Chrysler Pacifica: Problems & Solutions

dcdchau

My 04 Pacifica AWD just shows this problem in the last few days.

During the normal driving, the Air Bag light comes on with a warning sound, No warning display on the EVIC. I kept driving for a minute or two, it turns off... It happened 4 times during a 40Km trip.

I will call the dealer and have it checked out.

Wonder if any of you out there have had the same problem? :confuse:

rodut

Yes it happened to us once, a couple of months ago. The airbag indicator stayed ON till we shut off the engine. Never happened again since.

Also a couple of weeks ago, that small led who says that the passenger airbag is disabled came ON once, when I switched ON the read window defroster. Never happened again since.

Probably the only healthy attitude when owning one of these "high tech" cars is the one I had with my "low-tech" 1988 Volvo 240. The check engine light was ON for about 70,000 miles. After that it went OFF, probably because the bulb burnt. I never gave a damn about it ! I still own it, and I still love it.

Anyway, let us know if you find something.

darlingdi

Definitely get it to the dealer immediately. In July I just backed my 04 Pacifica out of the drive way and started to go forward and the passenger airbag deployed while the driver airbag did not. I hit nothing; it just went on its own. Thanks heavens it did not happen on the interstate at highway speeds; I am afraid to think about what might have happened. The dealer traced the problem to a faulty computer board operating the air bag system. To date Chrysler either can't or won't answer my questions:

1: The air bag deployed because of a faulty board -- what cause the board to go suddenly bad after 27,000 miles?

2. If the board was faulty, why didn't both driver and passenger airbags deploy?

3. After the air bag deployment the entire electrical system blown and had to be replaced -- Did the faulty air bag board cause that or did a faulty electrical system fry the air bag board.

Unless I get some answers I am going to have to get rid of the four Chrysler products we currently own (a loyal customer for at least 10 cars over 20 years) and go with another maker.

In the meantime I strongly encourage any Pac owner with even a hint of air bag problems to get it checked out. If Chrysler says that nothing is wrong, attorneys for your heirs can use that statement against them in court.

guspac

Seems like wives are having a backing up issue in Pacs.
My wife backed into the mailman's Jeep in our two week old Midnight Blue Pac
didn't do much, just some of the Blue off the bumper cover. Does touch up paint work on that kind of plastic?

rodut

Beautiful ... after an 11 hours crappy work day, reading your message is exactly what was missing ...

Did you have airbag lights or chimes before it exploded ?

Man ... 10 Chryslers ... you really loved them ...

nelson33

Wow. That may be one of those experiences that may drive me away from cars forever. I may be too apprehensive to get back behind the wheel, thinking it can happen again. That is scary. It's one thing to have an airbag explode in your face in an accident. At least you sort of expect it. BUT IN YOUR DRIVEWAY IN REVERSE?.

Thanks for mentioning that. In the summer when I come home from work and pulling into the driveway, my daughter loves to come out from the back yard and sit in the front seat while I drive it in. Make no mistake, when we go out she is always in her middle row booster seat. But I figure why not, I'm in my driveway coasting to a stop. What danger is there? Never again.

ckroll

I have yet to experience this for myself but my wife just told me that for the last 3 day, in the morning when she is pulling out of our driveway, that the car stops moving forward when she applies gas. She said she could put it in park, then back in drive but still nothing. Only turning the car off then back on worked. Kinda weird I know but thought I would run this by you guys and see if anyone has experienced anything like this. Thanks in advance!

steelydan0613

Chrysler recommends 89 octane, not 87..........Where in the manual does it say 87 octane is ok to use? I need to see that for myself.........

I understand your concern over gas prices, maybe you could run 87 octane every other tankful, but saving money is not worth stalling out......

Just for the record, I have an 04 Pacifica( built 07-03), that runs exclusively on 89 octane and I have never experienced a stall in 28,000 miles.............

qbrozen

I think, maybe, some of the confusion comes from the 3.8L vs 3.5L. The owner's manual is most likely the same regardless of the engine you get, so its quite possible the owner's manual does mention 87, if for no other reason than to point out what the 3.8L engine can use.

Just a thought. I don't have the manual with me, so I'm guessing here.

nelson33

Page 287 of the 2005 Pacifica states....

"Your vehicle is designed to meet all emissions regulations and provide satisfactory fuel economy and performance when using high quality unleaded gasoline having an octane range of 87 to 89 or higher. The manufacturer recommends the use of 89 octane for optimum performance"

I have been alternating my gasoline, but not by choice but simply because I keep forgetting to put 89. After reading what the manual stated, I didn't think it would be a problem. So far, putting in 87 octane has only happened twice. Ironically, the car did stall w. the 87 octane.

