A few times a week when we try to start our Pacifica after pushing the start button, it doesn't start and we get a Service the Shifter message. Anyone else have the problem and or a solution. The car eventually does start but this is a great inconvenience and disappointment having just leased a brand new vehicle!
Car Doesn't Start get shifter error message
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Jim
We rented one of these cars last week - bran new with 5500 miles. It is like a computer with wheels and seats. We experienced the same problem but it didn't clear by itself. Chain of events over a two day period. (not sure if any of these are related to the root problem)
Day 1.
- Several times we lost pairing of the cell phone.
- Parking brake set with not such indication. Had to press the parking brake button to apply and release the brake.
Day 2, Same problems as on day 1 with the added problems
- Could not start. It would click and the dials would rotate as though it had started, but no attempt to crank the engine. Then the display would go to "Service Shifter" message.
- Could not release the parking brake - maybe normal if the engine doesn't start
- Could not roll up the windows
- power slider doors had to operate manually
- car towed to the rental yard with front wheels in the air (shifter was in Park) and the rear wheels on dollies (could not release the parking brake)
[Battery was tested good before the tow. We left the car in the rental yard and exchanged for another minivan. We have not had any problems with this one, but I notice it also displays the "Service Shifter" message.:smile2:
We rented one of these cars last week - bran new with 5500 miles. It is like a computer with wheels and seats. We experienced the same problem but it didn't clear by itself. Chain of events over a two day period. (not sure if any of these are related to the root problem)
Day 1.
- Several times we lost pairing of the cell phone.
- Parking brake set with not such indication. Had to press the parking brake button to apply and release the brake.
Day 2, Same problems as on day 1 with the added problems
- Could not start. It would click and the dials would rotate as though it had started, but no attempt to crank the engine. Then the display would go to "Service Shifter" message.
- Could not release the parking brake - maybe normal if the engine doesn't start
- Could not roll up the windows
- power slider doors had to operate manually
- car towed to the rental yard with front wheels in the air (shifter was in Park) and the rear wheels on dollies (could not release the parking brake)
[Battery was tested good before the tow. We left the car in the rental yard and exchanged for another minivan. We have not had any problems with this one, but I notice it also displays the "Service Shifter" message.:smile2:
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My mechanic says to keep fiddling with it. Chryslers are notorious for non-starts. This no-start goes back to 2010 and probably further. Only a idiot would think that Chrysler does not know about this.
I bought a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica in Feb. of 2017 and when I only had about 3900 miles on it I experienced the non-start (3 times) and "Service Shifter" message. The dealer ran a "Health test" and found nothing. The dealer has to know about this message which could indicate that the computer thinks the car is in gear. As far as I am concerned the dealer did nothing.
I got attention from the dealer when I scorched them in a survey that they sent me about how I liked their service. They have not sent me any more surveys to date (06-24-2017)
Jack in Silver Spring, Maryland
I bought a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica in Feb. of 2017 and when I only had about 3900 miles on it I experienced the non-start (3 times) and "Service Shifter" message. The dealer ran a "Health test" and found nothing. The dealer has to know about this message which could indicate that the computer thinks the car is in gear. As far as I am concerned the dealer did nothing.
I got attention from the dealer when I scorched them in a survey that they sent me about how I liked their service. They have not sent me any more surveys to date (06-24-2017)
Jack in Silver Spring, Maryland
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Just returned from a 2500 mile trip on Friday, and yesterday washed the car and went to put it back in the garage, and experienced the same issue. Vehicle would not start, and "Service Shifter" message appeared. Had road service out, they did not have the proper equipment to tow vehicle, so he tried a jump start which got the vehicle started. I immediately drove to the closest Chrysler dealership (Service Engine Light was on) to drop it off (after hours). The vehicle died just as I got there, so there it sits and I'm sitting home without a vehicle waiting for tomorrow (Monday) to hear what they find. Bummed.
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Hi CentralFla,
Sorry to hear about this! Please don't hesitate to PM our page with your VIN for further assistance if needed.
Andrea
Chrysler Social Care Specialist
Just curious, you said you washed the Pacifica, was that at a car wash with the underbody spray?
