Chrysler Pacifica: Problems & Solutions

cyborgen

I'll probably get a second generation Pacifica. Let the bug ironing to somebody else.

I've paid my dues

pud2

Folks,
saw the last few comments, thought I would put in my 2 cents!
Our Pacifica was built just about 1 1/2 months ago(Feb,04)
It is a fully loaded AWD model, and I have now put 4000(!!)miles on it.
We have had NOT ONE SINGLE problem or even "hiccup"...from Infinity stereo system, suspension,EVIC,to any other of the "bugs" reported by people on the talk boards.
Just maybe Chrysler has been listening and learning.....my Pacifica gets an absolute A+ at this stage of the game!
I looked at a LOT of vehicles before choosing the Pac,(like to think I did it sensibly too!)and I am very happy with it.....even gets better than sticker gas mileage specs!!!!
Anyone else with a "later" build Pac care to comment?

ramzey28

I have a 9/03 Pac with about 5k miles with no major issues, not really even any minor issue, Great Car. I think even if the American Car companies made the perfect car with great reliablity --the press, magazines, consumer reports would still give it avg raves, and avg reliablity. I dont get it.

ruski

I didn't seem to notice too many problems reported on this board. Compare that to an Acura-CL or Acura-TL board where you go and see a bunch of transmission problem reports. How about them apples?

ruski

plus it seems like you are basing your Pacifica perception on issues that you had with your Intrepid 10 years ago.

But then again, I am pretty sure that in 10 years I will be basing my Honda perception on the two broken trannies that I had in my 2002 Acura TL-S.

cyborgen

I have a 2000 TL myself and had a tranny change. Was very surprised, only indication was a warning light. No slipping or anything. Acura was prompt in replacing it, no charge (they extended the warranted period) and they even let me drive an RL while it was changed . This happened at 90,000k (55,000m).

Am now at 125,000k and still going strong. This was the only problem.

Intrepid was painful. 3 evap units, 2 compressor, and the dangerous sensor problem (car would stall on highway) plus many other failures. Like I said, you get to know your technicians on first name basis

Did you have to pay for these tranny changes ?

ruski

no, didn't have to pay. My first TL-S tranny broke at 6.1K miles, well under the warranty. I had to drive a rental Dodge Stratus for 10 days (paid by Acura but still a pain in the butt).
The second tranny went out at 35K miles, still under warranty. Drove a rental S60 this time for 5 days.

My experiences were not as smooth as yours, the first time the engine revved past redline and produced almost no forward motion right as I was entering a busy highway. The second one was slipping like mad in some busy traffic.

Compare that to the Chrysler 300M that I had before. 3 years and no problems. Everyone was predicting that the Chrysler tranny would break, because it is bad, it has bad history, etc. But it held up just fine. And I think most 300M owners here can say that they never had any problems with the tranny.

cyborgen

How about Chrysler car integrity, does the plastic contract alot in winter. How's the quality of the plastics ?. The rubber contours (door frame) would sag like an old bra in winter.

Do a lot of little things just break down, buttons, etc,..

How does the A/C unit/components stand up these days. Any probs ?\

Why did u switch to Acura )

ruski

why did I switch to Acura? I got a lease deal I could not turn down (twice). And there were no good deals on 300M. Plus 0-60 in TL-S is better. And there were all these people praising Honda/Acura's quality, I figured I need to check it out for myself. Now I know better.

cyborgen

I guess 8 years in the penalty box is long enough hehe. Maybe I'll give them a shot.

But you'll be hearing from me if this thing starts to cough and sputter !

dkrhardy

I have had a '01 Intrepid R/T (300M mechanicals)since new and have had no problems, as I mentioned before. I have had my '04 Pacifica on order since 01/04, built on 3/18, and delivery ...? I'm thinking (hoping?) that the car has been around long enough to have most issues resolved. Plus I did get seduced by all of that heated leather, DVD, Nav, etc. :-)

laurheis

To answer your question about the A/C from our poor Pacifica's track record...At around 2,000 miles our A/C Control head failed and had to be replaced.

Our Pacifica seems to be wracked with problems, however, so we may be the only one who has had an A/C issue already. We have owned the car for ALMOST 2 months (April 8), have around 2,500 miles on it, and it has been in the Service department for 13 of those days.

bugeye

Since my lower control arm bushing was replaced(a 7 trip ordeal-december)I am pleased to tell all I have had no problems with this Pacifica -- other than My wife backing into a pickup at 5mph+ --- loud noise, neighbors all watching etc. little damage, only a ripple in the painted plastic bumper top-impressed with the strength of the bumper subframe (plastic also)strong and flexible--no repair needed --- next time it will be me,I will probably do damage,She will tell me I drive bad-don't know how to properly hit something etc.

cluelesspa

Umm I would recommend if you can wait to get the next year Pacifica and hopefully all the problems will be fixed. My Highlander (a first year Vehicle when I got it) had only 1 recall in the entire time I owned it and only had to bring it in for minor adjustments for 2 times.

The Pac has been in the shop over 8 times. It has 2 recalls they have sent me and 3 svc tech bullitins I had to bring up to them to fix. and the front suspension still rattles ... The stereo still static on a few CDs (99% better but still not 100% fixed) even after the radio swap. I have had 6 loaner cars or trucks the longest was for 4 days ... this all since I customer ordered and picked up the vehicle 05/03.

AllTorks (they didnt just change out your lower control arm bushing) = They replaced your WHOLE Lower control Arm. at least that what you dealers technician told my dealer when they tried the same fix. (didnt help unfortunately)... not looking forward to HVAC season as mileage drops and performance drops with the HVAC running.

bottom line, wait for 2005 models with the bigger engine and 5 speed auto ... If I had to do it over again, I am 100% sure I would not buy another PAC. it was the price, features (bluetooth phone option, HID, Dimming Mirrors) and getting it at $1000 rebate UNDER invoice for a custom order that did it for me when I was buying.

I thought it would get better mileage being more of a cross over the SUV. but best so far is 20 MPG now that I installed the K&N airfilter. took a few mins to figure out the directions posted earlier but a 10 min change out after that)... but added 2 mpg instantly (not sure how much from just being a new filter and how much from being K&N filter...

rickstrat

Besides the fact that the K&N commercials are stupid, where did you get your filter from? Is it the drop in, or a cone?

cluelesspa

its a direct replacement (a tray style) see picture on K&N website. do a search for 2004 Pacifica and they list the Air Filter and Oil Filters.

The air filter, I tried Pep Boys but for a custom order they charged Full Price plus shipping plus tax. I got it online with less hassels using one of the links from the K&N site on where to buy online. http://www.4filters.com/knfilters.htm They were less then list price and FREE shipping and NO tax. cost about $39 shipped (Part Number 33-2283)

lynzee

Ok I haven't seen this one yet so here goes!
I love my 6 day old AWD Pac! It is beautiful... and with all the windows up it is super quiet.

You can open the front driver and passenger windows with no problems...But if you only open the 2nd row side window (s) by themselves you get the most god-awful "whup" noise that really hurts your ear drums. This happens to me after 35 mph.

I think it is a pressure thing but the first time it happened we were sure we had a blow out on a tire. Or that something was swinging loose on the bottom. It was frightening and VERY loud.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so is there a fix?

I intend to go back to my dealer with this as soon as I can. I hope it's not like the joke where the guy says "doc it hurts when I do this..."

Thanks,
Lynn Zee

pud2

The sound you hear is an aerodynamically caused phenomena.
Different shaped vehicles sometimes have this, sometimes do not....easiest "fix" is to slightly open any other window, noise will magically dissapear!
It is not a "problem" so much as an effect...some folks get it when their moonroof is open,again, the solution is,"open another window slightly"!

bjbird2

I read a post on Edmunds from an engineer that said K&N filters can actually have a negative effect on performance, mileage and acceleration, that the only benefit is that it's washable and doesn't have to be replaced. does anyone else have more info on K&N claims for performance improvements?

ms_mayor

pud2 is right...this is not a problem, per se, with the vehicle.

The noise is even addressed in the owner's manual. It's just a phenomenae that happens when the rear window is open slightly. I think it has to do with air pressure.

Your best solution is to just let the automatic climate control system keep the cabin comfy, and keep the windows up.

imidazol97

My last three LeSabres have done that although the 93 was really irritating. The Highlander discussion group has had a big thread about that noise. It's a little like the venetian blind flapping in a breeze; it goes up and then it goes down then it goes up.

I find opening the front window slightly on the same side as the rear is open gives the best result.

ruski

this is very common in many modern cars. I currently drive an RX300 and when the rear windows are open at >40mph, it hurts my ears.

lynzee

Thanks for all the replies on the Whup Whup
Noise. You have no idea how much better
I feel about this now that I know what it is.
This is a wonderful board with lots of helpful
knowledgeable people. Thanks Again!
Lynn Zee

pssimon

Has anyone found a cheap TV tuner to attach to the A/V inputs of the DVD player? Would be nice to be able to drive the screen with a TV signal if I could.

Thanks...

ruski

this may make you even happier:

http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jw/Helmholtz.html

lynzee

Thank you for the tech info. It will take me a while
to read thru it but at least I understand this is
a natural occurrence and not a defect. Thanks ruski!
lynzee

cyborgen

tks cluelesspa, laurheis.

will hold until 2005. These probs sound way too familiar ! Darn !

mark_325i

Although K&N denies it is the cause, both cars that I installed K&N filters in had fouled MAF sensors a few months later (both Tauruses). Apparently, the oil from the filter coats the MAF wires and renders the MAF useless. Also, the MPG increase is wishful thinking.

I'm back to OEM filters in my current rides.

cluelesspa

Did you reoil that filter ? when you get a K&N filter do not add oil to the filter (it is set out of the box for install) and yes I definitely got 2 more MPG just from changing out the filter.

no noticeable gains in performance. hard to tell cause afterwards, I had the recall done which seems to up the shift point on the automatic transmission. it now shifts at a higher rpm after the change in programming.

ms_mayor

You know, I thought it was just my imagination on the slight change in shifting after the recall service.

Just driving it out of the dealer lot after the re-programming was done, I noticed a change in the way my Pac shifted. I'm no techie, but it seemed to shift quicker and smoother than before (and I thought it did a pretty good job from the get-go!).

It also seems like my MPG has upped (about 1 mpg more) since the change.

Anyone else notice this?

spnteach

I did notice that the mpg's went up one after they serviced it from the recall but I wasnt sure if I was imagining things. Hmm...

cyborgen

Well I had to give in,

Went for the Honda Pilot with RES. Ride was great with 5 speed, 240Hp. Pacifica's motor too weak for weight and just 4 speed.
I ride up to a mountain cottage and Pilots' 8 inch clearance plus motor strength ratio to weight beats the PAC. Not to mention superior storage, resale value.

If I was limited to city/highway driving then the PAC would be in the driveway, I'm still crying over the looks I'll be missing. I hope chrysler keeps on working on quality, it's forcing Honda to work harder. I love the free market system LOL.

One bad point for Honda, they were haggling over $200 to close the deal on a $35k car !!!, we almost walked away knocked out by such stupidity. Their profit margins can't be that tight, we figure it's a salesman ploy to give the impression to the customer that you are getting a good deal, they finally gave in ?!?!... comment anyone ?

ruski

when are you bringing your Pilot back to the dealer for the recall work?

prasanna777

Well, I went the Pac way few months back while in a similar situation. It's a costly lesson. If I have do it all over again, I would probably choose a Pilot / MDX / Hihglander. Pacifica has it's plus points on the appearance and few convenience features, but lacks in: engine performance, ground clearance, mileage, resale value, etc. I hope Chrysler improves future models.

mzmarlo

What do you mean by ground clearance? And do you have a FWD or AWD?

cluelesspa

I didnt know the FWD and AWD had different ground clearances ? the Pacifica sits lower them all the other standard SUVs (being a crossover). the Highlander I had was just the right height to slide into with out going up or down getting in and out. the Pacifica, I have scraped the front getting out of steep driveways (even when going slow) that I would have easily cleared with the Highlander. I think also the wheels are closer to the front on the highlander (shorter front end) so that helps as well....

mzmarlo

I was referring to the AWD/FWD question because of the poor mileage reference. I was hoping that the FWD would help out in the gas mileage. But I never considered the ground clearance as an issue.

ruski

you obviously needed a real SUV if your concern is ground clearance. Didn't you do your homework before getting a Pacifica? It certainly isn't Pacifica's fault that it is not a real SUV.

bjbird2

prasanna777
Sounds like you didn't do your research. All of the issues you're complaining about are available for comparison purposes, you can compare the Pacifica to any of the vehicles you think might serve your purposes better. The best time to do that is before you buy.

monark49

Need help. I seem to notice the air conditioning compressor cycling on and off about twice a minute during heating regardless of whether i,m using defrosters or not and without the comp. icon in the readout being on. Does Chrysler keep the comp. cycling for a reason?. Under the hood you cannot see the comp. pull in like the old one,s did but it appears that the sound is from the comp? Any one know?

larrwh

Yes you are right, the comp is working correctly even though no a/c is selected at all. 5* confirmed this for me. No reason given as to why they've programmed it this way.

ms_mayor

In the 'bound to happen' category, I now drive a Pacifica that sports an approximate 1 inch scratch on the passenger door...result of a bicycle tipping over.

Although its not terribly noticeable, can anyone suggest the correct way to 'treat' it?

Thanks!

ruski

how deep is the scratch and is there any dent associated with it?

light scratches can be buffed out. But something deeper would have to be repainted.

ms_mayor

The scratch doesn't appear deep. To my relatively untrained eye, it looks like it didn't even pierce the primer (a light grayish color?).

No dent at all...not even the hint of one.

How would I go about buffing it out? Never did that before, and not sure what to use or how to do it.

Thanks so much for your help ruski!

imidazol97

I'd try a cleaner/wax. Good stiff rubbing starting with moist cloth with cleaner on it and my thumb.

Then I'd try my little bottle of ScratchX or ScratchOut which is a little harsher if step one didn't work.

Then I'd do what I did with my new LeSabre several years ago -- I took it to my good dealer body shop and said "Help!"

He planned to repaint the door. These scratches made by a metal toy and looked deep like they had hit primer. He called that afternoon and had tried a new method which buffed out the scratch. $25.

OFten it's best to check with an expert who's not going to rip you off. The dealer shop has gotten all the collision repair for years even if his bid is slightly higher. So they treated me right.

imidazol97

I'd try a cleaner/wax. Good stiff rubbing starting with moist cloth with cleaner on it and my thumb.

Then I'd try my little bottle of ScratchX or ScratchOut which is a little harsher if step one didn't work.

Then I'd do what I did with my new LeSabre several years ago -- I took it to my good dealer body shop and said "Help!"

He planned to repaint the door. These scratches made by a metal toy and looked deep like they had hit primer. He called that afternoon and had tried a new method which buffed out the scratch. $25.

OFten it's best to check with an expert who's not going to rip you off. The dealer shop has gotten all the collision repair for years even if his bid is slightly higher. So they treated me right.

Leave a note for bretfraz in gearhead10 "Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts)" Apr 22, 2004 3:07am
Bretfraz and others in that group are great with detailing information. You might search for scratch in that discussion and see what's been said earlier in posts.

rickstrat

If the scratch is deep enough, I've filled it with matching paint (those $5 fingernail polish sized bottles of touch up paint available at the dealer) and used Langka to remove the excess paint. From my experience, it works better with chips than scratches though.

noullet

Dumb question but here goes anyways: 'What is langka??

Regards,

Jack

ruski

http://www.langka.com

It is basically a solvent that allows to remove excess paint.

When you put some touch-up paint on a scratch, the paint is like a little bubble when it dries. <)

Langka supplies a little plastic card. You put some cloth around that card, then put a drop of Langka on the cloth and rub it on the drying paint and it removes the bubble. <|

pssimon

I think I have become victim of the disappearing HVAC display. While driving yesterday, I noticed that the display was flickering, slowly, but disappearing. I shut the system off. It went completely black. Pushed the Auto Low button and all I got was the outside temp. Pushed it again and it came on normally. Worked the rest of my 3 hour drive.

Any thoughts on possible reasons are repairs? Thanks.... Paul