Regardless, the car should not stall when stepping down to a lower octane. My limited automotive mechanical understanding is that the only thing that can possibly happen is engine knock. Cars have knock sensors that can prevent that. I also didn't notice any change in performance, ie poor acceleration, etc. I'll say this, my gas mileage sucks w. 87 octane. I don't expect it to be much better w. 89. I don't believe that everyone w. a stalling Pac was using 87 octane. I believe there is a true problem w. some cars stalling.

However, the manual does mention on that same page that....

"poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling and hesitations."

I can't imagine that all the Pac drivers who are having stalling problems bought bad gas.

After that experience, I definitely remember to put in 89. So far, my car stalled once and hopefully that was the last. When this happened, I did buy my gas from a different station and company. You never know.

imidazol97

>"poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling and hesitations."

Poor quality gas does not mean 87 octane. It means the quality of the gasoline such as off brand gasoline. You could get poor quality 89 or 92 octane.

nelson33

I stated that second manual quote as another possible reason for stalling besides lower octane.

It's possible the stalling was caused by bad gas or even a lower octane. Although I highly doubt the latter. I don't know. It also possible that it was neither octane or gas quality but an intermittent problem w. the car. What I do know is that I don't want it to happen again. I don't want to have a stall driving at highway speed. I, especially, don't want it to happen because of a poor choice I made.

But since that one incident, the car has been fantastic.

By the way, you can get bad gas from time to time from a reputable and well known gas company.

ckroll

I was just now riding with my wife and felt the transmission slip. You could hear the engine rev, but no forward motion. Then, it went right back into gear. Craziest thing. I had just hoped to get some insight before I take it in as intermitent problems are hard to repair if it problem does not occur while in the shop.

my3rdrx

I have an 04 and have used exclusively 87 octane (including "off brands") and have NEVER experienced any stalling problem. In fact, I have a heavy foot and have NEVER experienced any power lacking or hesitation :P

nelsoncm

That sounds like the start of a tranny problem, although it may just be one gear. Start documenting when it happens, and when you have a pattern, haul it in.

tirpitz01

I have a 04 pacifica, built april 04.The manual says 87 to 89 ok to use but 89 preferred.Does this mean you can use 87 without damaging the engine?

rodut

Yes.

axr6

Yes, you can use 87 without engine damage. The engine computer would simply cut back on ignition advance just a little bit if engine ping was detected.

I've never put 89 in my car, not a single time. Still my performance is very good as I do lots of uphill driving and do not hesitate pulling the engine at higher revolutions. Also, I just reported my best mileage yet under the MPG section of this board. I got 24.4 MPG on my last thankful. Of course, it was with 87 octane.

pacproblems

I have an 05 AWD Touring Pacifica. It has qualified for the Michigan Lemon Law. I have had the following completed. Entire fuel system has been replaced from the fuel pumps all the way to the throttlebody. All this was done by the process of elimination over 5 trips to the dealer and and a period of 3 months. DCX did not have the parts available and had me in a rental truck for 2 weeks. The car has stalled 12 times since it was new and they say it is fixed. However there are time the RPM's drop below 400 and the engine vibrates. This usually happens when the foot is off the gas, in the process of turning and applying brakes. Power Transfer Unit, Throttle body positioner, catyletic converter has also been replaced at 22,000 miles. :lemon:

mrrogers

Do you use 89 octane gas?

tirpitz01

I have a 04 pacifica awd.At 3000 km there was a clicking sound from the front end in forward or reverse as in parking lot maneuvers.The front axle nuts were tightened and the ptu replaced on TSB 21-011-04.Does anyone know what this TSB says exactly.Chrysler seem to be secretive about it?

Thanks

rodut

I wonder if the engine stalling happens with AWD Pacificas only. When braking and turning, perhaps the "high tech" electronic AWD system feels different rotation speeds on front vs. rear wheels, and takes some stupid decision who puts the engine under some unexpected load ?

Are there FWD owners who experienced the stalling ???

nelson33

I'm really sorry about your prob. So far, it has only stalled once on me after completing a left hand turn. I also noticed the symptom you described where the car is idling and all of a sudden there is an rpm dip followed by an engine vibration. Since then, approx. 2 weeks ago, it hasn't happened again. But it is still a concern for me. I am curious too if you are using 87 octane. Also, how full was your tank? I was using 87 when my car stalled w. approx. a little over half a tank. Funny thing is, as I mentioned before as well as others, the car drove fantastic w. 87 octane. Power was readily available. The only thing I did notice was that my gas mileage was lower than expected. I'm watching my mpg w. 89 to see if it's better. It's supposed to be, at least in theory.

