Our Pacifica has just turned 4,000 mi and have had back to dealership around 10 times. Engine pings especially climbing hills even though we use no lower than 89 octane. Dealer says there are no updates available at this time. (We have all the latest software upgrades) Has anyone found a solution to this? Also the entire tranny was replaced at 2500 mi when we took it in for erratic shifting which is now worse than before - any other experiences with this problem? There is an annoying clicking noise in the vent system when the fan is on that the dealer "cannot duplicate" and a rattle in the dash that is getting progressively worse. On the up side, love the ride and the looks, but do not appreciate the rude service at the Chrysler customer service line when we called to discuss our concerns. Has anyone out there tried to force a buyback? We drive the rental car more than the Pacifica, and I really never thought the service manager would come to know me by the sound of my voice. Maybe the delays in people getting new PAC's that they've ordered is because Chrysler is trying to work out some of the kinks. Great for them, not so great for those of us stuck with the older models.
We had this problem too, which I thought I was imagining when it first happened. Took it to the dealership and they are very aware of the problem. Had to replace the whole display module and it seems to be fixed.
I'm surprised that b25nut didn't refer to their post #247 to provide you with the exact part number that they had replaced.
My only gripe with this is that I had to take my car to the dealer three times to get the ATC (automatic temperature control) display replaced. First time they couldn't figure it out. I called them once there was a resolution to the problem and gave them the part number and they said I still needed to bring it in again for diagnosis before they would replace it. So the second visit was to just confirm that I had the problem. Finally on the 3rd visit it was corrected.
I suggest you get the ball rolling on this one as it took almost 3 months to arrange all those visits for me. Funny thing is I'm always looking at it now to see if by chance it has disappeared on me. It's so nice to have it working all the time now.
The black trim on the outside of the car is turning a mottled grey color in certain places. The grey effect seems to be happening on the piece of trim that comes up from the hood to the roof of the car on both sides of the windshield(both sides equally)and also on the back of the car in almost the same spots (sides of liftgate next to the rear window).
This happened to my Honda, but not until the car was almost 8 years old...I don't want to put any chemical treatments on it until the dealer looks at it.
"I don't want to put any chemical treatments on it until the dealer looks at it."
Most likely you'll probably get "never saw this before or they all do that or it's a characteristic of the car" from your "award-winning 5-STAR" dealer. Hope for your sake you get this resolved, but don't hold your breath.
My favorite so far has got to be "cannot replicate customer's complaint." We recently switched dealers for repairs. We were VERY unhappy with the service department where we purchased the car, and are now taking it to the one that is actually closer to our home. We liked them for an oil change and DVD screen install - we will see what happens when we take it in for a problem. Our car has already logged 13 days in the shop, and we have less than 5,000 miles on it. So my position is: have them look at everything that is wrong every time. If the car ends up being purchased back by Chrysler under the Lemon Law in CA, we have done our job. I was curious to see if anyone else on this board had this problem. I have been checking out every Pacifica I see on the road, and no one else's trim looks like ours.
"My favorite so far has got to be "cannot replicate customer's complaint."
LOL.... I didn't forget that one. It's just that if it's as obvious as you say, this statement wouldn't apply. That was my "favorite" one too in days long past!
They'll probably tell you that it's your fault because you went through a car wash or something stupid like that. Then again, if this dealer is better than the other one, MAYBE they'll do something!
"Our car has already logged 13 days in the shop, and we have less than 5,000 miles on it."
Sounds like my FORMER 1999, flagship, Motor Trend Car of the Year!!!
Good luck. Hope the next 5,000 miles treat you better.
I finally bought my Pacifica and was extremely happy with the ride and comfort. I only have 1600 miles on the vehicle. The problem started around 300 miles where the serpentine belt will squeak while at idle and even louder while accerlating. I've brought the car to the service department 3 times now and the belt still makes noise. The repair guy said that there is a TSP out for the belt but they have done everything they can do to correct it (replaced belt, adjusted power steering, put in shims). Has anyone had any problems with their belts making noise? Thanks for the help.
