2005 PT cruiser Turbo (wagon) freezing, sputtering when accelerating...PCM code?

Asked by PlzBehavePTCruiser Jul 10, 2018 at 03:55 AM about the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT Wagon FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hello! I have a 2005 PT GT Turbo cruiser (wagon). The car will start
and as I'm driving and try to accelerate the car will not allow me to
do that...like it is freezing up and sputtering. So I take my foot off the
accelerator..and it coasts slowly..I then step on the gas really fast
and it seems to kick it to run fine again sometimes for only a few
minutes sometimes for a longer length of time. But this happens at
strange, random times and it is happening more now after I replaced
the parts below. It will be running just fine..then I can't accelerate. I
replaced the cam sensor, crankshaft sensor and o2 sensors, plus
new battery and battery cables. And went to Oil stop got the new oil
filter, oil change etc. It still happens. Diagnostic comes up as a PCM
code. A mechanic says I need to get a pre-programmed computer for
this and it will fix it. Can a messed up PCM really cause this??
Someone else said maybe it could be vacuum lines, fuel pump or
fuel filter...or the fuel things(?) need to be blown out (for years I was
using cheap, plus gas instead of good premium gas I was supposed
to use). Also, I put in high octaine booster and later a fuel cleaner.
Nothing seems to work! Is the PCM code realistic and should it be
trusted? Thank you for ANY help and time!! I have a lot of long
distance driving I need to do for work next month I can't have this car
doing this.

2 Answers

Thanks for your reply! Shoot. Ok I'll see if I can get that code from the mechanic. Two different mechanics tried a couple times each and they said the code was saying each time it was the PCM and I needed another one. I'll try my best to get the code from him today. :)

Hello! Ok so I was told it is P1604. Then I also did the car trick on my car of turning it to run three times and I saw P1 (or is it PL) 01. I could get the car reflashed or a new computer. But then others said that code could mean somethig else. So frustrating. I'm running out of time to get this fixed and today sitting at a light the car just silently shut off.

Your Answer:

PT Cruiser

Looking for a Used PT Cruiser in your area?

CarGurus has 12 nationwide PT Cruiser listings starting at $5,488.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Kelly Little Ashford
    Reputation
    4,510
  • #2
    Gypsy Rose
    Reputation
    3,370
  • #3
    docwade931
    Reputation
    2,910
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chrysler 300
29 Great Deals out of 503 listings starting at $5,912
Used Chrysler Crossfire
16 listings starting at $8,495
Used Volkswagen Beetle
15 Great Deals out of 140 listings starting at $4,490
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
171 Great Deals out of 5,940 listings starting at $3,995
Used Chevrolet HHR
6 listings starting at $3,499
Used Ford Mustang
49 Great Deals out of 1,268 listings starting at $4,995
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
113 Great Deals out of 3,318 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Cobalt
27 listings starting at $1,749
Used Ford Escape
121 Great Deals out of 4,529 listings starting at $2,995
Used Ford Focus
22 Great Deals out of 496 listings starting at $995
Used Toyota Tacoma
54 Great Deals out of 1,033 listings starting at $8,708

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.