Convertible Switch Lamp Flashes When Attempting To Operate The Power Convertible Top, Convertible Top Does Not Operate to Open
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Chrysler Crossfire electrical problems
moderate 54 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
54
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 54 electrical complaints filed for the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 54 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Convertible Switch Lamp Flashes When Attempting To Operate The Power Convertible Top, Convertible Top Does Not Operate to Open
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Crossfire has a documented pattern of catastrophic electrical failures. Owners describe engine stalls without warning at any speed—some die at traffic lights, others mid-highway—leaving drivers stranded for minutes to hours before restarting. The ignition key frequently jams solid and won't turn, requiring vigorous shaking or hours of attempts; some owners have had the steering column disassembled to free the lock pin.
The convertible top's rear window unglues and separates, particularly in humid climates, allowing water to flood the interior and destroy electrical components. Water pooling in the dashboard and trunk then cascades failures across locks, defrost, seats, and lights. One owner documented an electrical short arcing in the dashboard with clicking sounds—a potential fire hazard.
Remote keyless entry fails intermittently or completely; doors won't unlock and the security system disables the ignition. The SKREEM module (anti-theft/ignition control) repeatedly fails and is no longer available from Chrysler.
Repair costs run $900–$2,500, with vehicles held in dealer shops for weeks or months while technicians struggle to diagnose problems. Dealership mechanics report replacing twenty or more Crossfire ignition switches—a widespread defect acknowledged informally but never recalled. Owners with low mileage (under 50,000 miles) face the same failures, suggesting manufacturing defect rather than wear.
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stall/shutdown while driving
Engine dies without warning at idle, at highway speeds, or while stopped. Vehicle loses all power and will not restart immediately; may restart after 5-20 minutes or several hours.
When: Across mileage range (600 to 100,000+ miles); timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown mid-drive or at traffic light; No restart immediately; restarts only after waiting minutes to hours; Dashboard lights remain functional while engine is dead; Occurs at random speeds including city, highway, idling
Codes mentioned: Engine relay control module failure, Crankshaft position sensor malfunction, Sensor connector wire loose/improper connection
Repairs/costs cited: Engine relay control module replaced; crankshaft position sensor replaced ($55 aftermarket part); processing sensor replaced; new computer installed; module and relay installed; battery replaced in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers reported lack of equipment/knowledge to diagnose; some vehicles held for weeks without resolution
Ignition switch failure/key won't turn
Key freezes or locks in ignition cylinder and will not turn to start vehicle. Occurs while parked or when attempting to start. May require vigorous shaking or dissassembly to resolve.
When: Variable mileage (7,800 to 100,000+ miles); becomes recurring over months before total failure
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn in any direction when inserted; Key becomes jammed/stuck; cannot remove key; Requires shaking, jiggling, or repeated attempts over hours to turn; Steering column locks simultaneously; Ignition tumbler freezes in jammed position
Codes mentioned: Ignition switch malfunction, Lock cylinder failure, Steering column pin jam
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch/cylinder replaced; lock tumbler replaced; some cases required laser-cutting key to fit cylinder; repairs cost $1,200-$1,569; SKREEM module (anti-theft control) replacement needed in some cases; $350-$2,000+ repair costs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed owners vehicle not included in recall; some dealers honored bumper-to-bumper warranty; multiple mechanics report this is widespread ('at least twenty ignitions on Crossfires')
Remote keyless entry failure
Remote control does not respond to unlock commands; panic button non-functional. Car may be disabled by security system when locks malfunction.
When: 15,000 to 17,000 miles in owner case; intermittent to recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Remote control does not unlock doors; Panic button on remote does not sound siren; Manual key must be used to unlock; Security system may disable ignition without warning; Siren activates when door opened after remote failure
Codes mentioned: Electronic entry module failure (dashboard), SKREEM module malfunction (trunk-mounted), Security system control failure
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic entry part under dashboard replaced ($900); SKREEM module suspected faulty in trunk area (estimated $350 diagnostic + replacement); replaced three times in one owner's vehicle; central timing module also replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer suggested weak battery in remote as cause; later confirmed electronic module failures
Electrical system failure/water intrusion into dash and trunk
Water leaks into dashboard and trunk electrical compartments causing cascading electrical failures. Rear window separation allows rain to flood interior, destroying electronics.
When: Develops over time; accelerated by weather exposure and convertible top operation
Symptoms owners cite: Water visible in dashboard area; Water pooling in trunk; Multiple electrical systems fail simultaneously (lights, locks, defrost, seats, climate control); Clicking/arcing sounds from electrical short in dash; Panel behind glove box smoking; Systems work intermittently or not at all
Repairs/costs cited: Convertible top replacement (estimated $2,500); water damage repair costs not fully documented; one case involved dashboard panel smoking, vehicle deemed unfixable after water damage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued in 2011 for convertible top replacement; limited to 9 specific states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas); nationwide owners denied coverage
Rear window glass separation from convertible top
Rear glass window unglues and separates from fabric convertible top. Occurs while parked or driving; causes water intrusion into interior, electrical damage, and visibility loss.