My Pacifica is at the dealer as we speak. I had the same problem with the serpentine belt around 300 miles. I took it in for service within a week of buying it and they said the part was on back order. I took it back a few days later as the noise got worse and told them they had to fix it. They took a serpentine belt off of one of the Pacificas on the lot and put it on mine. Another squeaking noise appeared a few days later. I took it back in for service today. The service rep called to say they are replacing the alternator, but still haven't found what's causing the squeaking. It now has around 2,200 miles. Hope to have relief soon from all of these problems....
My Pacifica is five weeks old with 1150 kms. It is leaking water through firewall because of poor sealing at the seams. The dealer has stripped out the carpets and seats to fix the problem. The service dept. said lucky I spotted the damp carpets early. BEWARE
I have now had my Pacifica for exactly 1 year, and nearly 13,000 miles. I have not had one problem. The car is as quiet and exciting to drive as the day I picked it up. Of course, I do plan on bringing it in at 15,000 miles, at which time I'll ask for the updated stereo (I also have the same issue with the tweeters that others have brought up. But I do not consider that a major problem). I have had a new Ford with a cracked header that also needed a transmission rebuild. I know Saab and Audi owners who's cars are in the shop monthly. I have also owned many Italian sports cars that needed new batteries, alternators, belts, etc just about every 6 months. So I consider the Pacifica to be a very satisfying purchase! Just remember, most forums like this are where people go identify and find out how to fix problems. Most 'satisfied' owners might not seek out a forum like this! But I know there's much to be learned by reading all your posts, just in case I do have a problem one day! Naturally, I reccomend the Pacifica to anyone who wants something fun, classy and different!
We're looking to buy a Pacifica and are receiving conflicitng data from Chrysler and Consumer Reports on the Pacifica's actual city/hwy gas mileage. Consumer Reports suggests 10 mpg city and 24 mpg on the hwy. Which one should we believe? Thx!!
We have 10,000 miles on our 04' Pac....average 17-18.5 city and 22-23.5 hwy mpg. Not everyone gets the same figures, some are MUCH lower, some are a bit better. Our sticker indicates 17mpg city, and 23 hwy...we are happy!
Bought my AWD Pac one month ago. Just took it on a long road trip over the holiday weekend. So far, in town I average 17 mpg, and on hwy I averaged 20.3 mpg. Not as good as I was hoping for, but the vehicle is still new and low-mileage!
I live in FL which basically is flat. I had a 700 mi trip recently and did some experimenting. 70 mph brought about 22-23 mpg @ 65 I was seeing 24-25 @ 80 it went to 17-18 mpg. I did this experiment for a number of miles and tried it a few times, it was consistant.
I have a 04 base FWD Pacifica built in 8-03. I have wind noise that seems to be coming from the from passenger A piller at highway speeds. Of course the dealer couldn't duplicate my complaint. I did not notice this when we first got the car in Feb 04. Has anyone else had this problem? Do you think the noise is actually from the front wheel well (I know a TSB is out for that)? It does sound like a flapping noise- not a continuous noise.
I hear it around 75 mph and up, which i go often. Sounds like its behind the engine, in front of the glove box--somewhere in that compartment. I know the dealer is not going to hear it or fix it so I deal with it. Its the only thing that bothers me, my wife says she cant hear it but I can. Drives me nuts cause the car is so quiet everywhere else. Not sure what to do...let me know if you have any luck with it.
I had this same issue after buying our Pac way back in April 2003. Turns out it was a loose wheel well liner on the drivers side. Acceleration over 60 mph was enough to cause buffeting of the liner.
Reach into the wheel well and with your fingers see if you can rattle the liner easily. If so, then this is likely your problem. Dealer installed a thin strip of tape along contact area between liner and fender. Side of tape in contact with liner was adhesive, side contacting fender was a felt material. This did solve the problem, at least for the past year.
