Chrysler Pacifica: Problems & Solutions

annietherealto · April 2006

I have had the same problem and many more, but the dealership says that they never even get a code. Please be careful, as the next thing to fail will be the brakes at under 15 mph.

margo1204 · May 2006

Our 2005 stalled 2 times and they reprogrammed the PCM. Ours is the fwd touring--the first stall was at 2400miles and then again around 10k. We are now at 15-almost 16k and it hasn't happened since the "reprogramming". I've been meaning to come back and update everyone. You hear all the bad when bad things happen--but not as often about the good. I've been reluctantly very happy with our PAC--now that they seem to have fixed our problem. I love the way it drives and it fits our kids and all our stuff. I find it to be very versatile and fun to have. The gas mileage seems to be around 17.8 in town--running 89 octane. We had a rough start with the PAC but I think a lot of it depends on the service team at the dealership. Some are better than others and are willing to help. I will be upgrading before the warranty is up, though. Hope this is helpful info.

mrrogers · May 2006

I agree with you that the Pacifica is a very attractive package. When Patrick Bedard did his positive review for Car and Driver magazine, he said something about it being a good vehicle for upscale consumers. With the rebates, it is also starting to trickle down to less upscale consumers. I think the value for the money is over the top. The combination of sedan style ride and handling with the luxury interior and the utility of a SUV is hard to beat.
I am not sure why I got a different technical service bulletin when they updated my software last month. The original TSB was dated 12/05/05. I wonder if I have the update to the 12/05/05 TSB?

qbrozen · May 2006

hate to double post, but we seem to get more action here than in the plain old Pacifica discussion. A little while back I posted about not being able to play an MP3 disk in our Pac (tried it in the dvd changer, if that makes a difference). Someone claimed they can play them in their Pac, and it might be the way I burned it. So, does anyone here have any different experiences?

The mp3 disk we tried works fine in my in-house DVD players, so I expected it to work in the Pac. If anyone is successfully playing MP3 disks, can you tell me how you set it up when you burned it? I simply have the whole list of files in the root directory of the CD (ie, no folders). The disk, regardless if i try it in the single-cd slot or in the dvd-changer, just results in "error" being displayed.

tryagainred · May 2006

my 2005 pacifica has been in the shop 3 times now for engine cutting off with no warning while turning left- steering wheel locks up and everything shuts down. now the problem of the car thinks it is running out of gas -orange fuel light coming on and blinking and set-up says 22 miles til empty the car choking and thinking it really is out of gas, i get pushed in to a gas station- it only takes 10$ to fuel up- but the fuel gauge says E- after 10$ it then goes to Full and starts back up again- that has happened 2x in 5 days now at 25,000. i'm terrified of the car and want out of it!! any suggestions?? i reported to NHTSA- they said Chrysler is a month behind in reporting to them cause they don't know an answer. how can i get chrysler to buy this car from me?

rasldasl · May 2006

My guess is it's a matter of what you mean by an MP3 disc. I have used my music program (MusicMatch) to create playable audio CDs from my MP3 files. But I have never tried just burning the MP3 files to a CD - I don't think the players in the Pacifica can read that format.

tennis4mick · May 2006

This stalling seems to be a common occurrence with the Pacificas. 3 stalls qualifies for the Lemon Law. Let your service manager know you want a buy-back based on the safety issues. Tell him to get his District Manager involved. Call Chrysler 800-992-1997 IMMEDIATELY, then call them again and again and again. Tell them you want a buy-back because you are driving a car with unresolved safety issues - a car that stalls without warning is definitely a safety issue and that's why the NHTSA is now involved. Let them know that you know the ODI with the NHTSA has opened up a recall query and also that you know Chrysler doesn't have a fix. Document every conversation, be persistent and don't take no for an answer.

Good Luck. Keep us posted.

qbrozen · May 2006

yes, i do mean MP3 files on the disc (can fit hundreds of songs on one disc).

