Chrysler Pacifica: Care & Maintenance

revka · May 2003

Here is the new place to discuss Chrysler Pacifica maintenance & repair issues. If you're experiencing a problem with your Pacifica or have insights to offer others, regarding maintenance & repair issues, post your messages here.

Please note: this is not the place to bash the Pacifica or to discuss overall Chrysler reliability vs other makes/models. This discussion is intended as a place of support/help for Chrysler Pacifica owners. In accordance with our Member Agreement Guidelines, off topic posts will be subject to automatic deletion.

Thanks for your participation! ;-)

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

revka · May 2003

Be sure to check out the Helpful Links on the left side of the page, where you'll find direct access to our main Chrysler Pacifica discussion.

Keep your eyes open for other helpful links (i.e. Edmunds' Maintenance Guide) soon to be added to that area. And now, back to the subject of Chrysler Pacifica Maintenance & Repair issues.

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

jerrykoh · May 2003

Got a call from my dealer's service manager this morning. Told me about a new gearshift program for the pacifica that they will be getting sometime next week - wanted to see if i was available late next week to bring the car in for "programming". He didn't have details on the upgrade, but seemed pretty excited about it - it seems that i'm one of the first few pacifica owners and they wanted to make sure i was taken care of

(umm.. does it sound like i'm being used as a guniea pig?)

russklass · May 2003

Chrysler saw fit to omit the attractive ehaust tip as shown on the Pacifica concept.
I found a very good one at stylinconcepts.com.
It is a resonator tip, 2.75" inlet, 3.5" outlet.
The tip fills the factory valence notch beautifully.
The attaching end is black, so it does not look like an aftermarket tip.
The tip is made by Pilot, the item # is PM522, and it sells for $24.95.

patty64 · May 2003

My Pacifica is one week old. I've discovered the following problems: Has anyone else experienced these?

radio static, staticky tweeter, knocking noise when switching from drive to neutral, reverse, etc, can't program homelink. By the way, there is no way to bypass electronic liftgate - seems like an accident waiting to happen?

oedipus1608 · May 2003

Radio Static-The radio in the Pacifica prefers strong signals
Knocking Noise-?
Homelink-?
Electronic Lift Gate-No bypass is needed since the liftgat automatically stops and reverses when it detects an object. The liftgate is also very gentle when it closes.

b25nut · May 2003

Radio static when I'm near power lines is the only one of the problems I've experienced. The Pacifica should probably get an antenna like the one on the RX330 instead of the one placed in the rear window. The liftgate will operate only in park and will stop with any resistance. Why would this be a safety problem?

russklass · May 2003

Read the owners manual!
Some newer garage door openers use a "rolling code" technology which is more involved to program. The owners manual has suggestions, and a phone # to call if you are still having trouble.
Also: Radio reception may just be weak on AM, which is a waste on the 5.1 digital sound system.
By the way, the liftgate may be operated manually; just squeeze the rubber covered release under the exterior handle.

patty64 · May 2003

As for the FM radio reception I figured out that it requires a strong signal (unless there is a problem with the tuner itself). My point was that it is a shame that my 2 other Chryslers, T&C and Grand Voyager, never had radio reception problems. How did Chrysler screw this up? Maybe it's because the antenna is inside the rear side window? I was very disappointed about this. I'm not sure that replacing the radio will help if the problem lies within the design of the antenna. Any advice?

patty64 · May 2003

Anyone else notice a strange noise when switching gears (park-neutral-drive-neutral-reverse)?

patty64 · May 2003

I realize that the liftgate will reverse if it encounters resistance. I'm just not sure if it's possible to get scratched or dented before reversing itself. The back of the garage wall is against the rear hatch and there is a shelf right above it.

b25nut · May 2003

I only open or close my liftgate manually when I'm in the garage.

patty64 · May 2003

Hi b25nut,

But how do you bypass the remote liftgate? I looked in the manual and couldn't find anything. My wife has already set it off twice by accident - the liftgate button is the largest one on the remote.

russklass · May 2003

If you push the liftgate button accidentally, just push it again and the liftgate will reverse & lock.
Everything new takes a while to get used to!

revka · May 2003

from the Wagon's Board to the Maintenance & Repair Message board. This means you can now access this discussion from either one of these message boards. Hope this is helpful.

