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Chrysler Pacifica: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • djagdjag Member Posts: 39
    The 3.8 does not have more torque or kick. It has only 2 valves per cylinder and no adjustable timing. It is an old design with a cast iron block.
  • petew1007petew1007 Member Posts: 8
    We have a 2004 Pacifica and as it turns out this is the
    worst New Car I have ever purchased... It`s been in the
    Dealers Repair Shop 35 Days... The leaking, when it`s
    raining... They had to replace all the weather striping,
    all 4 doors and the hatch... The stalling, must happen to
    every one, because it does with our`s too... The pinging
    this one does it also... The Dead Battery...This Pacifica
    was in the Shop for 16 Days B4 The `Brains` at Chrysler
    could figure out that the Cluster Guages in the dashboard
    had to be Replaced... The latest thing about 3 weeks ago
    the Transfer Case had to be Replaced, That Bill I accid-
    ently got a look at, Yah it was $1,132.00 This Car is a
    :lemon: Through and Through.............
    Seams like with all the Problems All of Us are having
    with these Pacificas` We aut to be able to get together
    end File a Class Action LawSuit against Chrysler.!!!!!!

    My Dealership Bob Mickey`s Chrysler on First in Cedar
    Rapids,Iowa 52402.... They think it`s a Big Joke that I
    have to bring the thing in for one thing or another every
    Week or so...
    I`ve been through the Chain of Command, going on for al-
    most a Year... Trying to set up a Meeting with the Dis-
    trict Rep. and still haven`t been able to Talk with
    him... The way it looks Ya have to get a Attorney just
    to talk to the Chrysler Rep.

    Very Unhappy in Cedar Rapids,Iowa LATERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
  • djagdjag Member Posts: 39
    Use your lemon law and get a new vehicle. I have a 2005 Limited that has been flawless.
  • steelydan0613steelydan0613 Member Posts: 144
    The stalling does not happen to everyone, I have a 2004 Pacifica, it has had a couple of minor annoyances, but I have 29,000 miles on it and not a stall one. Period.

    I don't know what to tell you, I'm sorry, but a meteorite will hit Cedar Rapids, Iowa before there is a succesful class action lawsuit against Chrysler from disgruntled Pacifica owners............
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    My wife has a 2004 base model 2WD Pacifica, and has not had one problem, 0. The only time she's been to the dealer is for the free oil change every 3000 miles.
    The rear visibility got her once though when she backed into my son's Infiniti. Suprisingly, no damage was done to the Pacifica bumper, only surface scratches that rubbed out. The Infiniti was a different story... :sick:
  • clongclong Member Posts: 19
    Yes i have to admit that i have had some problems with mine. I need to have the leaking fixed, i have the ping noise which i am beginning to believe is more of a personal distraction than damage incurring, my lifters went out and a quarter of the engine needed to be replaced, the dead batery, i have never had the vehicle stall yet, it is a 2004 with 22,000 miles on it. Regardless of everything mentioned...i still believe it is a sound car. WE ALL took this gamble purchasing a vehicle within it's first 2 years of inception. Even the 1992 Lexus had it's faults. The future looks bright and i am sure we are the guinea pigs that are being used to make sure the 2007 Model i predict be one of the best selling minvan/suv's on the market. ;)
  • pacificabluespacificablues Member Posts: 6
    please keep us all informed on whether otr not you hear of a fix. that is interesting to note the fuel level as an issue.
  • cjunecjune Member Posts: 1
    My '04 Pacifica had been perfect until I took in to the dealer for routine oil change at 28k miles and to check out a clunking sound in the front end. It was determined that the control arms were defective and they were replaced under warranty. A week later the front wheel shaft was determined to be broken and was replaced. Since that time the car sways and wobbles to the point it is very uncomfortable and slightly scary to drive. The steering is now so sensitive I feel any sudden move could send it flying out of control. Chrysler has checked it with their machines and declare there is nothing wrong with the car. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
  • darlingdidarlingdi Member Posts: 3
    My 2004 Pac had the same problem. Dealer replaced monitor system twice under warranty, but it hasn't been a problem since the second fix. Wouldn't have clue about how to do it yourself though.
  • rodutrodut Member Posts: 343
    There is no connection between the front wheel driveshaft and the suspension. The driveshaft turns the wheel, and the suspension (you have trouble with) holds the car. The shocks (part of the suspension) are supposed to absorb the sway and wobble.