Most modern DVD players will play such a disc. Can anyone confirm if the Pac DVD (or CD) player can play an MP3 disc?

stldon · May 2006

I just started looking at the Pacifica and really like what I see, but am scared by all of the issues described in this discussion and the talk about buy-backs. Is there any chance that the problems have been solved in the 2006 models or is this a vehicle that I should run from?

my3rdrx · May 2006

Let me put it this way: we had a fully-loaded 2004 PAC and we liked it so much that, after driving it for only two years and 22K miles, we decided to get a 2006 Limited. We never had any problem with either!

tennis4mick · May 2006

FYI: The 2006 model year is included in the NHTSA's letter to Chrysler for the stall on the left turn issue. They are beautiful cars and very comfortable, but there's this little safety problem...You have been forewarned.

eaj1 · May 2006

I have an 05 pac and it plays mp3 files with no problems in both changers. I recorded one disc with 250 songs with room to spare on a DVD disc.
I use music match and other programs to record mp3's. Check the way that you recorded the disc.

qbrozen · May 2006

250 on a dvd disk? I have one CD-R with 300. Are you sure you left them as MP3 files? If so, you should be able to fit over 1500 on a DVD-R. "room to spare"? Heck, you ain't kidding.

kcowner · May 2006

I also have a 2004 AWD Pacifica with about 51,000 miles. One day the EVIC blinked off and has not worked since. I took it to the service department with no resolution. They could not figure it out and concluded that it would have to be replaced. I can't believe that the entire unit would need replaced...about $1,000! I also have the popping noises when turning at low speeds described by others. The PTU was replaced, but the popping noises remain. Finally, does anyone have problems with excessive engine oil comsumption? These issues lead me to consider getting rid of a vehicle that is otherwise a very comfortable and versatile vehicle. If anyone has ideas, I'm open to suggestions.

KCOwner

fred222 · May 2006

Finally, does anyone have problems with excessive engine oil comsumption?
What is excessive?

kcowner · May 2006

Other than my misspelling of consumption...about 1 quart every 3,000 miles.

b25nut · May 2006

I'm at 51,000 and will be changing the oil after 4,500 miles next week. It is down 1/3 quart. Did your EVIC ever fade in and out? Before I had my PTU replaced my dealer had replaced the front arms and bushings with no affect. Maybe it is the combination of arms and PTU that eliminates the popping. Mine hasn't had any noises after they were changed well over a year ago.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2006

that's not excessive. You're fine. In fact a little oil consumption is good.

However, having said that, if the oil consumption continues to drop as the miles accrue, that's maybe not such a good sign.

fred222 · May 2006

that's not excessive. You're fine. In fact a little oil consumption is good.

However, having said that, if the oil consumption continues to drop as the miles accrue, that's maybe not such a good sign.
I have a 1999 Intrepid with the 3.2L engine (baby brother of the 3.5L). Purchased new and synthetic oil since 3000 miles every 3000 miles. Early on (approx 15k miles) I noticed about 1/3 to 1/2 quart of oil consumption every 3000 miles. However this has not changed in the 70000 miles the car has been driven.

kcowner · May 2006

Thanks for the note. I'll continue to monitor it. What are the advantages of synthetic oil? I'm considering going to synthetic.

kcowner · May 2006

Has anyone had their Pacifica's EVIC repaired? After mine decided not to work after about 40,000 miles, the dealer stated that replacement was the only option. Given the cost of over $1,000, I'd rather have other opinions.

kcowner · May 2006

No, the EVIC's display just stopped working. I believe the functions are still there as a result of working through the menu buttons, but I just can't see the display.

fred222 · May 2006

Thanks for the note. I'll continue to monitor it. What are the advantages of synthetic oil? I'm considering going to synthetic

Real synthetic oil is manufactured (Synthesized) to have certain physical properties. When compared to "regular"oil distilled from crude oil these include:
Greater heat stability.
Tighter viscosity range.
Better film forming.
Lower volatility.
Better lubricity.
I do not think that anyone would tell you that real synthetic oils are not better than "dyno" oils. The question is: is the additional cost worth it to you?
Also, make sure that you are buying a real synthetic oil if you are paying the extra $. To the best of my understanding Castrol Syntec is not synthetic oil. There was a law suit several years ago by Mobil against Castrol about what classified as synthetic oil and the result was that if you say it is synthetic oil it is synthetic oil.

tennis4mick · May 2006

After the second stall, service flashed the PCM. Yet at 12,000 miles and a week before the buy-back went through, it stalled again - this time while in REVERSE!! The LEMON is back with Chrysler, we're done with them!!

tryagainred · May 2006

<img src="well- i have filed lemon law in texas now- don't have a hearing date yet- i am the one with 2005 PAC stalling on left MANY times, engine stalling too many times to count, and then 2x saying it is out of fuel and only takes 10 gallons to top off tank- i've talked with Mr McHenry 3x now in Washington DC and Chrysler keeps asking where I am coming up with this NHTSA investigation- they've never heard of it yet they won't go to the web site nor call him. The area district manager is now in control of my claim to buy back my car and he won't even talk to me about buy back- instead he has put a black box and recorder on my car- i feel like me and my baby are TEST CRASH DUMMIES FOR CHRYSLER!! tennis4mick- are you willing to call the chrysler N Texas district manager and speak with him about your identical problem- i have been told they've never heard of anyone having problems with the Pacifica- it's a great car- but I'm terrified to drive mine. would they rather buy it back or have 1 of their products deemed a lemon, or worse yet, wait for a liability claim when i get run over by a 18-wheeler??
North Texas Chrysler Manager: Rick Reinholt 972-740-9600

thank you for any support- fellow frustrated PAC owner, no one is listening and i need out of this unsafe/unreliable car. i won't even drive this car with the Black recorder Box on it.

rbrogdon · May 2006

Guys please get the K&N aftermarket air filter for the Pacifica you will not be sorry! The increased horsepower and mileage is worth the purchase. And a one time purchase at that!

eigatomeow · May 2006

Hi,
When I price a 2006 AWD Pacifica with the U package on edmunds and configure it on the chrysler website I get an MSRP of 34,375, but the dealer has one with a sticker on it for 34,175. I have cross checked but can't find a difference and the dealer is pretending he doesn't know why, of course. Any help?

qbrozen · May 2006

check the build date. There was probably a small price hike at some point and the build of this particular vehicle predates that.

We had the same thing happen when we bought our '05. The dealer had 3 exactly identicle ones sitting there, one was about $150 cheaper than the other 2 for no apparent reason. The dealer didn't know why until I pointed out the one was built several months before the others.

kuvado · May 2006

You don't give the year of your Pacifica. Would like to try this aftermarket air filter if can be used on mine which is a 2004 model. Appreciate any help. Thanks

amrasnick · June 2006

Has anyone found a solution to the gas gauge problem? Our 04 Pacifica registers empty, dings, then bounces up to 1/2 empty...repeatedly.

rodut · June 2006

The giant yellow tag won't work !

I was successful when I pushed the service advisor inside the car, closed the door, electrically locked the car (with the remote), and then yelled at her:
"Now get out !"

Then they fixed it.

If still they don't fix yours, and if it's hot outside, perhaps you could leave the service rep for some time in the car ...

nelson33 · June 2006

LOL. That's too funny. I will wait until summer.

I don't know, you would think they would make a greater effort to keep the customer happy. Now I have to go back, show them again, only for them to say..."we have to order the part". More expense on the part of Chrysler cuz you know I'm going to get a rental again @ $40/day. Waste of money on the manufacturer end if you ask me. I tell you, I really feel for these drivers w. problem Pacs. If they can't diagnose bad door switches, we are all screwed.

God, I hope they send me a survey for this one. I am eager to rip them a new orifice.

dcdchau · June 2006

Quote: "God, I hope they send me a survey for this one. I am eager to rip them a new orifice."

Good luck... The failing grade survey does nothing!!! Sometime it makes me think that it goes directly from the mail clerk to the shredder machine.

Before you send the survey in, make a photocopy, then personally hang it in to the service manager and politely explain to him why you are doing it... It works. For some of the problems I have, instead of NFF (No Fault or No Code Found) the service manager invited me to take him for a ride when I pick up my car. The result: He discovered the problem that the technician missed and the car returned back to the shop.

You could do it my way OR rodut's way (doors lock). Make sure out side is 110 degree then DO IT!!!

nelson33 · June 2006

I disagree about the survey and I'll tell you why. When I purchased my Pacifica, I was not happy w. the purchasing experience. When I went to pick up the car, the final price numbers "mysteriously" went up and it took hours to correct. the rear park assist sensors were poorly installed, etc etc. Sleazy salesman w. pinky rings trying to sell me @#it I don't need then insulting me when I don't buy it? You get the picture. Overall, I was unhappy w. the experience. A week or so later, the survey comes and I fill it out. Now my goal was not to rip them a new one, but I was very honest and I explained why. A couple of days after that I get a message from a very angry salesperson demanding I call her back that this may cost her a job. I felt kind of bad about that but I wasn't going to lie.

