[bboe]

Hi,

I saw some news this morning about a possible recall on the PHEV Pacifica and was wondering if there is any official FCA word on this issue, as I've only been able to find information through various news sources.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid recalled because minivan could catch fire

The 12-volt battery connection could spark a fire, if there are signs of corrosion.

www.cnet.com

Chysler Pacifica hybrid minivans recalled due to battery problem - Autoblog

Chrysler is recalling some 27k Pacifica hybrid minivans built from 2017 to 2020 due to a potential fire risk. The non-hybrid version is not affected.

www.autoblog.com

Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans recalled due to fire risk

Chrysler Pacifica plug-in-hybrid minivans are being recalled because the connection to the vehicles' 12-volt battery may pose a fire risk. The regular gas-engine Pacifica is not part of the recall. The issue is with the minivans' standard 12-volt battery that powers the vehicles' accessories

news.yahoo.com

How can I check to see if this is an issue I should worry about? I definitely do not want my car, or garage to catch fire.

Thanks!

 

[UFNavy06]

I saw it too. And I was actually at the dealership this morning for another reason. They didn't say a word to me about it.

 

[peterweb]

How can I check to see if this is an issue I should worry about? I definitely do not want my car, or garage to catch fire.

From the second article you linked to....

Starting June 16, Pacifica hybrid owners can enter their VIN number at the following websites to see if their vehicle is among those being recalled: recalls.mopar.com or, in Canada, recalls.mopar.ca. Chrysler also will be contacting owners of affected vehicles by mail.

 

[bboe]

From the second article you linked to....

Yes, that's 6 days away. What I'm wondering, is how can I check now? What specifically should I look for on the battery?

 

[peterweb]

From the first link....

If a technician finds no evidence of corrosion, they'll simply tighten the connection and send owners on their way.

So it sounds like it might be as simple checking and cleaning the battery terminal connections on the 12V battery.

 

[bboe]

The car has 2 12V batteries right? One in the front, and one in the rear?

Also, I'm curious what the 12V batteries have to do with this statement:

They're also asked not to carry liquids that might spill in the second-row seating area.

Kind of defeats the purpose of getting a minivan for young kids who are prone to spilling things.

 

[Copac]

Yes, that's 6 days away. What I'm wondering, is how can I check now? What specifically should I look for on the battery?

Any sign of corrosion on the battery terminals, and try twisting each terminal lightly, to see if they are tight.

The car has 2 12V batteries right? One in the front, and one in the rear?

Also, I'm curious what the 12V batteries have to do with this statement:

They're also asked not to carry liquids that might spill in the second-row seating area.

Kind of defeats the purpose of getting a minivan for young kids who are prone to spilling things.

All I have seen, is the one in the panel at the back. The other battery is the main one under the second row seats. I Take it there is ways for spilled liquids to get to the main battery. This would be a seperate issue from the 12V battery issue. I am trying to get a parts manual, to try to understand why they made that statement. I can see if a gallon of milk spilled, but a cup of soda should not. I dunno, I'll see what my sources can dig up.

 

[Voltdriver&PacHylurker]

The car has 2 12V batteries right? One in the front, and one in the rear?

Also, I'm curious what the 12V batteries have to do with this statement:



Kind of defeats the purpose of getting a minivan for young kids who are prone to spilling things.

No, hybrid has only one in the rear, although there are booster terminals under the hood in the front.

 

[triggerhappy007]

Here's another article with the press release:

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/chrysler-pacifica-hybrid-minivans-tend-to-catch-fire-be-careful-where-you-park-144684.html

 

[Voltdriver&PacHylurker]

Any sign of corrosion on the battery terminals, and try twisting each terminal lightly, to see if they are tight.


All I have seen, is the one in the panel at the back. The other battery is the main one under the second row seats. I Take it there is ways for spilled liquids to get to the main battery. This would be a seperate issue from the 12V battery issue. I am trying to get a parts manual, to try to understand why they made that statement. I can see if a gallon of milk spilled, but a cup of soda should not. I dunno, I'll see what my sources can dig up.

Kind of defeats the purpose of getting a minivan for young kids who are prone to spilling things.

They make gaskets for this sort of thing, does this imply that Chrysler did not gasket the battery well??
Kids, plus sippy cups plus no gasket equals danger?? Somebody please check the parts blow ups for how that battery well for the traction battery is lidded. Inquiring mind here wants to know.....

 

[bboe]

All I have seen, is the one in the panel at the back.

I was looking at this document, but as Voltdriver&PacHylurker indicated, the front appears to just be "booster terminals" (I haven't actually opened anything up in the car yet).

No, hybrid has only one in the rear, although there are booster terminals under the hood in the front.

 

[Copac]

This thread has some good pics of the 12V battery compartment.

Using Pacifica for backup house power

Introduction: There have been a few discussions about using a vehicle for backup house power. I have been using my 2004 Sienna for this purpose and decided to upgrade my system for use with my new Pacifica. My previous system had a few drawbacks, described below. This spring's 4 northeasters...

www.pacificaforums.com

They make gaskets for this sort of thing, does this imply that Chrysler did not gasket the battery well??
Kids, plus sippy cups plus no gasket equals danger?? Somebody please check the parts blow ups for how that battery well for the traction battery is lidded. Inquiring mind here wants to know.....

I agree. Each cell is sealed, so the most small amounts of liquids will do, is cause a drain on the battery. Large amounts of liquids can possibly cause too much of a draw, which can be bad.

 

[Voltdriver&PacHylurker]

Question to be answered: Which end of the battery cable? Battery end or charger end? The battery end is easier to inspect, the other end is probably hidden from prying eyes until you get a manual page up.

 

[Copac]

Generally yoiu only get ciorrosion at the battery terminals. Bad connections other places will generally just cause heat & melting cables. Si since they mention corrosion, I would place my money on the battery connections. They are not great terminals for lots of current, so I would like to know how much juice gets sucked out, and replaced in normal use. When I get time, I want to open the compartment, and attach an ammeter, and go for a good drive.

 

[Lateral G]

There's more to this than FCA is letting on. From the articles posted above: "In the meantime, Pacifica hybrid owners are advised not to park their vehicle inside a garage, building, or other structure, or near other vehicles. They're also asked not to carry liquids that might spill in the second-row seating area."

AFAIK, the only battery under the second-row seating area is the main hybrid battery. What else is going on here?

 

[Copac]

It is rare to see lithium batteries corrode, so I am taking this as two different issues.

 

[sacadura]

Isn't the 12 volt connected to the main hybrid battery? Perhaps that is the connection they are referring to.

 

[Copac]

Through a power converter, so it would tap into the main connection to the hybrid battery. Also, any heat or fire issue near the lithium battery would be more then just a park out side until we can look at it issue. They would be calling, and asking us to come in asap.

 

[AZBean]

The connection that Chrysler is referring to is NOT the clamp-on connectors on the 12 volt battery itself. And there is only one 12 volt battery on the hybrid (there are two on the gas version).

I believe that the 12 volt connection they are worried about is on the Accessory Power Module (APM). This is located below the floor, under the driver's seat. As the attached description shows, this power module is responsible for charging the 12 volt battery and can generate a max of 180 amps. 180 amps or even half that, running through a loose and/or corroded connector would definitely generate enough heat to start a fire.

 

[Voltdriver&PacHylurker]

On behalf of all of us THANKS!!!