This is my first forum posting.



We purchased our 2017 Pacifica at the end of June. 109 miles on it. By 2K there was a mildew smell that would blast out of the a/c when we would turn it on. Husband called and was told that it happens "give it six months." The car went in for service two times since then; and both times he's asked about the smell. Changed the cabin air filter one time -- no fix. Then used a canister of some kind of stuff the service department gave him that was supposed to fix it -- nope. He was told that to run this problem down would take 2 days and that if the canister didn't work that the service department would do it. SO, we are now at the end of December; and the problem still happens sporadically (it's never been 100% consistent). Just picked her up today and they still will not work on tracking down the problem. Has anyone else had issues with a mold smell coming from the a/c of their new Pacifica? It's embarrassing. HOW did you get the dealership to finally address the issue. We are VERY certain that the dealership is trying to kick the problem down the line to avoid warranty work.



And we too are having the sporadic issues with the passenger sliding door losing its automatic functioning. Can't figure out a consistent cause or cure.



Still love the stow and go and the space that we have. Kids range from 4-8" to 6'-1". So space and head room were large concerns in our car search. Just never thought mildew would be an issue.

We dont have musty smell on our pacifica, but my wifes past car, a mb e class, and my vw cc had this problem...

I solved it on both by looking for the a/c drain and checking if it was not clogged, pinches, etc... the mb had it pinched..

And after using ozium, glade, etc .. just got tired and bought a cheap ozone generator off ebay... hooked it up, and left it for an hour on...

That solved every possible smell related problem on both cars


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I have a same problem with my pacifica 2018. It is brand new, only driven for 1200 miles. The vinegar smell is so strong that i have to open the window. I live in southern CA and it is not raining too much. Climate is not humid. Before i bought this pacifica, I had a toyota sienna for 14 years and i never had this type of problem. I scheduled a service appoint with the dealer next week, not sure if it can be fixed or not. When i asked the service adviser if he got any similar complaints about vinegar smell from ac, he said he never got that. I don't believe he is telling the truth after seeing so many people complaining here.

 

Where is the HVAC drain line located on the Pacifica and what is the best way to access it to make sure it's not kinked of blocked?

 

Run max A/C for ~10 minutes - look for a puddle of condensate (water) on the ground (approximately under the accelerator pedal).

If no puddle - you'll have to remove the belly pans underneath for inspection/access.

 

yeah, I'm not getting that. Humidity level is about 60% today. It used to drip and leave a spot on the ground, so I'm thinking mine isn't draining right.

Not sure if I should try taking this apart to look as I still don't know exactly what I'm looking for or just taking it back to my dealer. My dealer said no Pacifica's have smell issues and refused to look up the STAR case number on this thread. The service manager said only a tech could look that up and he couldn't help me. (Even though they had my Pacifica for 2 hours to do 2 recalls) He also said that the number was proprietary to Chrysler and no customer is allowed to post it. *rolls eyes* He was more worried about that than my issue.

 

so is mine, 2018 pacifica ,strong vinegar smell, only 1200 miles.

Hi MOPac and bh1240,

We are saddened to hear that you have this concern with your Pacificas. In the event that you are in need of additional support while in service, please feel free to send us a private message with your VIN, mileage, and dealer.

Darlene
Chrysler Social Care Specialist

 

I was having this issue and had a STRONG vinegar smell all he time... BUT I used to leave my car set to recirculate ALL THE TIME.

The issue is 100% A POORLY DESIGNED SYSTEM.

The solution?

Blast the heat like prior mentioned.

Then?

DO NOT USE RECIRCULATE.

Problem solved.

Smell gone, no issues for 4 months now.

Just wanted to confirm the AC recirculate sucks and you should n't use it unless its summer and cooking outside...

And before anyone defends Chrysler- Ive never in over 40 years had a single car I drove or drove in act this way... Its a poor design period.

 

so is mine, 2018 pacifica ,strong vinegar smell, only 1200 miles.

 

2018 Limited with 33K. Have had this problem since the first few thousand miles. It’s NOT related to car washes, recirculate setting, humidity levels of your area, how you drive the vehicle or the age of the cabin air filter. The magnitude of the issue seen in the Pacifica is also not a problem that “affects every model of vehicle”, vehicles with large air boxes, etc. This is putrid odor that is a daily occurrence in my vehicle and I never use recirculate. It also tends to show up when I forget to disable the auto-engine shutoff, but not exclusively.

Anyone that has been lead to believe this is because of something you are doing or not doing, give yourself a break. Humidity and mold are ever present and every manufacturer has to deal with it. There is a shortcoming with the Pacifica.

There may be some combinations that lessen the issue. Maybe a combo of running heat, A/C, recirculate, holding your tongue just right while you run a yellow light during a left turn. But it will come back if the root cause isn’t addressed.

Does anyone have details from the mechanic on what is done to address the issue when a STAR case is created?

 

It’s NOT related to car washes, recirculate setting, humidity levels of your area, how you drive the vehicle or the age of the cabin air filter.