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

rever2 · May 2003

My Pacifica is now one month old, with 1100 miles. I do not hear any noise when changing gears. I am using 89 octane fuel, and am getting about 18 MPG on highway and a little city driving. Is anybody using 87 with good results?

russklass · May 2003

I also have 1,100 miles on mine, and have been using 87 octane.
I used nothing but 87 in both my 300Ms and they ran fine.

russklass · May 2003

This board has been so slow, I thought we might liven it up by publishing some features of the Pacifica we have discovered since taking delivery.
I'll start with:
Did you know?
When the EVIC is set to turn on the headlights when the wipers are activated during daylight, the sysyem will delay dimming the instruments until it gets dark.

Who's next?

b25nut · May 2003

Patty64, make sure the keyless remote is in the Button Delay mode (Pg. 19 in manual). This way the button has to be held down deliberately before the liftgate is activated. As far as the headlights being used in daytime, I have my instrument panel lights set so they don't dim when the headlights are on (I like bright lights at night); however, that means I have no visual indication that the headlights are coming on in the wiper-activated mode (unless I want to get out and check them).

rever2 · May 2003

You can easily tell if you lights are on, by turning the fog lights on. The fog lights will only come on if the low beam headlights are on. When the fog lights are on the green fog lamp indicator lights on the dash. If it's comes on your lights are on... An other way is turn the high beams on, if the blue indicator stays on after you release the stalk your lights are on.

rever2 · June 2003

I want to put some thing on the top of my dash to protect it from the sun. I can't decide if the material is leather or vinyl, and what to use to protect it.

cluelesspa · June 2003

more then likely its Vinyl... the best thing I have used, I just found is stuff from Lexol (call Vynol ... works great) better then armour all (not as shiney but last and seems to bond better)

http://www.lexol.com/vinindex.html

great stuff and Lexol is great if you have leather .. you find it usually at some of the Luxery car dealers but I think you can get it at Target Stores

ms_mayor · July 2003

Hope someone can give me some advice here.

The service schedule on my Pacifica calls for the first oil change at 6,000 for the type of driving I do. The 'sticker' the dealer put on my windshield for my first service calls for 4,000 miles. I've read here on the boards that some are changing their first oil well before that.

I've got 700 miles on the odometer right now. What's the best recommendation you all can make for the timing of the first oil change?

BTW, it seems to me that waiting until 6,000 is just too long...my old Volvo recommended every 5,000 and I even thought that was a bit much and usually went in after 3,500-4,000.

Thanks!

b25nut · July 2003

I changed my oil at 3100 miles. I plan on changing it at every 4000-4500 miles for at least the next ten years.

pssimon · July 2003

Its interesting that you bring this up. I was going to as well. I would say that at least 2/3 of my driving is highway driving. This yields a few benefits, not the least of which is that brakes last forever.

Anyway, my dealer told me I should use "Schedule B" for maintenance which is service every 3000 miles. I traded in a 1993 Eagle Vision. It also had the 3.5L engine. As I remember it was scheduled for oil changes every 6000 miles, and that was from 10 years ago. I always did change the oil between 3 and 4000 miles, so in effect I was doing what my dealer suggested. My point is that with the other car I was told I could do the changes every 6K and I chose to do it every 3K. Now I am being told to do it every 3K.

Have we gone backwards in technology? Has oil quality gone down? Has something changed in the engine? I'm confused.

I was sort of planning to stick to my 3K-4k changes but am surprised I am being directed to do that... and that my dealer isn't the only one passing on that info.

