- Tip 1: Check the charging gear
- Tip 2: Battery fire recall
- Tip 3: Battery trouble
- Tip 4: Infotainment system checkup
- Tip 5: Battery heater failure
When the Chrysler Pacifica returned to market as an upscale minivan for model-year 2016, shoppers had two options to consider: the gas-only model which hit the road in 2016, or the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powered version which would arrive a few months later.
Both models feature three seating rows, power-sliding doors, a cavernous interior, generous cargo space, and unbeatable flexibility — not to mention a bevy of upscale luxury, comfort and convenience features.
The standard Pacifica got a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, which had undergone several updates and revisions by time the Pacifica arrived and has become one of the most mass-produced and proven engines on the road.
The PHEV version of the Pacifica used a plug-in hybrid version of this engine, complete with additional electric motor and storage battery which drivers could plug in to recharge.
Fully charged, the Pacifica Hybrid’s PHEV battery could store enough electricity to drive several dozen kilometres before any gasoline was required.
With an all-electric range exceeding 50 kilometres, the Pacifica Hybrid can get many Canadians off of gasoline for their daily commuting and errands, while providing hundreds of kilometres of additional driving automatically on gasoline power.
The Pacifica Hybrid never needs to stop and charge unless it’s convenient to do so. As long as there’s gas in the tank, you’re good to go — and plugging in is never mandatory.
Check out the related links and stories for more reviews, news, specs, and other Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid related information, and read on for 5 tips to help make sure you find the best used Pacifica Hybrid you can for the dollar.
Inspector Frank Calzavara is shown with a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid in velvet red in the ‘final car’ area of FCA Canada’s Windsor Assembly Plant. Photo by Nick Brancaccio /Windsor Star
Tip 1: Check the charging gear
On your test drive, open and close the Pacifica Hybrid’s charge door several times, both from outside and inside of the vehicle. If there’s an issue with the charge door’s latch (or the electronics that unlock it), now’s the time to find out.
Next, track down the vehicle’s charging cord or travel charger, and plug the vehicle in for a charge. Confirm that the handle lock engages, and that charging begins as expected.
Confirm that the travel charger and charge cord are included in the purchase price, and in good shape. Prongs with burn marks, signs of melted plastic, damaged wiring insulation, or physical damage to the power transformer are good reasons to budget for a new travel charger.
Note the brand of travel charger, remembering that use of non-approved (typically very low-budget) chargers or cables can cause electrical system damage that’s not covered by warranty. Take steps to ensure you’re using a quality charging cable from a reputable brand.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle Photo by Renita Naraine
Tip 2: Battery fire recall
In 2020, Chrysler recalled 3,404 Pacifica Hybrid models in Canada to inspect for an electrical problem that could result in a fire.
Affected owners were notified by mail to bring their vehicle in to have wiring and connections relating to the vehicle’s standard 12-volt battery inspected and replaced if needed. Non-hybrid versions of the Pacifica were not affected by this recall.
If the Pacifica Hybrid you’re considering was regularly dealer serviced throughout its life, chances are this recall inspection and fix has already been applied, if it was needed on your specific model.
If the service history of the model you’re considering is unclear, contact Chrysler Canada or visit this link to see which, if any, recalls are outstanding for the model you’re considering.
Recall work is performed free of charge. New owners should also contact Chrysler Canada to register as the new owner of a second-hand Pacifica Hybrid they’ve recently bought, to ensure future recall notices are properly communicated.
Note that other recalls may (or may not) affect the Pacifica Hybrid you’re considering, so be sure to check.
2021 Pacifica Pinnacle AWD. Photo by Brendan Miller/Postmedia
Tip 3: Battery trouble
The Pacifica Hybrid has two batteries: one to power its hybrid engine, and one to power just about everything else. That second battery is a conventional 12-volt battery, the same kind used in most cars and trucks.
Numerous owners have reported 12-volt battery trouble in their Pacifica Hybrids as they age, with many cases leading to a no-start situation and the need to tow the vehicle to a dealer for assessment and repair.
The owner’s community at www.pacificaforums.com has done a great job of documenting the issue. The Pacifica Hybrid’s factory battery may have a short lifespan, and especially on 2017 and 2018 models, many owners have chosen to pre-emptively upgrade to a higher-quality battery, use a trickle-charger whenever possible, and keep a portable jump-start pack on board, just to be safe.
Ensuring the Pacifica Hybrid you’re considering has a fresh and healthy battery and is running all current software updates, is a great way to fend off potential issues.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle Photo by Renita Naraine
Tip 4: Infotainment system checkup
Numerous owners of Pacifica Hybrid models, especially model-year 2018, have reported infotainment systems that freeze, show a blank screen, and fail to perform any radio or communication functions. This particularly irritating problem seems to happen intermittently, and often fixes itself after some time.
The owner’s community reports that pulling fuse 17 from the vehicle’s fuse panel cuts power to fussy infotainment systems for long enough to effect a reset for a fresh start, though some have reported the need to have head units replaced, or the software that controls them updated.
Before taking delivery of a used Pacifica Hybrid, triple-check that all functionalities of the infotainment system are working as expected.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Hybrid Photo by Steven Bochenek
Tip 5: Battery heater failure
Some owners have reported failure of the battery heater on Pacifica Hybrid models, typically at low mileage and under warranty. Others have not.
If the battery heater fails, you may not be able to drive your vehicle safely, and some owners have reported that lengthy wait times are required for warranty replacement parts to arrive.
This issue seems to be more common in 2020 and 2021 model-year units.
If the battery heater in the Pacifica Hybrid you’re considering is failing, there may be one or more trouble codes stored within the engine computer, and a check engine light illuminated. Error codes or messages relating to the hybrid system are also possible.
Further, it may also be difficult to heat the vehicle’s cabin on cool days.
On your test-drive, crank the heat in the Pacifica Hybrid you’re considering, taking weak heater performance as a possible trouble sign.
Before buying any used Pacifica Hybrid, be sure to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a hybrid-qualified technician in a dealer setting, to help prevent problems like these.
These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test drive and shopping process that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
Keyword: Used Guide: 2017+ Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid