I have 2001 PT Cruiser that intermittently won't shut off when you turn the key to the off position. I brought it to the dealer in November for this same issue. At that time they replaced the ignition switch, and the problem went away until now (approx. 5 months). Yesterday it failed to shut off twice. If you leave the key in the off position it will run for a few minutes and then shut itself off. I read on a blog somewhere
that said to check the power outlets. "They should be off when the engine is off. If any of the power outlets are on when the engine is off, this is a symptom of a bad ignition switch." My power outlet in the dash is always on. Does anyone know if this is true, and do these symptoms point to a bad ignition switch? Have any Chrysler techs seen a rash off bad ignition switches at the dealerships? Thanks everyone for your help!

Most American cars power outlets are hot all the time especially when there's two. Most imports are keyed. Better get it looked at, I just saw one of those burn to the ground yesterday.

Anyone else? Thanks.

If I remember that was one of the years that had a problem with the harness in the engine compartment.The power out let in my wifes is hot all the time.Rocky

Rocky do you know if there was a service bulletin on the wiring harness? I've had the car since it was new, it's now got 115K on it and I've never received a recall notice about the harness. What symptoms was the harness problem causing? Thanks.

The cigarette light is the outlet you want to check. It is ignition operated. But so is the radio.

I believe there was a Tech service bulletin.No recall though as far as I know.Rocky

So the cig lighter outlet should only be powered on when the ignition switch is on? If it is on with the switch in the off position is this an indication of a problem with the ignition switch or the cig. lighter? Do I understand you correctly? Thanks! My rear power outlet is only powered with the engine running, and the power outlet on the dash seems to be powered with the ignition in the off position.

Correct. The front power outlet is hot all the time. The rear and cigaertte lighter are not.