I drive an 04 GT with Getrag 5-speed and High Output Turbo. So the car starts steaming and dripping, barely made it to work. Shop reports it's the Heater Hose Assembly, part no. 4884296AC, which is a metal pipe assembly going from the radiator to the heater core and the turbo. Rusted through or cracked, we're taking it off now to get a better look. Apparently discontinued by Chrysler, no aftermarket ones made, can't find one anywhere. Is this the way my PT goes to the junkyard in the sky? Anybody know anything that could help?

 

It's not at all unusual that an auto manufacturer would discontinue manufacturing parts for a car that is now 18 years old. It would be quite remarkable it they were still making parts for cars that old. Typically they don't stock or sell parts for vehicles over 10 years old.

Your post actually contains the solution for your problem: junkyards. There were quite a few PT Cruisers made and many of them wound up in junkyards for reasons that did not involve that part. Check with local junkyards and on the internet for a salvage part. Also, keep an eye on eBay. You may find someone who is parting out a PT Cruiser. Write to him and ask if your part is available. I've had luck finding parts for my '01 Sebring that way.