Another thought I had that could work is to drill a small hole in the liner and inject some DAP foam between the liner and wheel well. The foam would expand to fill the space. Likely wouldn't take much.
Hello All. Thought many of you would like to know about this.
On May 30th of this year I was involved in an auto accident in my 12 week old Silver AWD Pac, fully loaded with a mini van and my car was totaled.
First, I should tell you I loved the car for the short time I had it and I will be buying another to replace it. Also I should tell you my insurance company has valued the car at $37,226 for my payoff.
One of the selling points among much research for me was the safety features of this car and I can tell you that after being in this wreck w/ my wife and my mother in the car, we all walked away from the totaled car w/ minor scratches and bruises.
Having a chance to rethink my original purchase and an opportunity to buy something else, I have decided again that I can not beat all that I get w/ the Pac. I considered the Volvo XC and Acura MDX and can not justify the huge price difference for getting much less.
The only problems I have in the 12 weeks 6000 miles I put on the car was w/ the AC. My AC made a noise like air was leaking every time it cycled on and off and it was loud enough that I could hear it over the radio. I was going to have it checked on my next visit but never had the chance.
Bottom line, I'm sold! I was not a big fan of American cars and had pretty much written them off years ago after owning a few of them but this car made me give them a second chance and I am not sorry I did. Now I don't know what my feeling will be when I have had it long term but my first impression is very good and I was pleasantly surprised I must say.
I have a 2000 - 300M and a 2004 PT Cruiser. The cruiser in in the shop for an on going A/C. problem. Chrysler has given me a 2004 Pacifica to drive in the mean time. I have had the car a week so far and I must say if I was buying a new car I sure would consider a Pacifica. I can hardly keep my wife from driving it instead of her 300M.
Enter "memory seats" in the discussion search for messages pertaining to that issue.
Also, posting your email address is not a good idea on a public message board as the spybots that troll through will pick it up and you will most likely begin receiving spam email. As only Town Hall members can access other member profiles, you can make your email address public and then reference members to check your profile for your address. If you wish, you can delete your post and re-post without the address.
If you have any questions/concerns, send me an email.
I recently purchased a 2004 Pacifica with the standard AM/FM Stereo with CD Player and CD Changer Controls. On a recent 800 mile trip I experienced an intermittent volume control problem that when I adjusted the volume, the level displayed changed but the actual volume did not. This problem affected the radio, the CD and the CD changer. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Thanks, Steve
I recently had a flat left rear tire on my 2004 Pacifica. The tire waning system did what it was supposed to - alerted me of the problem. I went to Tire Siscounters and had the flat repaired. The first message I got was asking me if spare tire was in use. I responded "NO". After a while it's telling me to have the system checked soon. After a couple of trips to the dealer with no success, their parting shot was to go back to Tire Discounters that they must have screwed up the sensor. So back to Tire Discounters. They replaced the sensor. But, they told me it takes a special "magnet" to reset the sensors. At home I found a strong magnet and started the process with left front - beep, right front - beep, right rear - beep, when I got to left rear (the flat), nothing. It wouldn't re-set. Has anyone had this problem? I'm trying to save half a day lost at the dealer.
We have had our 2004 Pacifica for 2 weeks and last night and tonight the horn started honking for about 10-15 seconds each time during the night. Happened 3 times last night and already has done it about 4 times tonight. HELP! Has anyone had this problem?