What has happened? All thoughts greatly appreciated.

cluelesspa · July 2003

I did mine at 400 miles (right after the break in period) where you were supposed to drive under 50 mphs (its in the manual burried) go figure ... most car manuals breakin period is right up front. Check this out on Break-In from Click and Clack the Car Talk Guys: http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/business/industries/automo- tive/6234002.htm

I figure hmmm $35k car vs $18 oil change (no brainer) ... I did the oil change and then drove the pacifica over the 80 mph point to see how she handles :-) oh by the way I change every 3k to 3.5k miles and always change your filter when changing oil ... unless you dont plan on keep your SUV....

ms_mayor · July 2003

Thanks for your comments. I do think that I will end up changing the first oil long before I hit even 2,000, since I want to get it done before we load up and go on vacation. I'll probably put a good 1,000 miles on at that time, with a lot of highway (read: high speed) driving and want to make sure I'm running with clean oil.

Oil and filter changes on a regular basis were totally ingrained into my head by my Dad as a teenager. He made us keep a log book in our glove boxes to keep track of MPG statistics and regular maintenance performed. He told me straight off that of all the 'regular' maintenance a car is required to have, I should never, ever skimp on the oil changes. Its the cheapest money I'll ever spend, he always said.

I think the fact that I drove my very first car over 100K miles, my second almost 100K (totalled thanks to an illegal left turn by a Jeep, and I only had 2 payments left), my third over 100K and my fourth 155K must mean I did something right. Oh...and with each one of these cars? Never needed any major work beyond regular wear and tear stuff.

With any luck (knocking wood right now) my Pacifica will continue the tradition!

pssimon · July 2003

This car is begging for a good coat of wax. Sure, the dealer made it look pretty when I picked it up, but Mother Nature has had other ideas since then. So..... what wax has anyone used on their Pacifica? Of course, I'm looking for the impossible; easy to put on, easy to buff off, and a finish that lasts and lasts!

Also, what about the lower body sections that are plastic and a different color? Any suggestions for a "coating" for that?

Anyone want to take a crack at this one?

Thanks!

boiler1 · July 2003

This may sound crazy but I owned a Mercedes Benz CLK320 a couple of years ago that only needed oil changes every 10-12 thousand miles! An indicator came on when service needed to be performed based conditions and your driving style. As a matter of fact, after I'd driven the car for the first 10,000 miles and no indicator, I took it to the dealer thinking there was a problem. The dealer said they wouldn't do the oil service until the "FSS" said it was time which occurred 2500 miles later. I'm sure changing your oil more often than the manufacturer recommends won't hurt anything but I would be surprised if the those recommendations are baseless. I mean why would any car maker ask an owner to do something that might increase warranty costs???

mrquisp · July 2003

I know this is off the manufacturer topic, but it relates to oil change. I too owned a Mercedes (1999 ML320). It also had an engine that required an oil change at roughly 10000 miles (could be more, but depended on driving habits). What they didn't that if you did the oil change yourself, a special type of grade of oil had to be used. So happens that a lot of "do it yourselfer's" out there used the wrong type of oil and gunked up their engines. Ended up that there was a class action suit involving the 1999 and 2000 models that extended the warranty to 150000 miles! Point to the story... be sure to read the manual on oil changes and use the recommended oil.

intrepidspirit · July 2003

I had a 2000 300M on lease, which I recently turned in. My wife has a 2001 300M. I have recently purchased a 2003 300M to replace my lease turn-in.

The common element among these vehicles and the Pacifica, of course is the 3.5 L engine. Both the 2000 300M and the 2001 300M manuals recommended oil changes at 7,500 miles, I believe. Now, the same engine needs an oil change at 3,000 miles???

I have always changed my oil at 3,000 miles, so the change doesn't affect my maintenance schedule. My latest long term cars (85 Buick LeSabre and 89 Chevrolet Caprice) achieved 226,000 and 192,000 miles respectively, so I would recommend the 3,000 mile change.

I am suspicious that Chrysler felt the 7,500 mile change was "good enough" to satisfy the 36,000 mile warranty previously in place. Now that the warranty is 70,000 miles, maybe they want you to take better care of your engine, and perhaps find an out on a warranty claim if you haven't maintained the 3,000 mile schedule.

This is the only reason I can think of for the recommended schedule change for the same engine...

pssimon · July 2003

OK, so it is like I remembered. But then here is a question. When Chrysler said change the oil at 7500 miles, it seems we were all good little soldiers, took their advice to heart, and then exceeded it by changing it at about 3000 miles. So what does this mean now that they say change the oil at 3000 miles?

I'm not sure I want to hear this answer <G>!

russklass · July 2003

Frequent oil changes = dealer profit!
I put 130,000 miles on 2 300Ms, and changed oil every 5,000 miles. I never had to add oil between changes.
My plan for the Pacifica is to change oil and rotate the tires every 6,000 miles.
I drive 25,000+ miles per year, so I change oil about every 3 months. I feel a good plan is to change oil every 3-4 months if you don't put on a lot of miles.
As for waxing, I first carefully wash the car, and dry everything including the door, hood and trunk/liftgate jambs.
I then apply a coat of 3M "imperial Hand glaze" which has a mild cleaner and fills swirl marks. Apply this coat to the jambs also, as it makes them easier to wipe clean at every wash. Buy this at an auto paint store in the 32 oz. bottle ...it's much cheaper than the smaller bottle sold at some auto parts stores.
Next, I apply a coat of "Meguires #26 High Tech Paste Wax".
The resulting finish usually lasts for 6 months if you wash with a good auto wash like "Turtle Wax Car Wash".
For the wheels & Tires, I like "Eagle One Tire & Wheel Cleaner", and Meguires "Endurance Tire Gel" whigh is available in both satin and gloss finishes.
Have fun in your garage!

boiler1 · July 2003

I would guess that the difference in oil change schedules between the 300M and Pacifica has to due with the difference in their weights.

intrepidspirit · July 2003

The 2003 and 2004 300M and the Pacifica all have the same oil change schedules (3,000 miles).

boiler1 · July 2003

IntrepidSpirit---I see that from your post now. My guess wasn't a very good guess...I guess. :-) However, my Pacifica Owners Manual offers two different oil service schedules depending on driving conditions and style. One at 3000 mile intervals and one at 6000 mile intervals. While I have no direct knowledge of this, I've always felt that recommendations to change your oil every 3000 miles was overkill promoted by the oil industry. My engineer friend who works for a large diesel engine manufacturer says that they recommend oil changes every 25,000 miles but if the load hauled is larger than average (>80,000 lbs.) then they recommend more frequent intervals. Ergo my earlier guess.

My feeling also is that Chrysler is well familiar with human nature in that while those who visit message boards like this might follow their owners manuals to the letter, the majority of their customers do not. Therefore, they have to build some amount of "slop" into their recommendations. I don't think you can go wrong changing your oil every 3000 miles but I also don't know that your engine will not run 200,000 trouble free miles if you change oil only every 6000 miles.

intrepidspirit · July 2003

You may be absolutely right -- every 6,000 miles may be perfectly adequate. However, I have changed every 3,000 miles for the last 25-30 years, and have had no engine problems before 192,000 miles. AT $9.95 a pop (including 4-tire roatation), I consider it good insurance, even if it may be overkill.

Back in the 60's, the recommended interval was 1,000 miles, so 3,000 was easy for me to adjust to...

BTW, the reason I am lurking on the Pacifica board is that my wife (who also has a 300M) is considering the Pacifica for her next vehicle and this is a great place to learn...

grndefx · July 2003

Wife just got her Pacifica AWD... Everything I see (standard options for AWD) says it has tire pressure monitorung). The display will read reset tire system (refer to technician), but the tire pressure indicator doesnt lite up for bulb test when car oops sport touring vehichle is started. I suppose the bulb could be out? or not... Any ideas? Thanks

boiler1 · July 2003

I noticed the same thing on mine and read in the manual that the indicator light should come on when the car is started. Before I actually read the manual I asked my dealer and he said that the car is equipped with the monitoring system (by looking at the valve stems). I think I should ask again.