    What happened during that week, between the control arms replacement and the front wheel driveshaft replacement ? What was your complain ? Did the car exhibit sway and wobble during that week ? Noises ? Rattles ? Was the front end clunking sound eliminated by the control arms replacement ?
  • petew1007petew1007 Member Posts: 8
    petew1007
    It`s Me again.... The Front End Problems never
    cease. The Power Transfer Unit was replaced just a couple
    a weeks ago. Now More Clungking and Loud Snaping, sounds
    like its coming from the Pass. side front wheel. The Lem
    on :lemon: is going back in the Chrysler Repair Shop 10
    o`clock Friday morning. Plus the heater/defroster flap
    doors have to be retimed and realined to make the wind-
    shield defrost properly, and stop the Loud Gushing Noises
    quiet down...
    We Drove this Car to Salt Lake City, Utah -- Down to
    Provo, Utah -- and further down to Interstate 70 and came
    back east through Denver, Colorado -- through Kansas City
    Kansas -- North on I35 to Desmoines,Iowa -- East again on
    I80 to I380 North to Cedar Rapids... And guess what, the
    Car was Pulling to the Left the Whole Trip... I Jacked up
    the air in the Driver side tires to try to stop the pull-
    ing Left, but guess what then the Compass wouldn`t it was
    coversd up by `1 tire pressure-High` and sometimes `2
    tires high pressure` this car is so Screwed Up... I`ll
    be back more Whoo`s I`m sure....

    And to those who aren`t having the Problems We are hav-
    ing -- Congradulations...
    But listen I`m 63 years young, and have met alot of
    People... And guess what I have found -- there are a lot
    of People out there that are SO AFRAID to admit that they
    made a mistake or are having Trouble with their Car that
    they will LIE about the Problems they are having and say
    oh no My Car is flawless... well guess what`You Can Fool
    Some of the People Some of the Time, But not ALL the
    People ALL the time`...Hear Me?...I`m a Professonal Truck
    Driver and know a little bit about how cars and trucks are
    supposed to Behave on the Highway..........

    Got`aGoNow..........
    I`m Sure I`ll be back....

    LATERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
  • petew1007petew1007 Member Posts: 8
    Hey; steely0631dan

    What Planet are You from.????
    Fords been Sued
    GMs been Sued
    Are You saying Chrysler can`t be Sued.???

    Don`t be foolish --- enough People get together things
    can HAPPEN.........

    We were Part of a Class Action against GM for our `91
    Grand Prix STE... over the faulty Rear Brake System...

    Got`aGoNow... petew1007

    LATERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
  • fljoslinfljoslin Member Posts: 237
    My wife has a 2005 Touring with 15 months and 9000 miles on it. The drivers side window regulator just broke and was replaced under warranty. Other than that, nothing has gone wrong with the car.
  • relic01relic01 Member Posts: 1
    I have the same problem.Can you tell me how did you solve it ??

    Thanks relic01
  • kutehartkutehart Member Posts: 11
    Well, this week I filed my second round of :lemon: Law papers, the Request for Arbitration stuff... Chrysler was responsive to the first found of filing in that they scheduled the final repair attempt at the dealer for me and have followed up since. That said, I still believe they are clueless.

    During the final repair attempt at the dealer, on 11/18 (they had the car another two days), they provided a temporary, "experimental" fix (yes, they actually said it was "experimental", so one should not confuse this with an actual fix!) This experimental fix consisted of them doing something to the car to trick the internal computer. They explained this would cause my check engine light to remain lit until they could make the final repair (as if they should be granted yet another repair attempt afterwards). They further explained, like I've heard in the past, that Chrysler is aware of the stalling issue and that they have issued a "FLASH", which I assume is similar to a service bulletin. Supposedly, once the EPA approves this recommended software change, the car will be repaired for good. This should be before year end. Not sure how the this "flash" could effect the Arbitration Board's ruling.