I would like to start by saying I love my Pacifica when it is problem/noise free. I have had to have my air compressor replaced x3, my power seats have been out x5, my dash module has had to be replaced, it makes a popping noise on sharp right turns, when I accelerate it makes a rattling pinging noise,my tire gauges have had to be reset x2,something from the wheel well flew off and had to be replaced, a dampener had to be place on the a/c unit to help with the audible annoying hum. It has been in for service a total of 29 days in the 9 months I've owned it. I have contacted Chrysler as far as a buy back to no avail. I am told they hear some of the things but can not duplicate them or other times they say they just don't hear it. I know nothing about cars so any help would be appreciated. Where can I find out about the service bulletins and what can I do once I know about them? Do I just tell my dealer...Hey I think this problem may be fixed by ....? Shouldn't the dealer already know and do this stuff? I am going crazy trying to deal with the annoyances. Sorry about my ignorance to the site and the vehicle!
For TSB info, click on the maintenance guide in the helpful links window to your left. Did you go thru this topic from the beginning to see if other owners are having similar problems?
Seems like your alarm is going off, maybe? I used to have a similar problem (not with my Pac but with an Audi AND a Honda), and the alarm was set too sensitively and something as little as a cat walking on the car would set it off. Now, I don't know if the alarm system on the Pac has any kind of motion sensors like the Audi and Honda did, but that was the problem
Can you please elaborate on your bad trim problem? I think that we have the same problem, and our Service Department is unable (or unwilling) to fix it for us. I would like to know your story.
I would suggest that you consult a Lemon Law attorney in your state. I noticed that there is actually some sort of Lemon-Aid link right here on the bottom of the Edmunds site. Our Pacifica began having problems at 400 miles, and I called someone right away, just to make sure that I was doing the right thing in case we did have a lemon. I was given valuable advice as far as the required documentation for a buy-back demand goes. Our car is now 4 months old, has been in the shop 13 days, and has two new problems that will require more days in the service department. I am documenting everything very carefully, since I am almost convinced that, the way things are going, we will qualify for buy-back before the warranty period is up on our Pacifica. You sound like you are in the same boat!
This low frequency resonance is exactly the same on my '04. I know lowering the front windows changes the resonant frequency and eleminates the pain and noise, but that isn't a workable fix or satisfactory workaround. I just took delivery of my vehicle the other day and this was the first thing I discovered that I wasnt aware of before I bought it. I'd appreciate learning about any fix for the problem myself.
I have 8K on my Pac. It's at the dealer for the second time and I'm home without it. First time the shift knob locked up in park. It had to be towed to the dealer. Next day they got replacement part and I was back on the road. Now, I've had a flat tire and the tire pressure sensor & warning system keeps telling me that I have a tire problem. The system won't reset after the tire repair. Dealer tried to reprogram system. It didn't work. Now it's in shop while he orders a part. What other thing will go wrong with this $40K car. Our 2001 Honda Odyssey has over 40K miles and has yet to go back for any problem.
I've said this before, but it's worth repeating. Maybe if you had gotten a base $28K Pacifica instead of a $40K Pacifica, it would be more reliable. Give up all those troublesome options, and go back to basics. You'll get a car that should be less complicated and more reliable, get better gas mileage, and have better acceleration after shedding all those extra pounds for options that are of questionable value.
Yes, it has been back for the transmission recall. I didn't mention that because it was initiated by Chrysler. However, it did take two trips to the dealer to accomplish since on the first trip they didn't have the correct download from Chrysler. They claimed there was a problem with the Chrysler program. They did call me in a couple of weeks and it was done. Can't say I noticed any difference. I did end up having to leave my Pac over night for them to finally resolve the tire sensor problem.
Does anyone have the phone number for the support folks for the GPS mapping system? I purchased my Pacifica on 7/11/03. It has the GPS system in it. According to the paperwork that came with it, I am entitled to an upgrade of the program/data disk for up to one year from purchase. On 5/28, my car was in an accident (kid fell asleep at the wheel, crossed the yellow line and spun me. Broke off both rear wheels and suspension, not to mention the body damage.) The car has been in the body shop since then. The power has been removed from the car and the service department won't restore power until repairs are completed, consequently I can't get the disk out of the drive in the back to get the required software version numbers.
