Mine blows hot air when the ESS kicks in.

 

Mine does as well. I believe this to be that the fan is still routing air into the cabin but it is unconditioned air straight from the outside when ESS kicks on. Logically this makes sense to me because ESS kicking on turns the engine off...when the engine is off, the serpentine belt is not spinning...when the serpentine belt is not spinning, the AC Compressor is not spinning...when the AC Compressor is not spinning, the air is not conditioned...Don't let the air not be conditioned, switch to DirecTV!!

 

Hi Brenda4523,

At ~1000 miles my Pacifica (No ESS) began blowing hot air intermittently. Within a day it was blowing hot only.

It had a bad compressor for the A/C. A local dealer is replacing it under warranty.
Interestingly, they gave me a RAM1500 as a loaner. That is a big truck.

Best,
dogbus.

 

Hello,
I've had my 2017 Pacifica (No ESS) for 2+ years and no issues... until about 3 weeks ago... began blowing hot air intermittently and eventually, blowing hot only. I dropped it at local dealer last night... just called to tell me the A/C compressor is leaking and needs to be replaced.
Fortunately, it is under warranty, but make take up to 5 days to get the part(s) and make the repair... providing me with a loaner...

So, apparently the manufacturer for the A/C Compressor of our beloved Pacificas is producing a DEFECTIVE product/part??
Million $$ question is: Are they going to replace mine with the exact same compressor? in which case, the odds are this problem will happen again, right??

 

Hi Brenda4523,

Sorry to hear about this! We would recommend visiting your local dealership for further diagnosis, feel free to PM our page for further assistance if needed.

Andrea
Chrysler Social Care Specialist

 

https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/CHRYSLER/PACIFICA/VAN/FWD#manufacturerCommunications

See 24-009-16, you can download the service bulletin from the link above.

June 25, 2016 MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: 24-009-16
Components: EQUIPMENT
NHTSA ID Number: 10080563

Manufacturer Communication Number: 24-009-16

Summary

"AIR CONDITIONING INOPERATIVE

THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES TESTING THE A/C COMPRESSOR OPERATION AND REPLACING IF NEEDED.

CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OR INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM.

A RATTLING NOISE MAY ALSO BE HEARD FROM THE ENGINE AREA."

 

I too have been noticing this issue; it's intermittent and I can't get it to replicate for the dealer. I'm hoping I can use this TSB to convince them that the compressor has gone bad and to order the part for me.

 

Since AC is recycled interior air, it will not initially blow in hot air. It will however get warmer and higher in humidity over a length of time. Most people at a stop sign will not notice the difference. If you stop for a long period of time then yes, you will notice the difference.

That said, the above bulletin addresses a faulting AC. The noise suggests that the bearings are bad i think.

Another note, there ARE ESS systems out there that continue to run the compressor electrically.

 

Another note, there ARE ESS systems out there that continue to run the compressor electrically.

It would make sense for the Pacifica to have an electric AC compressor so that it could continue running when the engine turns off.

 

I believe I've been experiencing this issue where the impression is that the compressor will stop working and blow air that is warm and damp. Usually after a few minutes the compressor will eventually kick back in and you can definitely feel a difference in the air. I took the car to 3 dealers and they never really took me seriously. Now a Service manager seems to be looking into it but haven't been able to replicate. Any suggestion on how to force the issue to happen?

 

Hi colon001,

Do you have a case specialist through our Customer Care department working with you and the dealership? If not, and if this is something in which you would be interested, please send me a private message with your VIN. We'd be happy to get this documented and reach out while the vehicle is in service.

Kori
Chrysler Social Care Specialist

 

Mine definitely gradually blows warmer air when I stop with ESS. OK not hot like I posted earlier. And lately, it'll even startup the motor when the air gets uncomfortably warmer/humid even with the foot on the brake. Another note, when the ESS kicks in, the fan speed gets reduced even when it was full blast before stopping. Probably to compensate for the compressor turning off?

 

According to the service manual, the engine will keep running if cabin temp is significantly higher than set temperature (differential isn't stated). Also, it will keep running if in full defrost mode. Your's appears consistent with that.

Other notes: Apparently, pushing the stop-start off button will cause auto-start as will exceeding 5 minutes in stop mode. Also, if vehicle is in tow-haul mode, it won't auto-stop. My hybrid doesn't have that setting, it must be in uConnect.

 

They hybrid must have an electric compressor, right?

 

Yep. It's 380 VDC so compact and strong. I was snoozing in the car yesterday and running it while waiting for g'kids @ dentist. Looks like it uses 10-15% of available battery capacity per hour.

 

aircondioning

I have a early build pacifica and every once in a while when I start car it blows warm air for about 30 seconds or so then turns cold have not taken to dealer because its not every time. I dont remember doing it last year. Am waiting for it to do it every time so I can take it to dealer.

 

I have a early build pacifica and every once in a while when I start car it blows warm air for about 30 seconds or so then turns cold have not taken to dealer because its not every time. I dont remember doing it last year. Am waiting for it to do it every time so I can take it to dealer.

This is completely normal. Whenever you run your AC, you run it in recycle air mode. Therefore, the warm air in your car is being recycled until it is chilled. Rolling your windows down or even a crack upon startup is a prefered method as it forces the hot air out (hot air rises, cold air sinks).

 

We bought our Pacifica in December 2016 and have had this problem since we purchased it. We have to turn air of every 20 minutes or so, count to ten, and then turn back on to get ac working again.

 

Air Conditioning Problems after 30 minutes of driving



This is similar to my problem that began a week ago. After driving for 30 mins, the AC blows noticeably warmer air -- seems to be the fan blowing air, but room temp, not air conditioned air that feels cool. Took to dealer who found no issues. Drove again today, and problem persists. We've had our 2017 Pacifica for 2 years and never noticed this before.

 

My 2017 Pacifica has A/C problems. going from cool to hot. Put temperature gauge into vent and videoed it happening. Dealer agrees it happens. Taken to different dealers and contacted corporate, being told to take it to another dealer. Anyone have a suggestion?

 

First -- I assume you are not talking about warm air when stopped if you have ESS - although I thought if the cabin gets too warm the engine starts up again.

Post 6 in this thread talks about a TSB with intermittent shorts in the A/C compressor.

I had an A/C problem -- see https://www.pacificaforums.com/foru...van-issues-problems/40022-intermittent-air-conditioning-non-ess.html#post525762
The A/C did not come on initially -- came on halfway home. Then stayed off the next 2 days. On my trip to the dealer, it was off until I (literally) reached the traffic light on the dealer's corner -- then it came on. They kept the car almost 3 weeks before they discovered a problem with the compressor.

There is another thread at https://www.pacificaforums.com/forum/337-off-topic-discussion/40263-c.html#post528183

As others have attested, intermittent problems are h*ll to track down.

Good luck.

 

My air is ice cold, my wife complains about it being too cold

 

Brenda I had what seems to be a very similar issue. Right off the gate the AC will start blowing not cooled air. I took it to 4 different dealers only to be told they couldn't reproduce and therefore nothing they could do.
Finally one dealer kept it a few days and their tech drove it home and experienced the issue. They then replaced the compressor under warranty...
The whole ordeal was long and frustrating...especially being treated like a person that loves to spend time at a mechanic making stuff up...

 

I just registered to the forums to add a +1. 2017 Pacifica with just under 30,000 miles and the A/C stopped working 3 weeks ago. The dealership couldn't get it in until today and it has been cold outside ever since, so I haven't needed to use the Air conditioning. They say that the A/C is working fine. They are going to test again this afternoon. If they still can't replicate it, I am planning to ask them about the TSB and ultimately I will likely request a loaner so that they can keep testing until it is replicated. I can see both sides of the argument, but it would be helpful if they could accept some sort of proof that there is an issue without needing to replicate it.

 

Unfortunately, I guess Chrysler won't let them replace parts as warranty work if they don't have a good clue which one is the culprit. The TSB might help. I had 4 witnesses to the failure, but because it started working again they just kept testing it -- it failed on the 19th day they had it.

 

I may have lucked out. I mentioned TSB 24-009-16 and he didn't find that, but found an identical one. The VIN was not part of the Rapid Response Transmittal, but after I suggested that I would take a loaner if they wanted to hold onto it until they could replicate it, he spoke to a tech and seemed ready to replace the compressor. This seems widespread enough that hopefully it will become easier for others to get it resolved as well. Anybody know if they are replacing it with an identical compressor or if they're using something different? I didn't think to ask at the time.

