Chrysler Pacifica Accessories & Modifications

clong

What was the total cost of the conversion to dual exhaust/muffler system? I see it does not make that much of a difference in performance and gas mileage but i am betting it looks alot better!!!

pscdoc

Yes, it really has no significant effect to the gas milage, but it does give it a boost in performance IMO. There is a significant change in the rpm within the respected gears. I dont know by how much but I can feel the difference from before and after the overhaul of the pac's standard exhaust to the triple magnaflow xl high performance mufflers and dual exhaust.

Total cost for just the exhaust parts and labor was around 500.00 plus another 250.00 for the body work needed to accomodate the dual exhaust.

monark49

A "weight distributing type of hitch" has a pair of torsion arms attached between the hitch ball mount and the trailor which puts the trailor weight on the front wheels of the car as well as the rear. Its usually called an equalizing hitch. Without this system all the tongue weight is on the ball / rear tires only and the capacity is cut to 200#. Its not that the hitch receiver won't take more, its because it would sag the rear end down more than the self leveling shocks could take care of. ( I think )

wing103

I install a aftermarket HID on it, it is so beautiful. If you like i will go to get the brand name for you, And i will post some Photo here.
Is not that hard to install.

pscdoc

That sounds good. I would luv to see other aftermarket HID producs that are compatible with the pac.

clong

Thanks the quick response!! ok, $750.00 total is not bad price at all. Great to know so i do not get ripped off.

my3rdrx

I just bought a Pilot exhaust tip from Walmart and it fits perfectly and looks great. It's a "Round Slant Resonated Stainless Steel Exhaust Tip" (PM-552) and only costs $12.42. Someone is actually trying to sell the identical item on eBay for a starting bid of $20 plus shipping!

The dimensions are--Outlet: 3.5" Inlet: 2.75" and Length: 8.5" Hope it's helpful!

adnil

When I bought my car the sticker clearly said it was Sirus Satellite ready. 8 months later I've decided to hook it up and the equipment is missing. I've talked to the service man at the dealership who , after spending 15 minutes combing through my owners manual, said he'd have to talk to the sales department to see what happened. We did pull up the options package on my car which shows "satellite system prep" however he seems to be confused as to if this is an actual installed option or an available option.
Any one else have the same issues or any advice?
Linda

steelydan0613

Sirius Satellite ready means Sirius Satellite service can be installed on your existing radio without the need for an extra "box" in or on your dashboard like you see advertised in Best Buy stores for any vehicle.

Satellite ready is like saying the new TV set you buy is "high definition digital ready," it means you can have that extra "goodie " more easily, but you are not quite there yet.........

I had Sirius Satellite radio installed , and it is a great product, you can't tell it is there, but I paid for the install......They didn't mislead you , you just didn't understand the terminology........

To clarify further, there is a receiver supplied by Sirius that hooks to the "antenna" that is installed in the rear of the roof just in front of the rear hatch area........This is the step that I had performed on my 04 Pacifica at the dealer ....the radio was already "Sirius Satellite Ready"

If you don't see a black "bulge" just ahead of the rear hatch , on the roof of your Pacifica, then you will have to do the steps I just listed in the previous paragraph...

Sincerely,

Brooks

adnil

Well now they are telling me its not there at all. I know what the window sticker said. I wouldn't have done the research at the time if it hadn't have been an issue. Of course, never in my life have I had a need for the sticker 8 months after the sale so I threw it out :mad:

rasldasl

I have the Sirius prep in my PAC too. I think all the prep kit gets you is the wiring. There is a place inside the center console behind all the other audio equipment where the Sirius receiver (NOT INCLUDED) is plugged in. There is also a wire running through the headliner of the car to the place where the oval plastic Sirius antenna (also NOT INCLUDED) is installed. Basically its $35 for the factory-installed prep kit. Another $175 for the actual Sirius receiver and $125 for the install (not prep) kit and then whatever the dealer is charging for installation on top of that.
Check out this post. Also try searching this forum.
Message 95
Plus you have to pay Sirius every month.
My PAC is not getting Sirius until Howard Stern goes live.