I was hoping to contact someone there and beg for mercy and an extension. All help appreciated....
Thieves stole the headlights right out of the front of the car. Regular lights as well. Not the Xenon! Scratched the paint, dented hood and front facia plastic. Sucks. Be aware. They may be the next headlight theft target.
Anyone aware of an anti theft kit like the Maximas have? Not sure what the solution is. No price yet for the repair. I'm sureit won't be cheap, regardless of the fact they weren't Xenon lights.
Well there are no doubts in my mind. After 11 months and 37,000 miles I'd be very happy to dump my Pac on someone else willing to nurse it through the rest of it's (probably short) life. I've had engine repairs, reprogramming (twice) to fix the left turn stall problem, fuel guage problems (which couldn't be fixed for months), cruise control shut downs, stalls at idle, power hatch door failure, seat heater connection problems plus many 'minor' annoyances, such as carpet pad snaps breaking, dash rattles, suspension thumps, a useless cargo net and a pathetic FM radio. I am probably forgetting several others. My last car, a 1999 300M never visited the Chrysler dealer for any warranty work so I had great hope for this Poc. I don't know what my next one is going to be but now that I am off warranty I am ready to start shopping.
OOPS - Honda Transmission Recall - ?? I haven't received a notice of a recall. Was it recent? It's a 2001 with the four-speed automatic. Info would be appreciated.
Comments
Web135
My only gripe with this is that I had to take my car to the dealer three times to get the ATC (automatic temperature control) display replaced. First time they couldn't figure it out. I called them once there was a resolution to the problem and gave them the part number and they said I still needed to bring it in again for diagnosis before they would replace it. So the second visit was to just confirm that I had the problem. Finally on the 3rd visit it was corrected.
I suggest you get the ball rolling on this one as it took almost 3 months to arrange all those visits for me. Funny thing is I'm always looking at it now to see if by chance it has disappeared on me. It's so nice to have it working all the time now.
Good luck.
This happened to my Honda, but not until the car was almost 8 years old...I don't want to put any chemical treatments on it until the dealer looks at it.
"I don't want to put any chemical treatments on it until the dealer looks at it."
Most likely you'll probably get "never saw this before or they all do that or it's a characteristic of the car" from your "award-winning 5-STAR" dealer. Hope for your sake you get this resolved, but don't hold your breath.
fastdriver
"My favorite so far has got to be "cannot replicate customer's complaint."
LOL.... I didn't forget that one. It's just that if it's as obvious as you say, this statement wouldn't apply. That was my "favorite" one too in days long past!
They'll probably tell you that it's your fault because you went through a car wash or something stupid like that. Then again, if this dealer is better than the other one, MAYBE they'll do something!
"Our car has already logged 13 days in the shop, and we have less than 5,000 miles on it."
Sounds like my FORMER 1999, flagship, Motor Trend Car of the Year!!!
Good luck. Hope the next 5,000 miles treat you better.
fastdriver
The problem started around 300 miles where the serpentine belt will squeak while at idle and even louder while accerlating. I've brought the car to the service department 3 times now and the belt still makes noise. The repair guy said that there is a TSP out for the belt but they have done everything they can do to correct it (replaced belt, adjusted power steering, put in shims).
Has anyone had any problems with their belts making noise?
Thanks for the help.
They would not let me drive the car, new part came in, wrong one, waited another 2 days.. but what the heck, they were paying for the rental..
Jim
The only issue we've had is some bad trim on the driver's side pillar.
Mileage is about were we expected. Only "complaint" is the plastic floor trim pieces. My 6.5 yr old keeps lifting it up.
Bottom-line: love the car, the room, and the feeling of safety.
Not everyone gets the same figures, some are MUCH lower, some are a bit better.
Our sticker indicates 17mpg city, and 23 hwy...we are happy!
