Random Light Switch Issues Plague Stratus Electrical

Had almost the exact same issue on my Breeze last year, it is pretty similar to your Stratus as it was built on the same platform just 2 years earlier. Having some experience with electrical issues, I first checked the fuse box but everything seemed fine there. The unusual activation of lights was really annoying, and when I took it to the workshop, they found the root cause was actually a faulty connection in the main light switch wiring. The cable had worn down over time causing intermittent contact. The repair involved replacing the connector and light switch assembly, which ended up costing 95€ including labor. Could you share your Stratus build year and engine type? This would help determine if you are dealing with the same electrical problem. Also, when exactly did these symptoms start showing up? Did you notice any pattern, like does it happen more often when it is cold or after driving for a while? The dimmer switch could indeed be the culprit, but based on my experience, checking the main light switch connections first might save you some diagnostic time. Your mechanic should be able to test the continuity through the switch assembly to pinpoint where the electrical problem is occurring.

Latest service was 3 months ago at 84500 KM. The light switch and connections were the first things I suspected too. Took it to a shop today and they confirmed a wiring issue near the switch assembly, causing intermittent power flow. The tail lights staying on was apparently due to a corroded ground wire. The repair quote seems reasonable at 180€ for parts and labor. They suggest replacing both the main light switch and dimmer switch assembly since both show wear. The electrical problem codes they pulled match what you described, sporadic voltage readings at the switch. Thanks for sharing your experience. Going ahead with the repair next week to prevent any further electrical issues.

Thanks for the feedback on your workshop visit. Pretty much confirms what I experienced, these JA platform cars are notorious for developing electrical gremlins around the lighting system. The 180€ quote sounds fair considering they are replacing both the headlight switch and dimmer switch assembly. When I only replaced the main switch last year, I ended up with dashboard lights flickering a few months later. Ended up paying another 85€ to fix that, so doing both switches at once is actually smarter. The corroded ground wire is a common failure point too. Had mine redone during the second repair. Make sure they properly seal the new connections to prevent future corrosion issues with the tail lights. The error codes showing voltage fluctuations are classic symptoms of worn switch assemblies. Getting this fixed will likely resolve those unusual activation issues completely. Based on your mileage, this is pretty typical timing for these parts to need replacement. Good call getting it sorted soon, letting electrical problems go can lead to bigger headaches down the road.

My 2004 Stratus has been great since the fix. Perfect timing on catching those worn out switches, saved me from more expensive repairs later. The shop did a thorough job with the wiring harness and properly sealed all connections. The unusual lighting issues completely stopped after replacing both switches. No more mysterious tail lights turning on or dashboard lights acting up. Those electrical problem codes have cleared and haven't come back. Total cost came to 180€ which feels fair given they fixed the corroded ground wire too. The headlight switch works smoothly now and the dimmer adjustment is consistent. Would definitely recommend anyone with similar symptoms to check their switch assemblies and wiring first. Really glad I asked here before jumping to conclusions about more complex issues. The repair was much more straightforward than I initially feared. Good to know these lighting problems are a common wear item on these cars around this mileage.