So I do believe that a 5 star dealership does take a hit when the parent co. gets negative feedback. We will see how this particular dealership responds IF I get a survey.

Regarding the lock problem. I guess I have to stick around and make sure the service manager sees the problem switch when I bring it in again. I guess I expected too much from them.

rodut · June 2006

Manufacturer survey effective or not, dealer honest or not, service competent or not ... I think all combinations are possible.

There is just one bottom line here. PASSION is missing. All of them are doing it for a paycheck. The car is nice, I still like it, but it isn't and it will never be perfect, because perfection is the logical result of passion. Which is missing ...

I mean come on ... in the 21st century manufacturing a perfectly silent front end is a problem for DaimlerChrysler ?!?! There is no other possible explanation for this.

nelson33 · June 2006

Rodut, I know exactly where you're coming from. But I have reached a point at 40yo that I will tolerate a noisy part as long as the car is reliable overall. If it's not too annoyingly noisy and w.in my tolerance level, I'll live w. it. Just carry me, my wife and 2 children safely and most of my demands are met. As you can see, I have lowered my expectations when it comes to a new car. I got a little too involved w. my 99 Intrepid, which I loved by the way, up to the point where I was under alot of stress and eager to part w. it. Strange noises, bad AC, electrical problems and a @##tty dealership experience was too much for me. There's nothing worse in a new car experience than a unsolvable problem where the dealer or the manufacturer simply doesn't care enough about you or your damn car to make an effort. You're right, it's just a paycheck to some people. I hate going to the dealership for anything. I've learned to change my own oil and do my own brakes just to avoid the dealership as much as humanly possible.
I hope your car gets fixed but try to enjoy it anyway.

djag · June 2006

Just want to add to all the complaints that I have a Limited which has been flawless. Great on the road,quiet ride, gas mileage ok for a big vehicle like this, not stalling, no noisy front end, etc.
The fit an finish of the interior is excellent and we love the wood and suede seats. The Sirius and Bluetooth are terrific and I use them much more than I thought. My one complaint is that the controls on the steering wheel are not lit at night. I suspect the lights are in there but just aren't wired. I have had many luxury cars including BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Q45 (great car), Audi, Lincoln etc. This vehicle compares very favorably to any of these. The dealer has been really fine both in sales and service. So I have no complaints..at this point. If it continues this way I would consider another lease in two years. I just think it is a terrific and interesting vehicle.

nelson33 · June 2006

Agree w. you on the Pac. I am really enjoying it as well. Regarding the unlighted steering controls. I don't think Chrysler cars in general have lighted steering wheel controls. However I could be wrong w. the new cars like to the 300. My previous 99 Trep. had similar controls. I see you went all out w. the Sirius and bluetooth package. Poor folks like me had to install Sirius w. aftermarket prods. and I love it. Spent the morning changing the oil. I finally took the plunge and went synthetic on the motor oil. Mobil 1 of course, not the fake stuff. I keep very careful track of fuel economy so I will see if I can prove whether there is a slight fuel economy benefit to synthetic over dino. oil. Good luck on the vehicle.

rasldasl · June 2006

The cruise controls are not lit. I would suggest not using them at night until you are familiar enough with the controls to know them by feel. The stereo controls (on the back of the wheel) are of course also not lit and are designed to be used by feel. I love the stereo controls but you really do need to read the manual and play around with them to get used to what they do. The cruise is not as hard to master.

PF_Flyer · June 2006

To make it easier for folks to find information, we're starting to break things down into some more problem-specific discussions.

More will appear over time, but the first stuff being moved out is to the new Chrysler Pacifica: Starting/Stalling Problems discussion.