TomR00
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No TomR00, just washed it in the driveway with a hose. However coming home on Friday, once we hit the Florida State line we went through a torrential rain storm. I did detect a hint of the problem at the hotel in Georgia Thursday evening. I stepped on the brake and pressed the ignition button and the car hiccuped, didn't give it much thought as I thought maybe I hadn't properly depressed the brake pedal. In hind sight I'm EXTREMELY THANKFUL that it didn't fail us in Ga., 600 miles from home.
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Thank you Andrea, it really is comforting to have a liaison person to turn too in these situations. I called the dealership about an hour ago, and they said they were working on it, so I'm hopeful I'll hear something soon. I'll post with the final outcome.
John
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Update on my situation, the dealership called late yesterday afternoon, and apologized for the delay in getting my car repaired. The bottom line is that it needed a new battery. So this morning I called them and they sent the courtesy shuttle to pick me up. I picked up the car and so far all is well, however I'm keeping my fingers crossed that was all that was wrong. Again thanks to Andrea with ChryslerCares for taking an interest in my situation, as well as many others on this site.
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I had this same 'Service Shifter' error when I was coming home from grocery store and tried to start the van. I have the Limited and with a little over 4000 miles on it. There were also some other errors when I scrolled through them. Unfortunately, it took about an hour to get a ride and some of my groceries had to be thrown out.
Road Side Assistance tried to jump it but no change. Could not do anything. Engine does not start and shifter knob would not rotate. Initial tower couldn't tow due to brake being engaged so another tow person came out to tow it.
I guess I have become too spoiled with expecting new cars to just work within the first year. Van has been at a dealer since day before yesterday. Waiting to hear diagnosis.
Road Side Assistance tried to jump it but no change. Could not do anything. Engine does not start and shifter knob would not rotate. Initial tower couldn't tow due to brake being engaged so another tow person came out to tow it.
I guess I have become too spoiled with expecting new cars to just work within the first year. Van has been at a dealer since day before yesterday. Waiting to hear diagnosis.
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Hi sergior,
Sorry to hear about this. Please don't hesitate to send us a PM with any questions or concerns that may arise during your appointment, we're happy to assist if needed!
Andrea
Jeep Social Care Specialist
Shifter problems too
We also have experienced the parking brake inconsistency too. And yes, in the shop for that again too (several visits with no fix for that one to date).
We have had the same issue, and after several trips to the dealer, and us having to take a photo of the error message they finally believed us and replaced the shifter. Frustrating that it took several visits, but we're right now on our 3rd or 4th for the transmission with still no replacement, so that's nothing I suppose.
We also have experienced the parking brake inconsistency too. And yes, in the shop for that again too (several visits with no fix for that one to date).
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Sorry to bump an old thread. My 17 Pacifica with 38k miles at dealer right now for same issue. Car would not start.
Brake does not depress and when you try and start, the dash lights up like a Christmas tree with very inconsistent messages. Dealer recharged batteries yesterday and car started for a moment but then shut off. Specialist coming today. More to follow.
Brake does not depress and when you try and start, the dash lights up like a Christmas tree with very inconsistent messages. Dealer recharged batteries yesterday and car started for a moment but then shut off. Specialist coming today. More to follow.
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Hey missinglink407,
Sorry to hear of the trouble you’re currently experiencing with your Pacifica. If you would like an additional layer of assistance as you work with your dealer, please feel free to send us a private message. We’re always happy to help!
Mark
Chrysler Social Care Specialist
Were batteries checked before trying to recharge? If you have the original batteries, one or both probably needs replaced. My first battery tested bad at 28,000 miles since codes showed up when something else was being done. The replacement only lasted 4 months and had similar symptoms as yours. Dead battery was able to be jumped but was replaced by the dealer after testing.
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Yes have a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. Nothing but problems, starting with the camshaft. Also plenty of hard shifting and now shifter assembly warning light message comes on. This happens multiple times a week , over the past month. My wife and kids had to walk 2 miles, because car would not start. I recently took it to the dealer and said not covered. I am pissed and going to have to pay 300.00 dollars, to put new shifter assembly in. When does the nightmare end, spend more for a Honda or Toyota. I hate this car. Marc Myrtle Beach
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Hi [email protected],
We're truly sorry to hear about the trouble you've had with your Pacifica. Are you still experiencing these concerns? We'd be happy to connect you with a Case Specialist to assist in addressing these concerns. Please send us a private message at your earliest convenience.
Lydia
Chrysler Social Care Specialist
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