adnil

Okay, so given that I'm pretty pissed at the dealership right now given that despite this dispute over what was and wasn't on my vehicle, they are ignoring my requests to quote me for a satellite system.
I have the 6 disc changer and DVD player so maintning the controls is important to me.
Has any one had experience with getting XM installed aftermarket? Is my best bet one of the little recievers or is there a unit that can integrate with the other audio equipment in the car? I've heard about FM modulators. They seem easy but has anyone noted a difference in sound quality or reception?
Thanks for all the help!
Linda

ch3

I am looking at a Tilt A Rack device to carry my wife's mobility scooter. Can we put a Class II hitch on the Pacifica to cary the rack and scooter? The rack plugs into the hitch receiver (needs 2" so need a 1.25" to 2" adaptor for receiver). Scooter weighs about 225 pounds and rack weighs 100, so would be carrying approx. 325 pounds on a frame mounted hitch. Guess that would approximate tongue weight of a trailer.

Thanks for any input. Unless I just overlooked it, I didn't find an answer in the owners manual.

arbinopac

I'm debating the bra v. deflector...I recently had the deflector on an Expedition. It seemed to get cloudy over time (it was a Ford part, not aftermarket).
Have you noticed anything like that on the Pacifica.

thanks!

monark49

Just install the factory hitch. Its 2" and will carry the load. They cost around $175 at your dealer and the instructions are good. You won't need wiring if your only carrying that rack.

ch3

Thanks. I haven't seen a factory hitch, but will check it out.

nuruc7

I was going to get the Factory Hitch, but then I decided to get the Hidden Hitch and save some money ($139 Vs $175 at Wycoff). I installed in in the rain yesterday and took my time, and it is on. I plan to get the factory wiring harness though as that will insure a good fit for that.

aviate

I have the factory deflector. It has been installed for 23 months and 34K miles. It looks like the day it was installed. No hazing, cracking or blemishes.

adirondack

Did u install that hitch and the rack for holding the scooter.
I have a daughter who uses as wheelchair that ways 260lb. I wonder if it will work for her?

jsharp9

I have a 2004 Pac without the changer. Does anyone have a changer for sale? Also, can it be installed with the standard stereo with single cd? Of course with the correct wiring harness.

steelydan0613

I have had this deflector for 9 months in Houston, the Pacifica is garaged most of the time, so I have not noticed any cloudiness at all. It is a LIGHT gray , almost translucent. I would say that the deflector quality is high, what makes the most difference is whether your Pacifica stays outdoors all the time............

glhs323

Mopar sells an in-dash 6-disc changer that is supposed to be a complete kit with everything needed to add the 6-disc to the factory am/fm/cd. Ebay has listings occasionally, but the last listing I saw didn't include the harness. If I remember right, the Mopar 6-disc is $555

steelydan0613

If you install the XM system, I am thinking you will have to have a BOX sitting in or on your pretty dash.

I would think you would be better off to just get Sirius Satellite installed somewhere else besides your Chrysler dealer...it would be " invisible " and look "factory installed" ............

nuruc7

I would agree. If I go with the SAT Radio, I will go for the Sirius factory model. :shades:

animatone

Sounds real nice, wondering if you could post some pictures or possibly email me some.

clong

I have the bra and i must say it really stands out on the slope of the hood. Really good material and it looks very sleek. The only thing i am concerned about is overtime will it harm the paint? I have had it on now for close to a year and i am now scared to take it off :confuse:

axr6

I just got a used, 2005 FWD Touring the the T package. Beautifully made car, drives really nice on the highways.

One immediate problem I noticed that on twisty roads the Pacifica takes its time to turn-in to the point where it is almost scary. I like to drive quick on winding roads and am used to vehicles with crisp handling. In most cases I modify cars to fit that bill.

So, I raised the car, took off the wheels to look at the suspension and was really surprised to find the small, puny sway bars on both ends. The front is just a bit larger than 1" but, the main problem is in the back where the bar is only 5/8" with long side arms. I bet that the rate of that rear bar is not much more than 100 lbs/inch. This car with this much weight needs at least 3 times that rate. No wonder it rolls over at the turn-in. I have much larger set of bars on my 2400 lbs Saturn.

Installing larger bars will increase the roll resistance and will make a huge difference in the handling. The vehicle should react much more precisely to steering inputs. The only drawback to large bars on cars with independent suspensions is that it basically takes "some" measure of independence away by to two sides being tied together by a very stiff bar. That is a small trade off for much better handling, IMHO.

