cruiser. Please subscribe, plenty more PT content is coming up.
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I do apologize, I know the audio is distorted in places of this video, that was actually just caused by me talking too loud and too close to the camera and something I have to work on, it’s not something I can really correct in edit and it’s not actually a microphone related issue, it’s just me and my loud voice.
Gotta say your vid was informative. I own an 05 PT Convertable as well. First off I'd like to point out a few things you were concerned about. The top slamming down ( top up the fluid) and the binding headliner. Had the same problem. Resolved by tightening those elastic straps, that you'll find under the rooflinr
@@rickspearman344 Thanks for the tip!(-:
Hi Matt! I have just binged a ton of your vids and I have to say you have been really helpful and very informative on how each part of the pt works. Now to the fun part. My car is a pt cruiser 2005 2.4liter turbocharge convertible . Which is stalling/possibly misfired. But I have no codes. I am just now changing the spark plugs as I have found out the mechanic I took to used the wrong spark plug and wrong gap size. Plus never changed the gasket seals either. As my left outer spark plug was filled will oil. Had to clean that out and found out they had stripped one of the cylinder. I am buying a rethreader tmr to fix the threads inorder to put the last spark plug in. Also my fog lights stay on 24/7 unless I have my left blinker or high beam on. Also my mechanic staple and used a metal clamp without a screw. Which fused to the hose on the fuel pump. Lastly my convertible hood is no longer automatic as the hydraulic pump supposedly does not work. So I just use it manually. My biggest problem is to keep the car running as it turns on but dies after a few mins. Shake while idling and when rpm pick up the car will jolt and then go back to some what smooth driving.
OMGosh, it's just like mine! I love it, best big buy of my life, besides my house.
Great video, thanks, I just bought a 07 PT cruiser convertible for 1300$ I had no idea how to drop the top I’m going to try it out , looking forward to watching your videos on this car
You do a good job explaining the quirks of the PT convertible. ..I love my 07 sedan. ..we are a steadfast group .
33maple Thanks! I’ve got an ‘03 GT sedan as well, fun either way!(-:
Thank Matt just bought me convertible 2008 lot of mileage run great. Being from Long Beach CA I love to drive this car. My second convertible. My first was a Mercury Capri 1991.
That’s great to hear! This one’s high mileage too but still going strong.💪😎
Hey Matt! Thanks for the great video.
Used to have a 4-door '01 once upon a time... I'm picking up an '05 ragtop this weekend - with a stick! Can't wait.
Off to check out the rest of your vids!
You are going to have a very fun summer with that car!😎Thanks for watching and leaving feedback, I really appreciate that!
I just found one today and am picking it up tomorrow!
Great video Matt! Thanks!
For windows push the top down button half way and it will lower all windows a little. Press all the way down and all windows will go all the way down. I have a refurbished 2005 PT GT Turbo High Output. Cool Vanilla Paint. It Screams
Thanks for the great video Matt!
Glad you enjoyed it!(-:
Thanks for the video
This is my first car, mines red and I just got it.
Can you show anything about the door locking buttons not working? First the passenger side went and now driver side.
Also air bag light is on- how to locate the actual problem?
Great video. Very helpful
Hey Matt. Thanks for your info on PT Cruisers. A friend recently bought one at auction and I've been helping him fix known issues. I'm wondering if you've ever run across this: on the instrument cluster, all of the lights work except the led's for the odometer reading. Don't have any idea what the mileage is. Thanks in advance.
Ron I’ve never run across that on one yet, seen that with other cars and I think normally it will require a new cluster to fix. I don’t think it’s a bulb, it’s like a little screen in there.
@@CarswithNash Thanks for the response.
Hey Matt I had a blue 2008 PT cruiser I gave to my son today as I now have bought a 2007 PT red convertible What is the top usually made of and how do you care for the top?
I'm probably the wrong person to ask on this since this convertible is such a beater, we've never done anything to care for the top... I believe you're supposed to scrub them with soap and water and a gentle brush. They are a canvas fabric, so you could use a fabric conditioner after to add a layer of protection so it will stay clean easier.
I have a 2005 same color too. The top worked for a few months after I purchased about 1.5 years ago. It doesn’t work now... I filled the pump but no response. The motor runs but top doesn’t function...
Carlos Marquez Sounds like the actual pump has failed, although it runs that is the electric portion running, but the hydraulic part of it is broken. I’m unsure if that available separately or not I see in the pictures of the unit it does unbolt from the electric motor though so maybe you could have it repaired by a hydraulic shop or something? I have yet to take apart the top on one, but at some point this car will be turned into a parts car and then I plan on dissecting the top and making another video on the mechanical workings of it and how to service it, fix it etc. I’m also using the top as much as possible so if it does break on me I will probably make a video on that and any attempt I make to repair it.
Matt's Garage let me know if you decide to sell the pump.
Carlos Marquez If it’s still working good when I remove it I certainly will.
I think the problem with the cover is because the elastic wears out- inside the top 2 straps. They should pull the top and fold things up but they wear out. I always fix both sides too. Glad I'm not the only one!
@Carlos. Mine was weak when I got it, but just loosening and retightening the pressure regulation screw up under the trunk made it like new. Hope you tried that!
Wants going on with your PT cruiser I got one been watching your channel you should me how to do some stuff on mine . Been wondering about your mom's dream cruiser still got it.
Yes my mom still drives her Dream Cruiser daily and she also bought this convertible off me so it is her car now. Still more PT content to come, my parents own 3 of them, currently I don’t have any myself but that could change.
@@CarswithNash I'll be watching your channel to learn more about pt cruisers mines a 2004
DAMN GREAT VID!!!;)
Thanks!(-:
Dababy
less gooo
I will turn into a convertible
You may want to lube you seat tacks if you still have this PT.
Sound like it was dragging when you moved the seat forward.
Could be and yes I actually ended up keeping this car, it’s been such a great car I can’t justify selling it.
@@CarswithNash
I had an '07 Touring Edition. Loved it, and would buy another. It'll be a Convertible for my next 1.
Had to get rid of it because we needed more seating than 5 passengers.
I've seen 1 recently at a used car dealer that had 350,000+ on it. Still ran like a new 1. And, they had all the maintenance records in a folder in the cargo area.
Wasn't even rusted out. Very surprising for a Kentucky vehicle.
I bought a 2004 or cruiser at 105k miles I live in Vegas and I’m curious to drive it to California... any maintenance tips I should know to have a safe drive ?
Nayelli a Actually it is rare in my experiance that a PT will leave you stranded, in fact it’s yet to happen in my family with 4 PT’s currently in daily use, we’ve been driving PT’s since 2014 with zero break downs. Generally they give warning signs for most things and I have a video titled “PT owner’s guide” where I cover a lot of the typical maintenance items you can expect from a PT as well as typical issues you may have. One thing I touched on in that video that is very important and I’ve since made a separate video on is “electrical system maintenance”, that is the one thing that causes most issues with PT’s and basically it’s an age related issue where the electrical connections build up corrorison over time and need to be taken apart and cleaned. The video is very detailed in case you wanna tackle that yourself, it’s the first thing I do when I buy a PT, here’s the video: ua-cam.com/video/L94-bxYqOAw/v-deo.html Aside from that just check all your fluids (oil, coolant, pwr steering, transmission), look under the car for any serious leaks (some weeping is pretty normal for a car this age, it’s more the drips you look for), check your tires for any cracks or abnormal wear etc. One other thing you should check is the timing belt, @ 105k miles it should’ve been replaced already, if not you should have it replaced because that is one thing that could both strand you and damage your engine if it was to break. Sorry if that sounds like a lot haha, as long as it all checks out though they are great cars.
I live in the hot part of Cali, but the one problem I've had several times was battery connections loosening and the alternator not charging correctly. And it's not the only vehicle I've had the problem with here. It will leave you FLAT. PS- you have to get a jump from a full size battery like in a truck. Keep cables in the trunk, girl and learn how to use them!
Ok soooo update ... I risked it from Las Vegas to Colorado and car didn’t give me no problems I’m actually in shock how good this car was too me ..! They got bad reputation but I actually love cruisers now 💯❤️👌🏻
Nayelli a That’s great to hear and thanks for leaving the feedback here. Glad you’re enjoying your car so much!👍
If your driving a PT/GT/ HO you want to use 92 or better gas. Not only for better performance, but your engine and turbo
will last a lot longer. I have reached 100,000 km with no engine problems. Have replaced timing belt,idler pulley, water pump and cam seals at 80 thousand. When doing one, you'd might as well do ALLof them while your in there. At 200,000 I'll do it all again.
Plan on keeping her a long time.
Just got one of these that's in pretty good shape. You're like 200% Canadian, huh? lol My bad.
Enjoy! This one is still going strong even after I used it for plowing snow for a couple winters.
Thanks Matt! I have two 06 PT Convertibles. One Turbo-lite automatic, the other 5-speed non-turbo. Both are fun. The tops won't work above 15 MPH/25 KPH. We also have an 01 5-speed non-turbo and an 04 GT High Output 5-speed in Seamist Green Metallic. Super rare options. Our best, and fastest, PT EVER!
Larry Kittell Wow, that’s a nice little collection you’ve got there!👍
Matt's Garage I test drove one in the Fall of 2000 and fell in love. I NEVER thought 4 cylinders could make me smile, but I smile every day now!
My 05 Convertable is an HO, and the first yr of the limited slip diff, but still can break the tires loose and give you tremendous torque steer. When first new, took it to the track,just to compare what it would do. It's an auto stick)
@@rickspearman344 I've never used the autostick feature- how/when do you like to use it?
@@susangopher722 , I live in Canada, thus have winter ( lots of snow and ice roads) Sitting at a traffic light ON ICE, can be a challenge when the light changes. Auto stick gives you the option of sticking it in low, thus much less wheel spin and slippage on take off. Better traction too. Once rolling you can slip into 2 or 3 and also down shift upon approving an intersection without the fear of sliding right through the light.
Had mine for a solid 5 years and I loved it, I’d buy another one day.
This one's still going strong, we just put a new bumper and grill on it the other day and it's looking better than ever. It's my mom's car now but I still look after it for her of course.
Nice vid. I have an '07 convertible. You covered everything
Thanks, I appreciate hearing that.
Well done video, great information and thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the feedback.
Hi Matt. I have a 2006 PT Cruiser which had engine light on and drove hard. You could feel the change of gear one, but nothing after. One shop told me it was the transmission. The engine light went away before I could get a 2nd opinion. Found a mobile mechanic who checked for codes and did not find any. He suggested that I have the computer reflashed, which I did. It seemed to run well the first road trip; but several days later when I drove it, I had the same problem. The mechanic pulled the codes and got the following: P0700, P1684, P0218, P0882. The mechanic suggested that I take the car to a shop that can erase or reset the codes to the Integrated Fuse Box Module. What are your thoughts?
I have a 2006 PT Cruiser GT high output turbo convertible.
As far as the front passenger seat slide. Keep the seat back leaning forward, then slide it to the desired position, then raise the seat back to stop it from moving.
As far as the convertible top. When bringing the top up, stop just before that side piece gets behind the bracket. Put the material out and then continue closing it. That way it doesn't stretch out the fabric.
It's all good Matt, thanks! Can I get to the timing belt to inspect on the High Output turbo like you did? Seems like there's a lot more stuff on that end than in your video. What would make white smoke occasionally at startup? Am I losing a seal? I am losing more oil than I should, so will try the oil sensor, I think.
The A/C lines really vary a lot, so I can’t say for sure, I’ve seen some that didn’t have room, but most actually do. Sorry, wish I could give a more definitive answer.
The white smoke can be a sign of a bad head gasket, but if it’s only on start up I would not worry, often you can get moisture buildup in the exhaust system that can cause that or just colder temperatures.
@@CarswithNash Thanks for replying! Smoke is really intermittent and I can't tie it to outdoor temp, especially here in the summer heat of Cali. I will check that oil sensor for leakage when things cool off to Shade Tree Mechanic weather 😁
White smoke ( from the tailpipe) usually but not always indicates coolant getting into the exhaust. (NOT A GOOD THING)
To verify this stand close to the back end of the car at start up and take a good wife. If it smells sweet its coolant, and you have an internal leak. Pull your oil dip stick and look at it in a good light. If you see shiny specks,you may want to start saving up for a head gasket job. ALWAYS get a second opinion though.
Great videos; very useful and entertaining. Thanks!
Thanks for your feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed.