 

We truly like our Pacifica but the Service expertise & parts availability are concerning. AC issues are not a good thing here in Phoenix, so far ours only has a condensate mold smell & requires deodorizing every couple weeks.

12-mos left on the 36mo warranty, after that too much risk & I think the Pacifica will be replaced with another Brand.

Fiat - Chrysler - Renault : can only wonder what that will bring?

 

They make really nice perfume in France! :grin2:

 

For those with intermittent A/C issues....

Did compressor replacement fix the intermittent A/C issue where it will randomly start blowing non-cooled air?

 

Exact same issue with 2017

I have the exact same issue as described on this thread with my 2017 Pacifica. We have had ours for a little over 2 years with 60K miles and it just started happening. It intermittently just blows hot, humid non-conditioned air. Sometimes, it will happen for 5-10 minutes and eventually the A/C kicks on. I took it to the dealer and, of course, they couldn't replicate the issue.

Was anyone on this forum successful in convincing the dealer that something was wrong? I'm still under an extended warranty.

 

I have the exact same issue as described on this thread with my 2017 Pacifica. We have had ours for a little over 2 years with 60K miles and it just started happening. It intermittently just blows hot, humid non-conditioned air. Sometimes, it will happen for 5-10 minutes and eventually the A/C kicks on. I took it to the dealer and, of course, they couldn't replicate the issue.

Was anyone on this forum successful in convincing the dealer that something was wrong? I'm still under an extended warranty.

Going back to my olden days when I taught mechanics how to use Sun Electric automotive shop equipment, I recall this as being a symptom of moisture in the refrigerant (Freon back then). It was a fairly common problem in the 60's and 70's. The solution was a thorough evacuation (two or more hours on a vacuum pump), and recharge with fresh Freon.

Moisture in the system clogs the expansion valve with ice, causing it to not get cold. Modern systems come with a finite amount of moisture absorbent (desiccant) built in, extending the time before it fails, but if that amount is exceeded, then it will fail anyway. Sometimes poor (lazy, cheap, crooked) service procedures lead to failure to replace the desiccant.

 

Just following up on my post...

It doesn't seem like there is a leak of refrigerant because when it blows, the air is cold as normal. It is more like the compressor just doesn't kick in sometimes so it just blows HOT air until (and if) it does. The dealer (AutoPark Chrysler and Jeep) told me to bring it in when the issue happens so they can test. So, I did and then they tell me they are TOO BUSY and can't look at it for days, but I'm welcome to leave it with them. Ok, sure, let me leave it with you for the third time so you can just say the issue doesn't happen and you do NOTHING about it and I'm out of a vehicle for multiple days. This place is a joke. If I didn't have an extended warranty through them, I wouldn't be coming back for sure.

Unrelated, they found a leak in the motor mounts on the car (to be replaced under warranty once they get the parts in) and the check engine light came on (due to leak in emissions evaporator). I've already had two other repairs under warranty and at least 3-4 recalls. I also have intermittent really hard shifting in the transmission that they can't reproduce as well. I sure am glad I got the extended warranty on this.

 

Update...the AC finally died for good. The issue was a failed clutch that wasn't engaging the compressor. The compressor was replaced under my CNA extended warranty. That explains the intermittent nature of the issue.

 

Just bought a 2018 Pacifica Hybrid last weekend and already decidedly NOT happy with several major issues including the AC periodically deciding to blow hot hair at my family and I in 115 degree weather for up to 10 minutes before finally restarting the car enough times for it to magically decide to cooperate and blow some AC (which much of the time is quite weak even when cooling).
Additionally the other morning not only would the AC not come on but while there was 17% battery charge and van was in electric mode the speed was very limited even when putting petal to the floor the car would not rise above 43 miles per hour. On the dash a message read " battery conditioning, leave ignition in run". What?! What good is that supposed to do??
Today (day 6 of owning the vehicle) check engine light is on. Current total miles on vehicle 210.

 

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your problems. Maybe a hybrid owner will answer your questions later.
I don't have a hybrid, but I've put a link to a thread about battery conditioning and the AC. See post 4 for a page from the owner's manual in the thread.
https://www.pacificaforums.com/foru...blems/43523-turtle-battery-conditioning-no-front-c.html?nojs=1#goto_threadtools
If you want more extensive owner's manuals, you can download them from the Mopar website. It seems like there is a lot to learn with the new Pacificas.