Does anyone has a source for aftermarket sway bars? If not, I probably have to have some either custom made or use those tubular racing sway bars with the detachable and adjustable arms. That would be a good solution except they cost a lot more than regular aftermarket bars.

Thanks for any info on this issue.

steelydan0613

I agree with you about the bra, the longer it stays on , the more there will a subtle difference in paint shade between the "shaded " paint and the "unshaded" paint. Not to mention moisture issues..........

I just don't get the bra idea............Period...Go with the deflector if you are worried about rock chips...or go braless when the long trip is over..............

steelydan0613

I think you can change the sway bars on the Pacifica, but you are not going to change the fact that this is a nice riding , 4400 lb. machine with a long wheelbase that is derived from a FWD minivan platform.........good for a lot of things, but handling the twisties like a sports car, well...................

ch3

I am getting a Draw-Tite hitch that handles tongue weight of 350 pounds. Also getting a carrier from www.motorcyclecarrier.net for scooter that handles up to 350 pounds. The carrier weighs 75 and the scooter 225. Hopefully, will work just fine. Waiting for hitch to come in.

nuruc7

I have a AWD, and I have not noticed the problem in turns. I have not noticed any roll issues at what most would consider higher speed turns, higher speed exit ramps with turns, and tight corners on windy roads. I did originally want a FWD, but drove a AWD and noticed that it felt like it was a more precise feel on the road for me at least. i have owned an Austin Healy, a BMW 320, a Volvo GT240 with performance suspension and I have driven BMW 2002s and put them all through their paces :shades: , and i gotta say, this PAC does handle well.

adirondack

to ch3 Thanks for telling me about Draw-tite hitch. Where are u getting a 75lb carrier. All the ones I have found weigh 110 or more

mitaithecat

Hello everyone. I just purchased a 2004 Pacifica fully loaded AWD. I love it especially the nav system. I have a question, I read somewhere that the Pacifica was Sirius ready. What special hardware do I need to activate this and how much will it cost me. I am already a sirius subscriber and I know about the subscription fees but I can't seem to find out any info on exactly what I need to get this done. I live up in canada and I don't beleive the dealers are stocking this item as Sirius is supposed to be only a US thing.
Also I am not sure what model the stereo is in my unit (some i# ∞ Infinity™ Intermezzo™ 5.1 Surround-Sound Audio System with AM/FM, cassette player with CD, eight speakers and 385 watts of power CD/DVD 6-disc changer )

Any help (links, prices, experiences with etc) would be great as I really don't know much about the vehicle. Also if anyone knows how to get the wireless headphones to work that would be helpful too....

thanks

mitai

ch3

getting a carrier from www.motorcyclecarrier.net for scooter that handles up to 350 pounds. The carrier weighs 75

http://www.motorcyclecarrier.net/mobility_scooter_carriers_eramp.html

look at E-ramp-2 I like that one for weight carrying as well as it folds up when not in use

adnil

Has any one had any luck getting a Nextel phone (not a Blackberry or the new i605) to work with the uconnect (factory installed?) I was told at Best Buy that the JabraA210 would make my i730 pair with the uconnect, but it's not working. Any suggestions?

adnil

Okay, now the dealership is saying that yes I do have the prep package but I DON'T have the satellite ready stereo? How can they prep it if it's not ready? They want to charge me $500 for the satellite ready radio and labor. Is that right?

Linda

aviate

First, go to a reputable Nextel dealer for any information on their products. Best Buy has no clue as to how the Nextel products work.

Second, you probably will not get any non-blue tooth enabled Nextel phone to work.

Speaking with my local Nextel dealer last week, basically I was told to hold off on anything like this until the merger with Sprint is finished and then wait a few months.

steelydan0613

That's what I paid for my Chrysler dealer to install, the only thing the prep package means is that the wiring from the radio to the antenna mount is already done so some guy doesn't have to rip up the interior of your car putting in wiring........

I got a similar quote from a reputable stereo/TV dealer in my area, I decided the Chrysler dealer would be a little more familiar with the interior and radio, etc.

I believe any accessory installed by Chrysler is covered by the new car warranty, so I went with the Chrysler dealer. They did a very good job, the radio looks the same.

I believe your radio remains the same, but a Sirius satellite receiver is installed behind the radio in the console area. The prep is for the wiring that extends from the radio to the antenna location which will be on the top rear of the vehicle......

I don't think they are trying to screw you, there seems to be a communication breakdown between you and the dealer.

I had the same radio, same Sirius prep on my 04 Pacifica, and it was about $500 to get it going whether I had it installed by the car dealer or Best Buy.........I will say I enjoy it very much, you won't regret it, and you can get Sirius radio through your computer or in your house , even through your stereo with the right setup.

Brooks

axr6

I do not know if there is any difference in suspension stiffness between the FWD and the AWD. I noticed the softness, and the resulting delayed roll, in the very first corner of my test drive and since I live in the hills I drive lots of winding roads so, handling is important. I still purhcased the car as I liked the rest and fixing the roll is usually very easy and cheap. I do it on just about all my cars, including some expensive exotics I had in the past.

Factories build cars softer and make rear bars smaller for unskilled driver safety. A car with a small or no rear bar will "understeer", or "push" if going too fast into a corner. Such an attitude will force the driver to turn the steering wheel more, crossing up the front rubbers more to rub speed off and save the day. A more neutral, more precise car may spin in the hands of an inexperienced driver. One can actually increase factory setting a lot before getting into the spin danger zone. You could triple the rear rate on the Pacifica, change the rubber bushing to harder poly and still be nowhere near danger zone, yet the car would feel as responsive as a sport sedan.

As I am looking at the suspension, I'm finding a race bar would not work because the side arms of the sway bar has to bend around those Mercedes suspension pieces and I am also not sure if the factory attaching points for the bar are strong enough for a "real" sway bar. It attaches to the aluminum upright wich seem to be questionable for higher tensional forces.

Now, I used to race cars for decades so for me good handling cars are second nature. I am certain that I will fix this handling, just have to find the way. It is too bad that Chrysler did not choose to do it. I am certain that all drivers would feel the difference. It is kind of when we buy a car for the wife, it is always perfect for her. But, since I have to drive it some times, I insist on installing some bigger, better balanced sway bars on it and, invariably, the wife comes back saying that the car feels sooooooo much more secure and responsive.

Appearently, I am not the only one who noticed the handling problem on the Pacifica, here is what Motor Trend said about it:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suv/112_0503_up_pacifica/index.html

ingeniousguy

axr6,

Hmm... having also owned other "performance tuned/oriented" type vehicles in the past, I've been quite impressed with the handling of my Pacifica. Also, I will note that I have a 2005 Pacifica Limited AWD with the 19" wheel package. Every morning I merge onto a second stretch of freeway doing 40 - 50 mph around the cloverleaf when the speed posted states 30 MPH! To be honest, I've pushed it wayyy beyond 50 mph on those "late to work" days around the cloverleaf and handling is excellent.

Also, if this helps... I just returned yesterday from a quick weekend trip to Milwaukee to visit a friend. The total trip was approximately 1100 miles to which I was essentially the leader of the pack, running between 80 - 90 mph without a hitch and vehicle fully loaded with cargo! I had vehicles glued to my tail because I had the "radar detector." The entire time, I was able to negotiate tight curves and handle unexpected maneuvers without any issues at all; whereas others behind me were slowing down quite a bit. Long story short.. I HAD A BLAST!! Singing and dancing the entire time, enjoying the SIRIUS radio and even my MP3 player plugged into the A/V jacks up front!

Hope that helps & happy motoring!

PS: DID YOU KNOW? I found another neat feature of the PAC that I didn't know existed. When making lane changes, if you "barely" push the turn signal lever in the direction you are merging, the turn signals will BLINK 4 times with just a quick touch? Does that make any sense? I've seen this feature on the VW Toureg, but I was blown away to find it on the PAC. So, now I don't have to worry about leaving the turn signal on by accident when changing lanes.

indypac

I also have an 05 Touring & I have noticed the blink feature. It is kind of cool.

indypac

I had my 05 Pacifica into a high end stereo shop a couple of weeks ago to get an upgrade amp & 6.5" speakers in the front & rear. To my surprise, the dealer called me to say that they basically couldn't do anything with my car & refunded me my $1500.