@@CarswithNash ❤️
thanks brother, very helpful video. Getting '07 tomorrow
They are fun cars, you’ll enjoy it.
One thing i didn't like about living in Alberta is that you have to get every vehicle you buy used inspected regardless if it had plates on it or not. In Saskatchewan as long as it was registered before you bought it you can just go and buy plates for it and away you go no inspection needed..I see most of the cars you buy need extensive repairs witch can become very costly especially if they are high mileage and have body damage. For us it was cheaper to buy new instead of searching for a used vehicle that didn't need an inspection witch you usually can only find at a dealership or garage..Privately owned vehicles that have been freshly inspected are rare..For me i like old ford trucks but living in Alberta made owning one pretty much impossible unless it was in mint shape ..I see a lot of people fixing wrecked vehicles on You tube yet not one of them explains what the inspection process costs and if it is really worth it in the end..
P.S the new vehicle we bought was a 2004 P.T Cruiser it was a great car.. Thanks for your time and the videos..
randy scott Vehicles previously registered in Alberta only require an “insurance inspection”, it’s a very basic inspection that costs under $100, honestly if your vehicle can’t pass that it shouldn’t be on the road anyways. I do understand though since it seems nearly impossible to find a shop who can/will fix issues on an old car, if I didn’t do all my own work I’d likely be buying new as well. If you can find a truly good mechanic or repair shop then an old car can still save you, but that’s tricky these days. As for my fleet I certainly have some I’m waiting to have the funds to get them sorted out, like my ‘01 Super Duty, it needs a front brake job, windshield and new tires to pass inspection, so for now it’s only for yard use, I don’t have $2,500 to invest in it just yet.
Is it safe to use the manual override on the roof, like if it makes a mess? it would be handy if your working on the car with the battery disconnect.
I have honestly never tried it myself, but as I understand it doesn't make a mess, I haven't seen anyone mention to put a drain tray under it, so I assume only air comes out.
@matt77758 will it damage the hydraulic system?
@@WestCoastTNT Nope, it's intended to be used like that.
In some areas these seem to be worthless. I have an 05 dream cruiser convt was an extra car my parents never drove so gave to me and I never drive it because I have another car. . It has 36,000 miles loaded with all the options available at that time 2.4 HO turbo GT engine runs and drives like new. Carvana offered $250 for it said that was due to my living in the Miami area! So the Value really depends on your location.
Lol $250 is scrap value. It’s gotta be worth more than that
G'day from Down Under
I've had 'Lulu' , my 06 soft top for around 7 years now & few very few issues.
My 1st convertible & can't see myself ever wanting a hardtop again.
Cheers 4 your vid, full of great tips.
Thanks a lot, appreciate the feedback!
Seems like this car would be perfect for AZ - Hardly any rain and in the fall driving with the top down would be lovely
It is a very fun car, especially with the top down, we’ve really enjoyed owning it and it’s been extremely reliable.
@@CarswithNash good to know. Thank you :)
you can get one here in Nova Scotia for 900 with. 149000km
Hard Rock That’s a good deal, this one had 260,000kms when I bought it for $1,200. I see convertibles listed $4-7k typically in my area.
I notice the engine light still shines...any time you will replace the cam sensor soon?
I replaced the cam sensor, did a video on that, the engine light is on sometimes for the pwr steering pressure sensor, not something I’m worried about (some don’t even have that sensor...).
@@CarswithNash Thanks! Keep sharing these awesome videos! One day we would like to see your PT cars please!!
@@mariusvanwyk7796 For sure, I’m actually editing a PT repair video currently, tons more PT content to come!(-:
Matt. All 4 of my 2005 pt cruiser windows won't go up and down. Changed the fuse. Didn't help
I’m pretty sure there is also a relay for that, check in the electrical box just behind the battery. I can’t think that all 4 switches or all 4 window motors would’ve failed at the same time so it has to be something like that. When you press the convertible top switch do the windows still drop down? If not that could also be your problem since that switch is connected to all 4 windows, but if that still works that confirms that isn’t the problem and would also confirm all 4 window motors are still working. I’d appreciate it if you report back here when you get it figured out so anyone else reading this would know what the issue is (myself included and then I can be sure to share the information into the future).