Thanks,
Scott
Scott
Reach into the wheel well and with your fingers see if you can rattle the liner easily. If so, then this is likely your problem. Dealer installed a thin strip of tape along contact area between liner and fender. Side of tape in contact with liner was adhesive, side contacting fender was a felt material. This did solve the problem, at least for the past year.
Another thought I had that could work is to drill a small hole in the liner and inject some DAP foam between the liner and wheel well. The foam would expand to fill the space. Likely wouldn't take much.
Hope this helps.
On May 30th of this year I was involved in an auto accident in my 12 week old Silver AWD Pac, fully loaded with a mini van and my car was totaled.
First, I should tell you I loved the car for the short time I had it and I will be buying another to replace it. Also I should tell you my insurance company has valued the car at $37,226 for my payoff.
One of the selling points among much research for me was the safety features of this car and I can tell you that after being in this wreck w/ my wife and my mother in the car, we all walked away from the totaled car w/ minor scratches and bruises.
Having a chance to rethink my original purchase and an opportunity to buy something else, I have decided again that I can not beat all that I get w/ the Pac. I considered the Volvo XC and Acura MDX and can not justify the huge price difference for getting much less.
The only problems I have in the 12 weeks 6000 miles I put on the car was w/ the AC. My AC made a noise like air was leaking every time it cycled on and off and it was loud enough that I could hear it over the radio. I was going to have it checked on my next visit but never had the chance.
Bottom line, I'm sold! I was not a big fan of American cars and had pretty much written them off years ago after owning a few of them but this car made me give them a second chance and I am not sorry I did. Now I don't know what my feeling will be when I have had it long term but my first impression is very good and I was pleasantly surprised I must say.
Also, posting your email address is not a good idea on a public message board as the spybots that troll through will pick it up and you will most likely begin receiving spam email. As only Town Hall members can access other member profiles, you can make your email address public and then reference members to check your profile for your address. If you wish, you can delete your post and re-post without the address.
If you have any questions/concerns, send me an email.
Thanks,
Steve
After a couple of trips to the dealer with no success, their parting shot was to go back to Tire Discounters that they must have screwed up the sensor. So back to Tire Discounters. They replaced the sensor. But, they told me it takes a special "magnet" to reset the sensors. At home I found a strong magnet and started the process with left front - beep, right front - beep, right rear - beep, when I got to left rear (the flat), nothing. It wouldn't re-set.
Has anyone had this problem? I'm trying to save half a day lost at the dealer.
the windshield replaced. Mine has a rock chip in front of the passenger.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
On a recent Chicago to New Orleans drive we had the same problem just before we reached our destination. Occured after about 14 hours of driving.
We have the DVD player w/ CD changer. Could not adjust volume. Next morning everything was fine and no problem on the return trip.
We'll be leaving for Las Vegas in a couple of days (1,750) miles so we'll see how it goes.
Joe
Thank you.
I'd appreciate learning about any fix for the problem myself.
Thanks
JD2
What other thing will go wrong with this $40K car.
Our 2001 Honda Odyssey has over 40K miles and has yet to go back for any problem.
http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jw/Helmholtz.html
Most modern cars have this "feature", yes even the Japanese ones. I have it in my Lexus RX300.
I wouldn't get too upset about it. Just open the front windows a little when you are opening the rear windows.
I've said this before, but it's worth repeating. Maybe if you had gotten a base $28K Pacifica instead of a $40K Pacifica, it would be more reliable. Give up all those troublesome options, and go back to basics. You'll get a car that should be less complicated and more reliable, get better gas mileage, and have better acceleration after shedding all those extra pounds for options that are of questionable value.
I did end up having to leave my Pac over night for them to finally resolve the tire sensor problem.
I was hoping to contact someone there and beg for mercy and an extension. All help appreciated....
Paul
Anyone aware of an anti theft kit like the Maximas have? Not sure what the solution is. No price yet for the repair. I'm sureit won't be cheap, regardless of the fact they weren't Xenon lights.
Info would be appreciated.