    As far as I'm concerned, they won't be able to prove to me it's fixed. If suddenly nobody is stalling after the software upgrade, I guess it might have worked.

    Best part is, I have not even mentioned to them the front-end “clunking“ noises yet. :sick:
  • kutehartkutehart Member Posts: 11
    Almost simultaneously with me entering my last post on this forum about an hour ago, I received an email from Chrysler that stated:

    "WE HAVE REVIEWED YOUR FILE, AND BASED ON THE INTEREST OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, CHRYSLER HAS AGREED TO SETTLE WITH YOU.

    I HAVE FORWARDED YOUR FILE TO I.S.G., THEY WILL CONTACT YOU WITHIN 5-6 BUSINESS DAYS TO THE SETTLEMENT PROCESS.

    I AM CURRENTLY WAITING ON YOUR BUYERS ORDER, SO I CAN FORWARD THAT TO ISG. IF YOU HAVE A COPY, AND CAN FAX IT TO ME, THAT WOULD HELP EXPEDITE THE PROCESS."

    I can't believe it's all happening this fast. FILE and FILE FAST! LIKE THEY SAY IN THE PAPERWORK, DO NOT DELAY! I said from day one that it's a lot cheaper for Chrysler to take a few cars back than it is to do a recall or stamp a car as a "lemon."

    Good Luck! :lemon:
  • eric112eric112 Member Posts: 9
    We are having the same issue. It has nothing to do with the cold. Our battery has load tested fine after each incident. After the 2nd trip to the dealer, we are being told that the Pacifica has a major flaw which drains the battery when you leave the doors open with the dome lights on or anything else on for more than 15 minutes. So if you break down in the middle of the night on a dark highway, your flashers will work for about a half hour or so. We are being told it is "un-fixable" and that when the car is not running not to use anything or leave any doors open.
    By the way, we are on our 2nd Pacifica due to the first one being "lemoned" because of stalling problems. We are in the process of taking this problem up the Chrysler Ladder as a MAJOR safety issue. I'll keep you posted.
  • eric112eric112 Member Posts: 9
    Did the cluster gauge replacement solve the draining battery problem?
  • bapriebebapriebe Member Posts: 25
    >we are being told that the Pacifica has a major flaw which drains the battery when you leave the doors open with the dome lights on or anything else on for more than 15 minutes.

    This is news to me. Every time I vacuum my 2004 I would have a dead battery if this were true.
  • petew1007petew1007 Member Posts: 8
    Yes it did.......... The Problem was the Car was in the
    Shop for 16-DAYS IN A Row, B4 they found the Problem.
    For 4-Days we were without a Car. So I called Chrysler,
    and they asked if Mickey on First gave Us a Car to drive
    I said NO..!!! They said Mickey was supposed to give us a
    Car to Drive even if the Pacifica was in for a oil change,
    I said Oh Really, Then Why didn`t they,??? So anyway they
    Mickey got Us a Loaner that We Drove for 12-Days

    GotaGoNow.com petew1007
    Ps... the Car is going to the Shop about 10AM this Morn-
    ing. More Drive/Train Probs. and Heater Probs.

    LATERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: :lemon: OK........
  • steelydan0613steelydan0613 Member Posts: 144
    Petew1007, I am praying that Chrysler settles with you soon, so you can find a new forum home..........That is my Christmas wish this year......
  • guspacguspac Member Posts: 9
    Have to agree with the silent majority....I love this car....but I honestly feel for the few who got the 1% bad ones. Man if you are stuck with a bill and a lot of problems it doesn't matter what happy owners say. It just makes you more frustrated!!
  • jflynnjflynn Member Posts: 3
    I have 28K miles on my 04 Pacifica. My mechanic says my master cylinder seals are leaking because of contaminated brake fluid. (Consequently not covered by the warranty) Says the seals would have swollen and leaked with in days of contamination. No one has been under the hood for a 1000 + miles. Does this sound right?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    How does he know it's contaminated? By color? Is it full of gunk? or?
  • jflynnjflynn Member Posts: 3
    The mechanic says he can see oil in the brake fluid reservoir.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well unlesss someone put it in there by mistake, I can't see how that is scientifically possible. And if you didn't put it in there, then whoever serviced the car last has some explaining to do.
  • jflynnjflynn Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for your comments. Let's assume there is oil in the brake fluid. Can that cause the seals to leak?