Checked that also. And the top won't work and the windows also don't go down a bit and I'm worried about damaging the windows when I close the doors.
@@sharonhartley3895 Very unlikely you will actually damage the glass, it’s much tougher than you think. What you need to do is bring the door in close and then push in on the top of the glass and tuck it up into the door seal before the door is fully shut, then firmly push in on the door till it latches. I have the same issue in the winter time with mine because the windows freeze up solid and won’t drop to open or shut the door. Sorry I’ve been really busy, I meant to get back to you sooner and I also meant to check on mine to see if I can find a relay, I will try to remember to do that later today.
@@CarswithNash thanks Matt
@@sharonhartley3895 I did check mine for a relay and could not find one, did you ever get your issues figured out?
Nice thorough video
Thanks, appreciate the feedback.
I wanted to get one until I saw your video! So many quirks! There's hardly any in eastern Ontario but a lot in Quebec.
styxman Yeah it’s been a fun car for the summer but I can’t see using it as a year round daily, it’s just not very practical.
Too many problems with the pts, there like an egg shell, break easily, cost big money to fix, if you can find a good mechanic, have a 2004 turbo limited, platinum plus, the same codes keep coming up 0032, 0038 02 sensors, Chrysler had it for 9 months, could not fix it, to bad it's such a fun car to drive.
Trust me I drove the absolute piss out of this car all last summer and never had a seconds trouble, they are anything but fragile! I pretty much drive these cars like a race car, right to the floor off every stop etc. squealing tires around every corner... That’s why I’m not gonna drive one this summer, I got lucky last summer but I’m going to end up losing my license if I keep driving like that LOL! I do the maintenance and repairs myself and don’t find them too bad at all, we have 4 in the family currently and my brother also drives one, they’ve pretty well been our main transportation since 2014.
Oh and I forgot to mention I used this car for a snow plow to maintain my acreage all last winter go check out my videos on that, I literally have a 6 foot wide snow blade on it and it’ll push snow like a little bulldozer!
Is there a way to remove the old rocker panels in a pt cruiser, mine are rusted out and I’m planning to buy new ones to replace it with, please help
Dookie Clown You cut back to clean metal and weld new metal it, it’s not quick, easy or cheap.
Matt's Garage well I am just going to buy slip on rocker panels, could I cut to clean metal and then just somehow “slip on” the panels or does it work another way
Dookie Clown You can slip those right over the rust, but really those things should be outlawed IMO, that is the structure of your car and should be repaired properly.
Matt's Garage well I won’t just slip it over the rust, I’m planning my on getting rid of all the rust then slipping it on and hopefully welding it there
Dookie Clown Oh OK if it’s a metal panel that is not so bad I thought you were talking about the plastic clip on ones I have seen.
Have had 2 pt cruisers first one 2005 then a 2007 or 08. That one had engine issue, went bad at 56,000 miles and constantly overheated. Didnt replace engine because the old car wasn’t worth it
Sounds like you had a terrible mechanic, very sorry to hear.
Greetings! Don't Give Up On It. I Had That Problem. The Fan Wasn't Coming On To Cool It Down Or Check The Thermostat. Also Make Sure You Have Water In The Radiator And Coolant In The Water Bottle.
Gee,,, I could use the cover
Do you live in Canada? If so we might be able to work a deal, if you are anywhere else the shipping will probably be too much.
Haaayy homer …
🥲😂😇😆🤣
Hoozer
Ugliest car award
Apparently you don’t appreciate classic styling…
My passenger door and trunk does not open with the inside switches? I can hear it click but doesn't open unless I use the key for the trunk and manually unlock the passenger door. Would this be the actuator or wiring? I've checked the fuses and everything is good. Thank you.
Likely it is the actuator, the fact that you can hear it clicking in there means it is probably trying to move the lock but is broken or weak. To be honest I haven’t had any experience with lock actuators on PTs, all my power locks have always worked great on all my Chrysler cars. But I feel your pain because the rear lock actuator just failed on my Hyundai Santa Fe and it’s a $210 part!🤦♂️ Oh on the trunk have you tried pulling up on it as it is unlocking or trying to unlock? Sometimes the spring is weak as it pops it up and it just doesn’t pop up when it unlocks so it relatches again, that I have seen before.