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Chrysler Pacifica Transmission problems

10 Replies | Filed under Technical, Chrysler, Pacifica

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DrBoost on September 3, 2009

So, there are many folks asking about the transmission problems in the Chrysler Pacifica, most of them 2007 model year and older. I figured I’d share what I know with the Vlane folks. I’ll tell you first off, if you haven’t experienced this problem yet, you likely never will, good news for you. If you have a suspect transmission, there are two symptoms people notice (actually, it’s the same symptom, but it’s described differently). Some folks say they feel like they are driving over highway “rumble strips” when driving between 45 and 75 mph, and usually isn’t only noticeable under light load. Some people describe is as a “lugging” feel, similar to when you have a manual transmission car in a higher gear than you should. If you feel these symptoms, you have the dreaded Pacifica transmission issue. Its effects the 6-speed transmission only. If you bring it in, be prepared for it not to be fixed right the first time. There are a number of TSB’s (Technical Service Bulletin) released for this problem. All the ones I know of are simply reprogramming the transmission control module. This rarely fixes the problem. Most of the time replacing the torque converter fixes it, when that doesn’t fix it; the transmission is usually replaced next. If this is out of warranty, replacing the torque converter or transmission assembly will be terribly Unfortunately you can’t go in there and say “my transmission acts up, I’d like a new one please.” Since this is a warranty issue they have to do the TSB’s first in order to get paid by Chrysler. If they can’t fix it, inform them that you will get involved with the Lemon Law if need be. Then start calling the Service Manager and get the phone number of the district manager and, while being polite and professional, be persistent.

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Displaying 1-10 of 10 replies
  • Reply to Steve Frohock | Flag
    Steve Frohock on September 15, 2009

    Everything you say is true. We are on our third transmission with just 36,000 miles on the vehicle (07 Pacifica). This time around, the dealer has told us the previous replacements were rebuilt and that may be the root of the problems. Too bad, otherwise it seems to be a deent vehicle.

  • Reply to DrBoost | Flag
    DrBoost on September 18, 2009

    "Too bad, otherwise it seems to be a decent vehicle" Amen to that. I think it's a sharp looking car, and the interior is nice enough. Too bad is has this major flaw.

  • Reply to LROY | Flag
    LROY on September 24, 2009

    Transmission issues: Did it sound like a gurgle when you let off of the gas after accelerating?

  • Reply to DrBoost | Flag
    DrBoost on September 25, 2009

    I've never heard that symptom. You could be hearing the HVAC system, it could be low on freon. Sometimes that causes a strange water gurgle sound.

  • Reply to tomtom 07 | Flag
    tomtom 07 on October 30, 2009

    Here is a new wrinkle. I have a 07 AWD adn it has been great until now. Driving on snow pack road it feels like I have no control. Not that the traction control is off but the car is floating the wheenl isn't moving but the car is going back and forth rapidly. not shacking the wheel just floation . Your heart drops to the floor. I thought my wife was crazy then I drove it on snow pack . The dealer can't find any codes and has felt it. He is sure something is wrong but have no where elst to go except to start guessing and the first guess is $1000. I have even put new tires on it thinking that may be it. Keep in mind the traction control works fine it isn't a traction issue it is acontrol issue..

  • Reply to DrBoost | Flag
    DrBoost on October 30, 2009

    That, my friend is bizzare. I wonder of there is a re-flash for the computer or something. I know Mercedes Benze SUV's were terrible on sand and in deep snow for the first two model years, then they came out with a new program for the traction control computer.

  • Reply to GP Joe | Flag
    GP Joe on November 4, 2009

    My Pacifica (07) wouldn't shift out of low gear, drove 25 miles at 3500 rpm doing 35mph. Autostick would shift it either. Happened Saturday late, on Monday the dealer couldn't find antthing wrong and it drove fine to the dealership. Same thing happeded 6 months ago. Any Clues?

  • Reply to DrBoost | Flag
    DrBoost on November 5, 2009

    Sounds like a software problem. I don't think the transmission is in "limp in" because that keeps it in second gear. Unfortunately, until the dealer experiences the problem, there is little they will do.

  • Reply to GP Joe | Flag
    GP Joe on November 11, 2009

    My 07 Pacifica wouldn't shift out of low again yesterday. Brought straight to the dealer who found "30 STAR SCAN SYSTEM CODES INDICATED REPLACEMENT OF TRANNY SOLENOID PACK". Just picked it up and drove it home, 10 miles, so far so good. But I'll keepmy fingers crossed for a while.

  • Reply to DrBoost | Flag
    DrBoost on November 14, 2009

    Good luck GP

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