PF_Flyer · June 2006

Electrical/lighting issues now in play in the Chrysler Pacifica: Electical/Lighting Problems discussion.

thewall31 · June 2006

Hi we live in a very large gated community and drive daily to the clubhouse at speeds of 15mph or less and it is a annoying to have to put on the seat belts, is ther anyway to disengage the seatbelt warning chime? I know it goes off after about 5 minutes. thanks

tryagainred · June 2006

yes- my 2005 was going through this for weeks including the dealer putting a black on my car to record the events- it would ding telling me it was out of gas then i would coast into the gas station and it would only take 3 gallons to fill up and needle go to full- so memorial day weekend dealer put new fuel pump and fuel tanks onto my 2005 pacifica- there was a manufacturer problem with pacificas made 8/2004 where the fuel tanks are like saddle bags and the piece in between them has a little problem-there was a notice sent out to all dealerships and they were to replace the fuel pumps in these particular cars- do you know when your car was made exactly?? if you have ever experienced engine stalling EVER- you need to go to the NHTSA web site and file a claim- there is a national investigation against 2004-2006 pacificas- we are going to lemon law court with ours- too many failures to count now since 5/2005.

rodut · June 2006

I agree with anything you say. When I read your letter, I had the feeling you were reading my mind (except the Intrepid part).

Just curious ... why you bought another Chrysler, if your 99 Intrepid was so bad ?

nelson33 · June 2006

LOL I don't know, maybe I'm a masochist. Since I never heard too many complaints regarding bad brakes on Intrepids, I figured it was just one bad apple that I was unfortunate to pick. The same applied for the odd electrical gremlins that popped up in the car. Despite all that, I still loved that car and drove w. confidence everywhere and anywhere.
The Pac seemed to meet all my needs in what I was looking for. Roomy, very safe planted road feel. Very refined. Nice firm brake feel. Hopefully, I will be able to say that 5 years from now.
God forbid this one turns out to be a problem. I might have to buy...........buy............I can't say it.............a.....TOYOTA. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHH

user777 · June 2006

That was funny; I imagine it would be very effective.

Were you the one with the front end noises? Did you ever read this:
http://www.edmunds.com/news/column/letters/101557/article.html

Regards.

dbwsr · June 2006

I purchased my 2005 Pacifica from a dealer who handles expired leases for Chrysler, and just loved the car...until two weeks ago. The gas gauge went from 1/2 full to empty while traveling from Utah to Arizona. The gauge not only went empty, but the car began to stall. Somehow, I managed to make it to a service station. After having to stop every 100 miles to fill the tank, which was 3/4 full at each fill up, I made it home, and took the car for service. Both fuel pumps were replaced, and on one of these forums, I read the last batch of fuel pumps were bad. One week to find a fuel pump, in Phoenix AZ. They were on national backorder, and I had to call the Corp Office. They tried to appease me. Finally I got the car back Tuesday, and today, Friday, the same thing again. I read above there must be something wrong with the gas tanks. Anyone having this problem should post the issue here, as I am finding it is not a isolated incident. I still love this car, but this must be addressed!

rodut · June 2006

Thanks user777, but my Pacifica is a FWD, so it doesn't have a transfer case.

Also I don't have "cracking" sound, but a "clunking" sound (coming from the front, right side wheel). They already tried 4 times to fix it. After the 4th attempt they accepted to write on the service papers that it was still clunking. Obviously they can't fix it. There is no lemon law in Canada.

It's a pity because it's the nicest car I ever drove. Even if I would succeed to get rid of it, I really don't know what I could like, after driving the Pacifica.

dbwsr · June 2006

The local Chrylser dealing largest in the Phoenix area ordered parts to replace everything in the gas tank on Monday 19th. They advised me this was a problem with some Pacificas, and they were working on it. The parts ordered were to be of AD meaning the latest of design. Wednesday June 21, I received word from the service department, the new parts were installed, and they too were faulty! I called DaimlerChrysler, and they now have their technicians are working with the dealer. They advise me the quality of the products coming from Mopar, is not satisfactory. They advise me that when the contract is renewed, these cases will be put on the table. This doesn't help me, and other owners like me. After driving a Cadillac for 12 years, I find this car to be a great automobile. It is a real shame problems like this and the one above are not being addressed to the customers satisfaction. I researched this car for one year before my purchase, and talked to every owner I could meet. This problem was never an issue till recently.

kshone1 · June 2006

I had some issues with my 2005 Pacifica. I experienced the front end noises as well as issues with the car starting at times. I have taken the car to be serviced for this issue four times. I am now going through a settlement process with Chrysler to have this car replaced. My car only has 6,000 miles on it but when the issue began it had only 3,100 miles.

Chrysler Pacifica: Problems & Solutions

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Chrysler Pacifica: Problems &amp; Solutions

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Chrysler Pacifica: Problems & Solutions