[mark_pdx]

Looks like our 2021 PacHy Limited is among the affected. Sounds like a "workaround", not a fix of the original defect, but still worthwhile if it reduces the likelihood of an abrupt loss of motive power. You'd still be stranded, but at least you had time to pull over. Few drivers would react appropriately promptly to the new message, so an education campaign for is needed, as in, "when you see this message, don't ignore it, pull over -- you have NNN seconds before the engine will quit." Overall, a lame and disappointing response. They should be pre-emptively replacing or repairing these transmissions at the owner's convenience.

 

[mark_pdx]

This remedy fixes the safety issue of a sudden shutdown, which then allows FCA to replace these transaxles like any other part that breaks.

Thank you for the great information in this thread! Knowing what's happening makes me feel better. I see how Chrysler might argue that the software change prevents the sudden stall at speed, and mitigates the accident risk. But for ourselves and our families on the road, having a cellphone, flares/lights, and other breakdown safety gear in our PacHy's seems a wise precaution.

Since the software change allows the van to keep running for a short time, I wonder why it can't be programmed to allow a "limp home" mode for a longer time? I've heard some transmissions in other cars provide that. It's not a question of preventing further damage to the transmission, since it's going to get pulled out anyway.

 

[mark_pdx]

Extremely valuable information, @FiddlerTheDrum! I believe this proves the software update only "softens" the failure so you get 30 seconds warning. You still end up stranded, but hopefully not rear-ended.

I think the correct response from Chrysler is obvious:
1. ANY PacHy owner that has experienced the shutdown-at-speed, even once, needs a transmission replacement. A defect has been proven in that vehicle.
2. Every other PacHy owner that hasn't experienced the shutdown needs the software update as a stopgap measure. They may or may not experience the failure, but if they do -- even once -- the transmission should be replaced.

 

[mark_pdx]

My appointment for the 03A recall repair was for tomorrow morning. I expected to sit in the waiting room while they updated the software. Today, I was told that I had to drop the car off and pick it up the next day. I am unable to do that.

So, I called another dealer who told me they would not be able to do the repair until the weather is consistently above 50ºF. And the repair takes 5-7 hours. He further explained that the reason the weather is important is because the battery has to remain above a certain constant temperature, or the upgrade will fail. If it fails, the vehicle becomes disabled. He said they have one that has been waiting over a month to get back operational because of such failure. He said they had one other customer, like me, waiting on the weather. Which will be mid-May probably (in Denver).

He, also, didn't seem concerned about the recall warning of "an unexpected shutdown that can cause a vehicle crash." He told me not to worry about it.

So, now, I am even more confused than I was before.

The "other dealer" is talking about the Z11 recall -- a remedy for rare battery fires in 2017-2018 PacHy's. The 03A recall for "loss of motive power" is just a software update and has no ambient temperature requirements. In fact, evidence to date (several posts on this forum) is that 03A doesn't prevent the sudden loss of motive power anyway, so I'd wait until Chrysler realizes or admits that.

 

[mark_pdx]

Do you have a source you can cite to confirm your statement?

Sources:

Read about the Z11 recall (vehicle fire when parked) here: Safety Recall Z11 - HV Battery - 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)

In the Z11 recall procedure you'll find this paragraph: NOTE: High voltage battery pack must maintain not less than (50°F)(10°C) temperature environment during testing and wiTECH routine, failure to maintain the temperature may cause repeat testing. That's where that requirement for warm ambient temperature comes from.

Read about the 03A recall (unexpected engine shutdown) is here: 03A Unexpected Engine Shutdown From Electrical Short - 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

If your VIN is due for BOTH recalls, then I could understand the dealer telling you they need to do Z11 first, and that requires the warm temperature. But if you only need 03A, then either the service writer is ill-informed, or you're being gaslit. If you read the Z11 recall you'll see it's complex and time-consuming; from what I've read here, Chrysler under-reimburses the dealer for the labor, and that could be the underlying story.