When: Variable timing; some reports after 2-3 years of ownership with low annual mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rear glass window separates/detaches from soft top fabric; Window hangs loose or falls completely; Severe water flooding into interior during rain; Loss of rear visibility while driving; Unable to lower convertible top after separation
Repairs/costs cited: Convertible top replacement required; typical cost $2,500; some owners have needed replacement twice
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler TSB issued 2011 citing humidity as cause; limited warranty extension (10 year/100,000 mile) restricted to vehicles first sold in 9 specific states; nationwide owners denied remedy despite identical defect; water intrusion then causes secondary electrical failures
Electrical short in dashboard wiring
Dangerous electrical short located in dashboard/wiring harness that causes arcing and audible clicking sounds. Creates potential fire hazard.
When: Timing not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Audible clicking/tapping sounds from dashboard; Electrical arcing visible/audible in dash area; Hot spot forming in wiring harness; Potential for fire in passenger side dashboard area
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in complaint case; video documentation provided to manufacturer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer district manager refused to review video evidence, claiming it was doctored
Convertible top malfunction
Electronic convertible top fails to operate properly; falls down unexpectedly while vehicle is parked or driving.
When: Recurring from 2005 to 2018 in one case; initial failure around 18,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Top falls down on its own while stationary; Top falls down while vehicle is driving; Top cannot be raised reliably; Water intrusion occurs after top failure
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic convertible top replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial replacement attributed to water intrusion; failure recurred continuously despite repair
Battery drain/power module failure
Battery drains completely in hours to days even when vehicle is off. Charging or replacing battery does not resolve issue.
When: Unknown mileage; occurs early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Battery goes dead despite being fully charged; Battery drains completely in few hours of vehicle off; New battery dies immediately after replacement; Dashboard and accessories work but engine will not start
Codes mentioned: Power module recall (mentioned by one mechanic via VIN check)
Repairs/costs cited: Power module replaced; one owner reported mechanic found recall for power module via VIN check but owner could not independently verify
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall mentioned but unverified by owner
Intermittent no-start condition
Vehicle randomly fails to start despite functional battery and electrical system. May start fine one day and not start for days, then start again unpredictably.
When: Recurring randomly; can persist for weeks to months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not crank despite battery being charged; Dash lights and accessories work normally; No sound/attempt from starter motor; Randomly resolves itself; car starts normally after waiting; No diagnostic codes or warning lights indicate problem
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed thorough checks and found nothing wrong; multiple repair visits without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No solution found after multiple dealer visits
Security/anti-theft system malfunction
Security system disables ignition or activates alarm unexpectedly. Siren engages without cause; system may prevent vehicle start.
When: Occurs unpredictably; one case documented at 13,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Siren activates when door is opened after remote failure; Alarm activates while vehicle is operating; Security system disables ignition preventing start; Theft mode may activate for no reason
Repairs/costs cited: SKREEM module (security control) replaced; replaced multiple times in some cases without permanent resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer suggested theft mode activation as possible explanation
Synthesized from 54 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Car wouldn't start several times since purchase. The battery was fully charged, took it to a Chrysler dealer who "cleaned up some grounds". The lights, stereo, etc worked but the motor didn't even make a sound when trying to start. One time when it did start I was making a turn when the car completely died...I didn't realize it at first because the heater, radio, panel were all lit up and…
I was driving on street in my home town about 30 MPH and engine dies and does not start. I walk to a store came back in 15 -20 minutes care started back again. Drove abut 6 mile very close to my house car died on street again. I checked on cross fire forum other crossfire owner has same issue. Crank shaft sensor and sensor connector wire is not connected properly to the computer board. When…
My2005 crossfire roadster convertible just stopped running twice while driving on a very busy road! The first time I was stopped at a light when the car died. I had no power and the car would not restart. As the light had now turned green every car in every lane started to move forward. Of course the person behind me started beeping and screaming! I got out of the car (very dangerous) and…
The vehicle stopped running, check engine light came on, the air condition hesitate to come on and the tire senure light stays on. *tr
2005 Chrysler crossfire limited, 13, 800 miles. Stops running while driving/won't start up after stopping. This has happened a total of 6 times. 1st time vehicle restarted after 20 min. Dealer repair service said wait to see if happens again, maybe the theft mode kicked in for some reason. 2nd time I stopped for gas, car wouldn't start. Like you weren't pushing in clutch but you were. Towed to…
Had electrical trouble with your 2005 Chrysler Crossfire?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 54 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 46 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 32,050 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 54,234. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,050; a quarter make it past 70,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Chrysler/Crossfire.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.