I am truly surprised that DC can't pinpoint this. I suspected it would be tricky to diagnose. I don't blame you for seeking a lemon law buyback. There is nothing more frustrating than dishing out money on a car you probably really enjoyed initially, only to have this happen again and again. I am really enjoying this car but very apprehensive about it stalling again. I am hoping that a TSB will come out soon.

Whatever happens, I hope they miraculously fix your car. If they can't, then give you back all your money. Good Luck.

dcdchau

The problem with the Air Bag Indicator Light on / off is now fixed - after 2 visits -

Here is exactly what was written in the Repair Order:

COMPLAINT: REPORT ON AIR BAG LIGHT ON... INTERMITTENT
CORRECTION: REPLACE CLOCKSPRING
PARTS --- QTY --- 1 --- FP-NUMBER 56044805-AC --- CLOCKSPRI 08-015-00
WARRANTY PARTS

I have no idea what this clockspring is and what it has to do with air bag???.
The service advisor said the air bag will not work in this condition!!!

So for safety precaution, if any of the following condition shows up in your Pacifica, make a trip to your service dept. ASAP:

1. Air bag light on / off during normal driving.
2. Air bag light is not on during the first 6 to 8 sec. after starting the car.
3. Air bag light stays on after normal starting (it should be off after 8 sec.)
4. Air bag light's flickering after starting.

If you don't pay attention to this, your Safe Utility Vehicle will become Suddenly Useless Vehicle if you have an accident and your air bags don't work!!! :sick:

user777

if i'm not mistaken, a clockspring is a device that maintains electrical continuity as the steering wheel is turned from one extent to the other, between switches (radio or cruise controls) and other steering-wheel mounted devices (horn and airbag) with the wiring harnesses that feed into the car electronics for these functions.

dcdchau

It makes sense... The Air Bag light was on / off with some turning left or right (mostly right turn). With this already fixed, I have peace of mind that the safety feature I paid for will work just in case I need it.

dcdchau

tirpitz01,

There is no secret about it. Many people know about this PTU problem. Dealer does not want to repair this unless they really really have to.

I have the same PTU problem with my car and it has not been fixed. There is a problem with parts back order??? Anyway, it does not effect the driving, only the clicking and popping sound. This TSB only applies to AWD model.

Here is the link FYI:

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Chrysler/1103356800000_1107244800000_21-011-04/

nelson33

I have a similar clicking sound when I reverse out of my driveway w. the steering wheel turned ALL THE WAY to the right. I doesn't bother me that much because that is the only time it happens. It doesn't even happen when I parallel park. But my concern is whether it is a defect or just an annoying sound? If it is just an annoying sound but won't affect AWD function, then I probably won't bother.

Thanks for posting that link, I will print it out JUST IN CASE. You never know, the sound may suddenly become annoying. I'm funny that way.

PS The dealer would love to replace it. The manufacturer doesn't.

tirpitz01

Hello dcdchau

Thanks for the info on the TSB for the ptu trouble.The dealership never hesitated to replace the unit.It took about a week to get the new ptu.I haven't heard any clicking since then but I haven't driven it much after the ptu was replaced.

Tirpitz01

karak

When we first bought a Pacifica I noticed a definate blind spot and much less viewing space behind it. I saw a consumer report show on how 2 children are killed a week in the US by being backed over by an SUV.
What are recourses for this problem? What works best with a Pacifica without spending too much money...
Bumper sensoers? Video? Motion Detectors?
Thanks, Kara

peaceful95

I would appreciate some help. I have a 2004 Pacifica AWD
purchased new and has 17,000 miles. I have had this to the dealer 4 times with no resolution. The dealer changed spark plugs, did a valve reset kit to no avail, and then they said it was the steering support arms and replaced them. I get this pre-ignition pinging sound at acceleration at low speeds. It goes away at full throttle and when I back off the thtottle. Very irritating and I do not want the car to go aou of warrenty with what could be a major engine problem down the road.

qbrozen

what type of gas are you using?

nelson33

I had the rear park assist installed at the dealership and I'm glad I did. I once backed over my daughters scooter in my Intrepid which also had bad rear visibility. The thought that it could have easily been her back there inspired me to have it installed on the Pacifica. Do I feel safer reversing in and out of my driveway w. this device? Yes I do. However, I never put total confidence in these devices for you never know when they will malfunction. I still reverse very slowly. The rear park assist works very well at picking up objects from as far as 3' to as close as 5". It gives you an audible signal as you get closer along w. a display telling you the distance in feet from the object. It even even detects short objects (approx. 12" in height) to the left and right of the vehicle as you reverse. So I'm very happy w. my decision but still proceed w. caution. It's also an excellent and accurate aid for parallel parking.