I agree and add me to the list. We just purchased a used 2018 Touring L and its been cool/cold with a recent increase in temperature which prompted the use of the A/C. My wife thought there was something dead in the ventilation system. I thought it smelled more like a barnyard. It is definitely biological and not chemical. Van is scheduled for service the day after tomorrow. If they resolve it I'll try and get the resolution but the service advisers are not always the most knowledgable.

 

I don't have a smell problem but I did just change out both vehicles cabin air filters and I used these for both the Pacifica and Patriot.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N1J3ZTP/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

We just had the strong vinegar smell in our van last week when we used the A/C for the first time this year.

Get some Ozium from Walmart or an auto parts store, pop the hood open, and generously spray it into the fresh air inlets in the cowl under the wipers while the A/C is running with the blower at full speed. This will eliminate the smell.

I've used Ozium for years and it works great.

 

Here is what I did to solve this stinky A/C issue on our 2018 Touring L:

https://www.pacificaforums.com/foru...fica-minivan-general-discussion/13666-stinky-air-conditioning-2.html#post554629

A few weeks now and no smell....

 

I have a 2018 Pacifica hybrid and also have the vinegar smell when I first turn on the AC. I’m on a very low humidity area El Paso TX. Car is only 6 months old. After it runs awhile the smell goes away but it is always there after the car sits awhile and I turn the AC on the past few months. I haven’t brought it to the dealer because it appears everyone else that has for this only gets a mild treatment that doesn’t fix it. What else could possibly cause this in the air ventilation system?

 

Hi Weber7637,
We understand why this may be concerning. We suggest having your dealer inspect this concern if you have not done so already. We are also available via private message if you would like any additional assistance during that process.
Lydia
Chrysler Social Care Specialist

 

All of our cars (including Pacifica) started having the smell with the change in weather. I’ll be trying the Clorox / Lysol treatment soon which will hopefully fix the issue.


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All of our cars (including Pacifica) started having the smell with the change in weather. I’ll be trying the Clorox / Lysol treatment soon which will hopefully fix the issue.
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Well, we are joining the crowd with the vinegar smell. Our experience is that the smell is prevalent when the Start/Stop is active and the engine is not running. As soon as the engine restarts, the smell is very reduced. Any ideas why that is?
...This is the first time I have ever had smells from the air conditioner. I am not too excited about do it yourself fixes. There must be a better and long term solution from Chrysler.

Check post #38 in this thread. Star Case S1624000008 was given to me by @ChryslerCares.
Mopar Part number 5170022AB (cleaner) was used to clean the evap coil by the service department. This was covered under warranty at about 25,000 miles in July 2018.

 

A previous car of mine had a problem with musty smells from the air conditioner, and I had good results using this product: nextzett 96110515 Klima-Cleaner Air Conditioner Cleaner - 10 fl oz
It has a long tube you stick up the evaporator housing drain tube, then you inject detergent foam into the housing and it cleans the evaporator core.

 

You guys should know bleach to be careful spraying all these chemicals into thin walled aluminum/copper cores they can corrode and get a pinhole leak and then you don’t have to worrry about the AC smelling anymore

 

Awful smell form the AC vents

I cant believe that so many of us having the Chrysler Pacific 2017 have reported the same issue and the dealership is acting so lethargic about it. When I gave it to the dealership for service they said they are TOO busy to check that and I have come on a different day after making an appointment. I was literally not able to drive the car with the awful smell but there is absolutely no concern/empathy from the dealership service department whatsoever. When I insisted to at least check the cabin filter, they said they will do it and told me that it looks all good. But the bad smell continues. I have a 1 year old kid and I am so reluctant to even use the car when I have to take the kid somewhere. I am afraid that it will affect my kid's health.

I am going to the dealership again tomorrow (after booking the appointment as they said) and I will see what they will come up with this time after inspection.

Honestly, I regret buying the car.

 

Same nasty odor from AC vents

... and you can add me to the list of owners experiencing this problem. I've just tried to private massage ChryslerCares but their inbox is full. I recently traded in my 12 year old Town and Country for a 2018 Pacifica and so far I love just about everything about it - except this awful odor which asides from being just gross and embarrassing when others are in the vehicle, I now am concerned after reading this thread of exposure to mold which I didn't prior connect as the cause, assuming that's what it is. I was going to research and inspect the cabin air filter but after reading all these comments I'm not sure that will do any good. Does anyone have any feedback on what the STAR case number gets you?

ChryslerCares: if you could please clear out your inbox so I can send you my VIN and other info I would appreciate it.

 

... and you can add me to the list of owners experiencing this problem. I've just tried to private massage ChryslerCares but their inbox is full. I recently traded in my 12 year old Town and Country for a 2018 Pacifica and so far I love just about everything about it - except this awful odor which asides from being just gross and embarrassing when others are in the vehicle, I now am concerned after reading this thread of exposure to mold which I didn't prior connect as the cause, assuming that's what it is. I was going to research and inspect the cabin air filter but after reading all these comments I'm not sure that will do any good. Does anyone have any feedback on what the STAR case number gets you?

ChryslerCares: if you could please clear out your inbox so I can send you my VIN and other info I would appreciate it.

Hi hockeyplar1,
We understand your concern. We've cleared out our inbox so please try again and we'll continue assisting you via private message.
Lydia
Chrysler Social Care Specialist

 

I'm experiencing the same problem with my 2018 Pacifica limited. Nasty odor coming from vents. I changed the cabin filter to an odor absorbing charcoal filter but the smell came back within 3 days. I live in southern California and humidity isn't high. My wife and kids are not happy with the vehicle.

 

I live in Southern California where the humidity is minimal at best. Recently my 2017 Pacifica Hybrid Platinum has been emitting a strong consistent mildew odor whenever we have use the AC. I changed out the cabin air filter and it did not resolve the issue. I then took it to the dealership where they claimed that, on four different occasions, they could not replicate the odor. They also said that they stuck a hanger up the drain tube and nothing came out. I turned on the AC on today and the air continues to wreak. My family's health, which includes three young sons, is being compromised. I saw a previous reply stating their issue was resolved with an electric latch. I hope that ChryslerCares can assist me in resolving this issue.

 

See post #38 on page 2 of this thread. There is a StarCase number that my dealer referenced to do the fix.

 

I've got this issue also. Had it for a while but just dealt with it. I've messaged @ChryslerCares so we'll see, along with that star case #.

Also, just saw this YT video. Anyone think it'll do the trick?

 

So, has anyone had their problem permanently fixed, either through the Starcase number or other means? Seems like all fixes are temporary and/or DIY.

 

I haven't noticed the smell returning after the dealer did a Starcase fix on it over a year ago. I now have around 49,000 miles on the van.
Check post #38 in this thread. Star Case S1624000008 was given to me by @ChryslerCares.
Mopar Part number 5170022AB (cleaner) was used to clean the evap coil by the service department. This was fixed under warranty at about 25,000 miles in July 2018.

 

Any idea how this is injected onto the evaporator coil? Online photo does not look like it is a spray.

 

I don't know how the evaporator coil cleaning was done. I got a Starcase number from @ChryslerCares and the dealer's service department did it. I just copied info from the paperwork in case it would assist anyone out of warranty. (see Post 81)

 

Has anyone been to a dealership recently for this issue and did you have luck referencing the star case? If you were out of warranty, would you share an estimated cost for the fix or is this covered by the dealer? It seems like many buyers posted about these issues and it would seem that it's a flaw with the model.

 

I have a 2018 limited pacifica, also experiencing the same problem. VIN is removed by moderator. Can I also be signed up for the starcase? Thanks!

 

Print paperwork from the forum (see post 81 for my Starcase number in case it helps) to take with you to the dealer when you are going to get it worked on. The dealer can then use that information to get the repair done and hopefully not tell you "that's normal". If the dealer has a difficult time accomplishing a repair then it might help to get Chrysler involved by personal messaging @ChryslerCares or by calling an FCA phone number.

 

I have the same oder issues with my 2018 hybrid limited (purchased it new in September 2019). I only put ~5000 miles on it. The dealer says I have to pay $150 for this service. I have called Chrysler customer care and they say it is a maintenance item and my car does not qualify as I purchased it 13 months ago. I have sent a private message to @ChryslerCares yesterday but I did not hear from them yet. I do not want to pay $150 every 5k miles. Any suggestions on what to do?

 

DIY for <$28 and some time. Started smelling a vinegar odor in our Minivan after 1.5 years of usage. We live in a dry climate, so it had not been a big deal. But - I knew I needed to do something. The odor would show up whenever we used the defroster or A/C, which means it is due to moisture / bacteria contamination at the condenser coils. THIS is my DIY instructions: Ordered a new cabin air filter for $24, removed the old cabin air filter, with the cabin air recirculating I sprayed generic Lysol into the chamber where the cabin air filter goes. I did this outside and made sure I did not breath the Lysol. I did this with 3 blasts of 5 seconds each. I ran the air for 5 minutes to "air" out the system with the car windows open. I was in Recirculate mode while spraying the Lysol and then fresh air mode to air it out. Then I installed the new cabin filter. The cabin air filter is behind the glovebox and is not difficult to get to. Not exactly obvious how to do it, but you can find instructions online for how to do it. The only drawback to the Lysol is the lingering smell I had for a few days. The next time I do this, I am going to spray in rubbing alcohol. This won't have the lingering odor and will evaporate quickly. Neither Alcohol nor Lysol (Quaternary ammonia) will corrode the coils. The advantage of the Lysol is the residual kill of any of the odor causing bacteria. Alcohol will have an initial kill, but no residual to kill the bacteria later....but hopefully without the lingering odor from the Lysol. [By the way, I don't know where the coils are exactly. I did not need to know. I let the air handler take the Lysol to the coils.........] After 3 months the van has no lingering odors. I am curious when it will return....... I saw in another post to use Ozium: that is a good choice also and would not leave a lingering odor.