Review: Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio (2006-08)

Overview

Released in June 2006, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio was a two-door, four-seat soft-top convertible. Manufactured in Toluca, Mexico, the front-wheel drive PT Cruiser was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The 2.4-litre petrol engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, twin-counter rotating balance shafts, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

Compared to the PT Cruiser on which it was based, the PT Cruiser Cabrio was 2 mm shorter (at 4286 mm), 43 mm wider (1748 mm) and 62 mm lower (1539 mm); wheelbase length, however, was unchanged (2616 mm). The PT Cruiser Cabrio had a power-operated three-layer soft-top roof with a roof-mounted D-ring release. The roof could be raised or lowered in ten seconds and, once lowered, could be covered with a soft tonneau cover.

The PT Cruiser Cabrio had MacPherson strut front suspension with asymmetrical lower control arms and a twist beam rear axle with trailing arms and Watts linkages.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners; the PT Cruiser Cabrio also had a fixed rollover bar.

Features

Standard features for the PT Cruiser Cabrio Touring included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front fog lamps, 50/50 split and folding rear seats, a tip-and-slide front passenger seat, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlets, tinted windows, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Limited added 16-inch chrome-finish alloy wheels, combination leather and suede seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and chrome highlights.

Related links

• Specifications: Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio (June 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio

Recalls: Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the number of recalls should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio

No recall information is available for the Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio. To search for recalls of Chrysler models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Chrysler.

Problems and faults: Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio: engine doesn’t start/crank

In July 2008, Technical Service Bulletin 08-007-09 REV A was issued for 2006-08 Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio vehicles that were manufactured on or before 5 May 2008 because the engine may not crank or start due to electronic lock-up of the Wireless Control Module (WCM) – also known as the Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM) – and the remote keyless entry (RKE) system does not operate. This may occur because of an electrostatic charge within the Wireless Control Module (WCM). To fix, the WCM needed to be replaced.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio: difficulty re-fuelling

In September 2009, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 14-001-09 REV A was issued for 2006-08 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles with petrol engines. For these vehicles, the owner may experience difficulties when re-fuelling or the fuel pump nozzle may shut off repeatedly during re-fuelling. For these vehicles, the TSB described a diagnosis procedure which may identify the source of the problem as:

• The fuel filler tube;
• The vapour recirculation tube;
• The fuel tank itself;
• A blockage in the EVAP canister, ESIM, clean air hose or filter; or,
• The control valve to the EVAP canister tube.

Problems and faults: Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio

• Difficulty starting may require replacement of the fuel pump module with one that has a screen in order to prevent contamination of the integral pressure regulator.
• Whistling noises when the steering wheel is turned may require replacement of the power steering hoses.
• For models with manual transmissions, a rattling noise when in neutral and with the engine running may require the clutch module to be replaced.
• A surge when cruising between 70 and 90 km/h during warm weather could be corrected by reprogramming the powertrain control module.

Released in June 2006, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio was a two-door, four-seat soft-top convertible. Manufactured in Toluca, Mexico, the front-wheel drive PT Cruiser was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The 2.4-litre petrol engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, twin-counter rotating balance shafts, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1… Read full Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio review

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