    JIM
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I really don't have enough chemical knowledge to speculate on that....I don't know.
  • guspacguspac Member Posts: 9
    This has been discussed in the past. No matter how much I try wiggling prying, leveraging with a paint stick can I get the headlamp assembly out after removing the two screws. anyone got any other ideas?
  • jafraladyjafralady Member Posts: 1
    My new 2005 did the same thing this week. I waited a minute and it started back up again, but this is a real concern if it happens while driving at high speeds on the highway. What was your result at the dealer?
  • pacificabluespacificablues Member Posts: 6
    Update...The dealership called yesterday and states that Chrysler recognises a problem with the Fuel transfer rate in Cold Weather States (ohio) this update should be available in a week. Im sure this piggy backs the information that is already posted. I am having trouble following some of these threads.

    :lemon:
  • canpaccanpac Member Posts: 1
    My 04 pacifica has a vibration that is audible and can be felt between 90-100kph, and is "worst" at 98kph. After much service work it is still present, said work includes replacement of ; rear diff, power transfer unit,drive shaft, control arm bushes, steering linkage, and tires, brake rotors as well. Has anyone had similar problems??
  • fljoslinfljoslin Member Posts: 237
    This all sounds very fishy to me. I can certainly believe that oil could cause seals in a brake system to leak. However, is this something that the mechanic has seen before? How does he know that there is oil in there? I just did a test by putting some brake fluid and some motor oil in a container and mixing them. They mix and is result is cloudy, but do not appear to separate. I hate to say it but the mechanic could simply have added some oil (if there is any actually present) to get out of a warranty repair. This is one you need to fight.
  • petew1007petew1007 Member Posts: 8
    Hey Steely..................

    Workin` On It...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Got`aGoNow.... petew1007

    LATERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    I changed to PIAA bulbs in my 2006 Pacifica about a month ago. I agree with you that it is difficult to remove the headlight assemblies. After I removed the screws, I slid the assembly out about an inch. I then gave a steady, firm pull to the fender side of the assembly. This allowed the grille side of the assembly to slide in slightly, and I eventually got the headlight assembly to slide out. Good luck!
  • rodutrodut Member Posts: 343
    The headlight is pretty expensive, if you break it. It could be a lot cheaper to have the dealer replace the bulb.
  • b25nutb25nut Member Posts: 202
    The bumper around the bottom side of the headlight is pretty flexible so I worked my fingers underneath the headlight until I felt a ledge I could pull on. Pulling on the top at the same time (with quit a bit of force) got it loose. My fingernails only hurt for a few minutes afterward.
    SteelyDan, I think you are onto the reason some batteries aren't performing as well. My Pacifica was the first one my dealer got and it sat around for only two weeks. My battery has always been strong enough to start the car but there have been two occasions when it was marginal from the doors being opened a long time, like when the dealer replaced the seat belts.
  • mrrogersmrrogers Member Posts: 391
    Has anyone replaced the OEM 921 style backup bulbs with anything brighter? I looked on the PIAA webste, and did a Google search on 921 backup bulbs. It appears that the PIAA Extreme White part number 19224 W2 bulb is a repacement for the 921. They list for $14.50 each. I would love to have them if I knew they would work.
  • craig19craig19 Member Posts: 3
    I have an 04 Pacifica and last week the EVIC turned off. I hit all of the step buttons, but it does not power back on. Is there a fuse or master power switch somewhere on the car. The dealer told me to put it in PARK and press step and it will power back up.

    Any advice?
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    Try putting it in PARK and press step, and let us know if it works. ;)
  • guspacguspac Member Posts: 9
    Thanks for the encouragement regarding the headlight issue. I will try again tomorrow, though now it is 20 degrees! I am nervous about pulling to hard and breaking something so I will pull straight out as has been suggested. Why do you think a halogen light would go after only 15,000 miles?
  • nuruc7nuruc7 Member Posts: 98
    I now have 43000 on my tires and I had to get my brakes dow for a state iinspection. I also had a lose tie rod replaced, but I was commutting weekly 400 miles one way and so I did jump out of some pretty big potholes. So I have spent about 8 :D 00 bucks since I got this car at 21k miles.
  • kateskates Member Posts: 1
    2004 with 60,000 miles

    I've had my Pacifica for almost 2 years. Commute about 100 miles a day. The only major things so far are new tires and a new center rear motor mount,which I was told has been bad for sometime now. Car is getting alittle tired but am hoping it will last at least another 60,000. I've noted alot of emails about clunking, I have always had that, was hoping the new mount would fix but it did not. Both headlights replaced too. Not sure if the motor mount was defective or if the commute impacted it. Hopefully, nothing major down the road as miles add on.
  • kutehartkutehart Member Posts: 11
    Hi there. I just wanted to comment on "Chrysler recognizes a problem with the Fuel transfer rate in Cold Weather States." Just so you know, this is a bunch of bologna on their part! I live in Florida and my car has never seen cold weather. It's stalled four times while driving and been in the shop four times and it's still not fixed. I filed all my Lemon Law papers and Chrysler is in the process of making me a settlement offer. I hope to get more information next week from the independent firm that handles these issues for them, I.S.G. According to Chrysler, they are slightly behind right now. IMAGINE THAT! They are probably swamped with people filing on their new PACS. Grrr...

    Anyway, ask your dealer about the "FLASH" that Chrysler has issued about this problem. I am told they issued one. I'm not sure it's true though.

    Good luck! File your lemon law papers, if you haven't already.

    BTW, these forums are probably the worst designed forums I have ever seen.
  • my3rdrxmy3rdrx Member Posts: 167
    You mentioned that you had to replace both headlights as well: Could you tell me what kind of headlights they were and what was the problem that you were having with them? Thanks.
  • guspacguspac Member Posts: 9
    I went to change my oil yesterday on my Pac. What size is the drain bolt. 1/2 inch seemed right but no matter how much I tried it wouldn't come out. Of course I was using an open end wrench because a brace would not allow me to use a socket. I have changed oil on my vehicles for 35 years. I really dont want to stop now!!!
  • kohlerkohler Member Posts: 1
    just took delivery of this vehicle. so far what a great car. fit and finish,everything works. very very satisfied so far. love it.
  • nak1nak1 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 Pacifica AWD and the accelerator got stuck to the floor at about 65 last week. The dealer claimed it was the floor mat getting stuck but even with putting on the brakes full force and going up an incline I could not slow the car below 50. I pulled off and put it in neutral and the engine was still racing until I turned it off. Once I restarted the car it was okay and I didn't notice any floor mat being in the way. Did this happen to you again?
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    did you submit a report to the govenment's NHTSA safety web site? you can use the link below to research or submit a complaint (upper left corner):
    http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/complaintsearch.cfm
  • fljoslinfljoslin Member Posts: 237
    With as much torque as you seem to need I would use a closed end wrench or a flare fitting wrench. Look at this as an opportunity to buy some new tools. :) Also, I don't know for sure, but doubt that Chrysler is using standard sizes on these vehicles. I have a 1999 Intrepid with the 3.2L engine and am pretty sure that it has a metric size drain bolt (14mm?). Try to get exactly the correct wrench you need in the longest length that you can get in.
    BTW My wife has a 2005 Pacifica and we take it to the dealer for oil changes. I buy a 5 quart container of Mobil1 and they only charge $19.21 for the oil change including a wash and vacuum and it is warranted!
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