The camera system might be a better choice but I can imagine it to be a costly install. Probably safer at preventing backing over someone or something but less effective than the "rear park assist" in terms of parking. Either one of these is a good investment if you're really concerned of such a thing occurring. If I were you, I would probably go w. the rear sensors as an effective and affordable alternative. Let us know what you get.

dcdchau

You're right. I did print out your TSB link and will mention it to the dealer when I bring it in for service.

peaceful95

I have been using 89 as recommended also have tried hi-test with the same results. Dealer also notes that nothing comes up on the computer as error message? What about a hotter heat range on the plugs ? I have been running synthetic oils since I have purchased this car, Any thoughts on that ? Confused...

Mr_Shiftright

HAs the dealer check the knock sensor (sensor usually installed in the cylinder head that is tuned to a certain frequency, kinda sorta like a microphone. It sends a signal to your engine management system to regulate how much knocking is permitted and your EMS will retard the timing as necessary.

peaceful95

Just talked to the Chrysler dealer, he said that the knock sensor if it has aproblem will trigger an error message but, it shows nothing on the computer? Could it be a faulty sensor? or a faulty module in the distributor?
I do appreciate this help and I am appreciative of the feedback. You know those dealers, they will not replace anything unless the computer shows an error message. John

Mr_Shiftright

Well okay but you know the computer is not a human brain and common sense tells us that the knock sensor system is not working, either on the sending end or the receiving end.

SOMETHING is not retarding the timing or SOMETHING is keeping the time too advanced. Using premium fuel with no success rather proves this point.

I don't know all the ins and outs of your particular system but somebody at the dealership needs to sit down with a schematic of the anti-knock system and address each component in turn. This is a potentially serious problem.

Part throttle pinging will, over time, knock the hell out of your engine. That "rattle" you hear is, in fact, internal engine parts rattling around and in some cases, the actual cylinder walls flexing with stress. A fast quick and light pinging is NO PROBLEM but if it drags on through your acceleration, that's really no good at all. You can punch a hole right through the top of your pistons in severe cases.

peaceful95

Thanks again for this information, I just got off the phone with the dealer and read him your response. I feel you have hit this right in the head...its the sensor at one end or the other. I have been trying to get this resolved at the dealer for over 6 months and taken the car back, This is the 4th time. I was about to live with this but, do know this type of sound will ,as you have stated, knock the heck out of an engine. I will follow this along and reply as to what happens, as I am sure I will not be the only one with this problem. Regards John

Mr_Shiftright

Oh well another dealer probably hates me now

thimmaker

It is a pre-ignition ping and I have had it on my 04 since new and it has over 60,000 on it now, no problems. If I put in premium fuel its reduced some but not completely. I would'nt worry about it. George.

cberd

November 4, 2005. While making a left turn into our nighborhood very low speed my engine quit and I rolled to a stop. I will be taking to the dealer Monday to have it checked. What was the result of your checkup Tew?

rodut

Thimmaker you are wrong. The Host is right, which is not surprising.

I would change the gas station as a 1st try. My Pac doesn't exhibit any ping under any load when using regular gas.

On old cars it was a pleasure to manually turn the Delco and find the best ignition point ! I hate these new cars ... can't play with them anymore.

llubit

Just purchased a 2006 Pacifica. Unsure to purchase extended warranty. Can anyone offer insight? How is realibity of Pacifica.

llubit

Just purchased a new 2006 Pacifica and am unsure to purchase extended warranty ($1,800 for three additional years). Does anyone have insight. Warranty includes oil changes, roadside assistance, etc.

Thanks

nelson33

Hello all. I hate to continue dragging this stalling issue but I thought I would make you aware of an 04 Pac. owners experience. He mentions the same problem quite a few of you out there, myself included, have experienced. He mentions that the stall problem stems from the fuel delivery system. He states that since the “fuel tank refit” on his car, it has been fine. So I think you should go to his Epinions review at…

http://www.epinions.com/content_121059643012...