The head unit in the Pac links to the amp via a "bus" connection. The amp then crosses over the signals for each speaker, so you can't by-pass the amp. The solution is to out in a new head unit (which I did not want to do) which can't communicate with the 6 disc changer in the dash. So, basically I am stuck with a so so sound sytem.

Has anyone else gone through this? By the way, I can't begin to tell how much I love this car. The Pac is Chrysler's best kept secret!

ch3

Got the Draw-Tite hitch and then we decided on the electric hoist model of carrier at the website I told you in previous answer. My wife couldn't load and unload her scooter from the ramp one. The electric is still a lot less than most ($895 shipped). Had to do a bit of putting together as carrier, motor and rest came in three boxes. Have to bolt the carrier onto the rack, and the rack onto the receiver mount, then mount the motor and either wire or get that done. Takes 10 gauge wire and 30 amp fuse from battery. Hitch house did mine for $25. This unit weighs 90 pounds.

nuruc7

ingeniousguy and axis6, I have similar experience with my AWD. I have a touring model, and haven driven both the FWD and the AWD, the AWD , at least to me, does handle better than the FWD. I would imagine that the additon of a stiffer swaybar would improve handling on any model over the stock swaybar.

nuruc7

Factory radio option cost $281 plus installation (myself) (http://shop.store.yahoo.com/wyckoff-chrysler-parts/sirsatradsys.html), the XM Direct costs $250 (http://www.myradiostore.us/xm-radio-receivers/xm-direct-chrysler-rvr-d-001-chy100.html). Anyone have experience with either or both? I have observed on other different forums that the factory model does not display the artist and the title together or only displays the title? Anyone have any input as to which one is recommended? :surprise:

ingeniousguy

nuruc7...

Trust me, if I had a choice I would rather have the XM radio instead of the Sirius setup. My roommate has the XM setup in his z71 Tahoe and I've enjoyed listening to it for quite some time now. I've noticed that the Sirius stations seem to repeat songs more frequently and usually the channel lineup isn't that great to me?

Also, you are correct, the radio setup in the Pac's will only show the station Genre but will not display any artist or track information. DUH! For the life of me, I cannot figure out WHY Chrysler would do this? I swear that if the 2006 Pacs come with a radio that displays artist and song info, then I am going to buy it ASAP!.. If you do decide to attempt the XM installation, are u planning on using their supplied antenna? I am curious as to if I could use my existing Sirius antenna with an XM system?

clong

I tried the same thing...the system is built where it would be costly to upgrade the system. I thought i could add an amp and upgrade the speakers in the doors but the installer told me that i would have to change EVERYTHING. He said the best i could do was add a sub woofer but of course as we all know the PAC does have the best cargo space and i can not afford to lose an inch.

You find the system so-so? I have the 5.1 speaker system and yes it could have use a little more "thump" but it is not that bad i would think.

ingeniousguy

clong... Actually if you go with the Mopar version of the sub, it goes in the rear right-side interior quarter panel. There's a cutout area for it already in place and it does give the car some extra "whoomp!" You will definitely notice the difference. Also, I don't know for sure... but IF you have the upgraded system, it's called the Infiniti 5.1 Intermezzo sound system. Otherwise, the standard system is just Infiniti I believe??

nuruc7

Ingeniusguy, Well I just read your post and let me provide an update. I purchased a Sirius Sportster aftermarket radio. I got it for 150, and will be mailing in the $50 rebate. I will be installing the car kit this weekend. I also purchased a Garmin StreetPilot 320 NAV system. for $550, and will use that in all of my cars and walking around during vacations. I went witht he aftermarket in both cases as I wanted portability and I cannot take my Pac everywhere. I listen to more than music, so the repetition will not bother me at all, as the NPR and talk radio are not as repetitive as the music stations wilol be, and then there is the Jazz! I am gonna take a look at where I where i can install the external antenna without causing leaks. Looking at the back gate, there appears to be some stoppers where cabling can go through. Probably for the factory wiring for the Satellite Antenna? Anyone know?

nuruc7

ingeniousguy, do you know if the wiring for the subwoofer is there for the non-upgraded system? :confuse: