Hi Jim,
Ran into a similar situation with my recently "inherited" 2005 (I have 2 PT's now). My problem was that the rear hatch opened by itself, causing the "dinging" alarm and dash light. One night when I was in the garage I could hear the switch "clinking" and opening the rear hatch lock on it's own. Spooky.
I opened the inner cover and disconnected the harness wire leading to just the electric actuator. I use the key without a problem to open the hatch and wouldn't you know even the 4 door locks still pop open when I activate the rear hatch by key.
I've learned to live with these Chrysler malfunctions after 3 years owning a 2001 PT. (sigh and Sic)
I would further suggest to George's reply that you apply battery voltage to the actuator to hear if that is also working, if it's dead that's the fault. Personally I had no idea this/these 2005 cars(trucks) had a touch sensitive switch,, just more garbage to go wrong as I see it. My 2001 has the KISS feature and uses a key only.
Since this 2005 car has only 50K mileage I'm truly hoping It's not the maintenance buttache the 2001 has been in the last 3 years.
to wit:
[SIZE=18pt]Repairs to PT 2001 Cruiser[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Rack and Pinion-was supplied by seller to consummate us buying the car.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced drs side MacPherson strut-complete w spring.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced connector at radiator fan.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]4 tires replaced.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Added new wheel cover/hubcap[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced R Frt rotor during 1st caliper pad replacement @ 150K[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced starter and solenoid.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced battery.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced aftermarket taillights with OEM units.(Owned by kids)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced radiator. (Platic parts failed)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced Body Computer thru Chrysler in Pompano. ($$Ouch$$)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt] “ battery lead wires, both.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced alternator.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced battery.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced frt caliper pads at 170,000. (20K maybe the Mrs is racing??)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced 4 tires.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replace front LCA ball joints and bushings 170K (No fun folks)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Repair pass side shaft boot, inner[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replace o2 sensor at exhaust manifold. (used NLT parts)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt](Obtained 3 defective o2 units from Advanced Auto.)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replace front rt motor mount.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replace o2 sensor at exhaust manifold. (used NLT parts)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced frt rt motor mount with new.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Installed window wind deflectors. (It rains heavy here!!)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Rec’d P-0135 o2 Code again-Sensor1 Bank 1 front sensor. (used Bosch Premium this time)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Rec’d P-0135 Code again-Sensor1 Bank 1 front sensor. (used Denso this time)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced pass side half shaft 4-13[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced drs side half shaft 5-13[/SIZE]
[SIZE=18pt]Replaced power steering pump with high pressure hose 6-13 (have write up)[/SIZE]