…and read for yourself and see what you think. I got in touch w. him and he was kind enough to post an update on his review. At some point I will be taking my Pacifica in for service and will mention my stalling problem. As I’ve mentioned before, I am one of the lucky ones to have experienced this only once. But some of you guys have a serious case of stalling gremlins. So know your rights and don’t let them try to sweep this under the rug. I would hate to think that Chrysler would even try this nonsense, especially with the current health of the American auto industry. This is NOT how you take Chrysler “upscale”. I’m always an optimist that things work them-selves out somehow. They should be thanking you for buying American, not punishing you. Anyway, I'm just keeping you informed. Please be sure to share your experiences regarding this matter, whatever the result may be. I will certainly do the same.

nelson33

The person I mentioned before responded to my email a very detailed explanation of his stallling experience. It's kind of a large response.

Hi, my name is XXXX, no problem....that's why I put my e-mail address there. After I received an e-mail this morning that you commented on my opinion, I put in an update! Our problem is outlined in that article, it took almost a month to remedy the issue.....keep in mind this happened AFTER we got the transmission software update, new fuel filters, and other assorted fixes that didn't work. The new dealer we went to tried once ($360 tune-up), gave it back to us and my wife made it 300 yards from the dealership before it stalled and wouldn't restart. So at that point, they would try to fix it and keep it, the service rep would take it home to trouble shoot it...it failed twice more with him! So, he got so aggravated that he dug deep into this issue....he's the one that took a chance and replaced all of the fuel delivery system for the two tanks because he replaced everything else.....and it worked. The problem there was that Chrysler didn't provide the parts to do this...he had to go to the supplier that Chrysler outsourced the parts from when they build the car, Chrysler REFUSED TO! So the service rep called me to tell me his plan of action before he did all this and we decided to split the cost of these parts (had no choice, the car didn't work!)....but to our surprise, this company shipped him all the components, overnight, at NO CHARGE! We haven't had a problem since. It really rang a familiar note when you wrote that you made a left hand turn when it happened, my wife as well, one time she was almost broadsided with my daughter in the car! All in all, it happened to her 10 to 12 times! Too much to take, not for a brand new car. Chrysler knows all about this, but it is a matter of money...too much to fix them all so they are rolling the dice with OUR LIVES! The issue here is that there is one fuel tank, split into 2 chambers...divided by the rear axle. We fill the rear tank at the gas station and it is transferred to the front tank accordingly. The reason the car will stall and be starved for fuel but you have fuel in it is that there are two separate fuel floats, one for each tank, integrated into one single gas gauge reading. The front chamber runs dry, stalling the engine because the fuel is not transferred from the rear one to the front one. I have supplied this information to dozens of people over the past year, many of which have thanked me for the info....but the funny thing is, I didn't discover this, this persistent service rep did and he has since left this dealership1....but we did buy him a sizable gift certificate to a fancy restaurant in our town because we were so happy to get my wife's car back...RUNNING! We didn't use it for 6-7 months because of this issue....and the car payments kept coming during this whole process! I never do things like this, complain about issues and problems, usually we just take our business elsewhere after a short discussion...but this thing got me very, very mad! This is the car for my wife and children for Gods sake! Well, hope this helped and wasn't too long winded...as you can read, I'm still mad....keep this info in mind if this persists, it can be fixed. Enjoy your holiday season and keep in touch......XXXX

Kirstie_H

A reporter with a major daily newspaper is looking for parents who bought a car and then realized their kids can’t see out the back. The reporter is wondering what the parents are dealing with now and would like to talk to people in this situation by the end of the day Tues., Nov. 8, 2005. Please respond to pr@edmunds.com with your daytime contact information.

b25nut

I purchased the extended warranty with my Pacifica in April 2003. So far the only issue I have had after 36,000 miles is a faulty EGR valve. Since I purchased one of the first Pacificas made, the extended warranty has given me peace of mind. I wouldn't worry about it with a 2006. I couldn't be happier with my Pac.

thimmaker

I realize that a constant ping is bad. But I,ve heard many experts say that slight pinging under certain conditions while accelerating, like a partial throttle, is not harmful. Thats the type of ping I,ve always had on mine. Shows up mostly climbing the hills in Tenn.in 2nd.gear but stops if you give it full throttle. My 2002 300m did the same thing, and our 96 sebring as well. I agree with you, the old cars were more fun, like the spark advance on the 48 ford!!!!!!!.

mrrogers

Does the amount of fuel in the tank have any effect as to whether the car stalls? If it happens on left turns and when stopping fast, is it a fuel starvation problem?