 

Hello All,

I have taken my 2018 Hybrid Limited to the dealership due to AC not working and check engine light. I have been in the dealership multiple times due to check engine issues. This time after checking they asked if I was involved in any accident so I told them that my wife hit a pile of snow back in winter but the issue started recently. So they told me that the AC compressor is leaking and just the parts alone will cost around 1300 and the total repairs will be around 2300 everything included. I called Chrysler and asked why it is not being treated under warranty. They told me that they will check with the dealer and call me back. They did not call me back and when I called they said the dealer has determined that it is due to outside influence. So I asked how can they be so sure especially when people are reporting AC compressor issues with these cars. I asked if they can send an expert to check? They said no. So I spoke to someone who said was from management (her name is Sarah) and she said she will talk to the dealer again and let me know why they think the issue is due to the outside influence and promised that she will call back not surprisingly she never did.
I am just not sure what to do. I don't know how a small incident like that can damage the AC compressor. I am not sure if Chrysler can actually send an expert to the dealer to further check the issue, but I am particularly angry about the treatment from Crysler and the fact that they never call back even though I specifically asked them and they said they will "definitely" call back.
I told the dealer to do the repairs because I have 3 kids and I need the car. But do I have any options or do I stand a chance in terms of taking this issue anywhere and have it resolved?

 

Hello All,

I have taken my 2018 Hybrid Limited to the dealership due to AC not working and check engine light. I have been in the dealership multiple times due to check engine issues. This time after checking they asked if I was involved in any accident so I told them that my wife hit a pile of snow back in winter but the issue started recently. So they told me that the AC compressor is leaking and just the parts alone will cost around 1300 and the total repairs will be around 2300 everything included. I called Chrysler and asked why it is not being treated under warranty. They told me that they will check with the dealer and call me back. They did not call me back and when I called they said the dealer has determined that it is due to outside influence. So I asked how can they be so sure especially when people are reporting AC compressor issues with these cars. I asked if they can send an expert to check? They said no. So I spoke to someone who said was from management (her name is Sarah) and she said she will talk to the dealer again and let me know why they think the issue is due to the outside influence and promised that she will call back not surprisingly she never did.
I am just not sure what to do. I don't know how a small incident like that can damage the AC compressor. I am not sure if Chrysler can actually send an expert to the dealer to further check the issue, but I am particularly angry about the treatment from Crysler and the fact that they never call back even though I specifically asked them and they said they will "definitely" call back.
I told the dealer to do the repairs because I have 3 kids and I need the car. But do I have any options or do I stand a chance in terms of taking this issue anywhere and have it resolved?

I would have found another dealer with a Class A service department.

 

Here are a few places you can look, searching by zip code with each of them, look for "Customer First" ranked dealers under the chrysler.com site.

DealerRater - Car Dealer Reviews, Car Dealer Directory, Vehicles For Sale, Vehicle Recalls

Read Car Dealer Reviews, Car Recalls & Helpful Consumer Information about dealerships written by real people like you.

www.dealerrater.com

Find a Chrysler Dealership Near Me | Shop Cars, Minivans, Sedans

Locate Chrysler dealerships in your preferred zip code, city or state. Find dealer hours, details and contact info. Shop and buy Chrysler models available now.

www.chrysler.com

 

Thank you! I guess it is too late for this instance but at least I learned my dealer's service department has 1.3 stars out of 5. I know where I will not be taking the car next time.

 

So coming out of a relatively mild winter here in Minnesota and having our first 70+ day I turned the auto temp down to 68 and had nothing but warm air blowing... Warmer than outside as evidence by me rolling my windows down and noticing the difference. Now me being in test mode, I turned the ac all the way down with Windows rolled up. Gave it 10 minutes and it never blew cold air. Turned the AC on manually and nothing.

So now I have a bad ac, bubbling paint on the front of the house hood, a leaking radiator as evidence by a steering radiator fluid smell when the van is warm, a steering wheel leather literally deteriorating, ess system not working after an in service upgrade killed the battery in the van causing it not to start or open doors, and what sounds like a bad drive side bushing as evidence by a hard sound when going over smash bumps like driveways at low speeds... And I have not even hit 40,000 miles yet.

In comparison, I've had two Mazda cx9 one with over 225k miles and it doesn't have this many problems.

I still have to take it in as I have an extended warranty but that's $100 per problem that shouldn't be there with a 3 year old van under 40k. A bit frustrated for for.