cluelesspa · July 2003

anyone know how to recalibrate the tire pressure system. I asked the svc shop and they didnt know off hand!!! I heard from a guy up the road from me that sells Caddys that you need a special magnet that you wave by the sensor to reset it. you need to reset evertime you rotate your tires I hear !!!

spnteach · July 2003

I took my Pacifica into the shop for them to look at the tire pressure since I thought according to the manual that it would give you a readout. There was a message asking if I wanted to calibrate tire pressure (or something like that) and so the salesman went around and clicked something on each tire as the message changed (it would give directions like left from tire, rear left tire, etc) After they hooked it up to the computer, the mechanic said that it only will tell you the tire pressure if there is a problem so I shouldnt expect to see a readout of the tire pressure. Did anyone find out anything different? Oh, and now that they did that - I am getting the average miles per gallon displayed. So far it is only 15.7 --- eek!

cluelesspa · July 2003

pressure monitor ... I think that is all it is for (thought it was in the manual somewhere) warning if over pressure or under pressure. that is why it needs to be calibrated so it knows where the normal pressure is. In the setup menu you can hit reset on Tire Calibration and then it waits as it cycles thru the tires but what must be done to reset each sensor ???

rmhenry1 · August 2003

GAWD! You guys are all crazy on the 3K oil changes! Unless you live in Death Valley or plan to have your Pacifica when it hits 500K miles, just change the oil every 6K miles like the book says - that is waht I am doing with my Pacifica. Engines are made with such tight tolerances now adays, you are just throwing money to the oil companies if you do it less. My Acura 3.2TL gets a change every 7500 miles like the book says too - and it will go to 500K miles if I want it to keep it that long. (Heck, nobody keeps there cars that long today anyway - so this is all a moot point!!) Just enjoy the drive. My Pacifica is a dream!

kylerc · August 2003

The middle passenger seat cover(leather)has come unattached twice in two months.that is when you sit in the seat right by your calves it curves under and hooks under the seat.anybody else have this happen or is it something my son is doing?

pssimon · August 2003

In the almost month that I have had mine, I haven't seen that happen yet. I'll pay closer attention. Maybe I've missed it.

patty64 · August 2003

This happened to me too! I noticed the cover was not attached on the bottom the day after I took the car home. I am saving all of my problems until I go for my first oil change at the end of the summer.

monark49 · August 2003

The pacifica uses the same valve stem system as the 300m but only displays a high or low condition while the 300m shows the actual pressure of each tire. The 300m was supplied with a doughnut magnet to place around the valve stems to retrain each wheel after a tire rotation. They don't supply it with the pacifica, probably so that now you need to take it to the dealer for a rotation instead of the local gas station or if you do it yourself in the garage. Should have kept the magnet from my 300m when I traded!

cluelesspa · August 2003

thanks for the info ... just what I was looking for ... I wonder if you can use any magnet to reset the sensors... I am guessing parts will have replacement ones for the 300M if it works on the pacifica

monark49 · August 2003

Its a doughnut shaped magnet about 2" in dia. that fits over the valve stem. You place it over the stem, in sequence, until the horn beeps, starting with the left front and going around clockwise. This is done when the readout says "train left front wheel"

monark49 · August 2003

let me know if you can buy that magnet at parts.

Lohengrin · August 2003

The air conditioning stopped working after only 50 miles. I took it in at 300 miles when I decided I wasn't just being stupid or just unable to work the complicated climate control. No, it really wasn't working. Sometime the control counsel wouldn't light up, or only lit up part way. It blew nothing but hot air.
Car has been in the shop for 2 weeks now. The part is unavailable and there are nearly 200 request having been made for the same part. They are being stingy about taking the part off the assembly line now. Still waiting to hear from Chrysler about this. Anyone else having this problem? I live in 100 degree temps, have two babies, can't have us roasting to death in a brand new 35K car! I'm starting to feel really stupid. Yes, it's a wonderful concept, but I'm having a hard time endorsing the PAC right now.

Chrysler Pacifica: Care & Maintenance

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Chrysler Pacifica: Care &amp; Maintenance

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Chrysler Pacifica: Care & Maintenance