[Apix]

Hi! I've owned my 2017 Pacifica for a year now and have fallen in love with it. I've searched these forums a few times over the last year and finally decided to create an account!

I was just driving home from work, nothing crazy, and my van decided to start shaking during acceleration. Imagine driving down a gravel road, or even a tire (or two) being flat. That nice scary shaking feeling. The engine light popped on along with the ding sound. Anxiety kicked in and I pulled over. There was some strange burning smell, no tires were low, nothing was leaking, nothing on fire under the hood (lol) but there's something definitely wrong.

I was able to go 20 mph down the highway I live on, to make it home. But each time my foot barely hit the gas pedal, the shaking and sputtering would begin. Braking seemed to be ok. And there's usually that jerky lurch when my husband or myself swaps who's driving the van.. but this is constant.

The vitals all seem fine on the screen, but I don't have access to one of those plug-in diagnostic reader's since I'm now stranded at home.

Any ideas? Thanks van fam!

She's a 2017 Limited (gas). The side stickers don't have a date as to when she was made, and no VIN search can tell me the exact date either.

 

[CANADAHYBRIDGUY]

Well shaking could be a motor mount , bad tires , bad steering shaft . Front end suspension component , sensor gone bad . Have tried pulling battery re setting and seeing what happens . 2017 I’m assuming you have unlimited warranty for powertrain as that ended sometime early 18’i remember

 

[6Gen]

Check engine light indicates it is not likely wheel/steering/suspension related - but perhaps an engine misfire, or transmission error. Get the code read to find out what tripped the service light.

 

[Werd]

Check engine light coming on most likely means a misfire to cause that type of shaking. It could be caused by a failed sensor or something else along those lines. Was the burning smell sweetish? I hate to say it, but it could be a failing headgasket.

 

[PacificaMinivanFan]

Hi Apix. Thanks for registering with the forum. How many miles on your '17? As other's have noted, this sounds very much like a classic spark plug misfire in one or more cylinders. Perhaps the best thing to do is to get it in to a dealer or other servicing garage that can read the diagnostic codes.

The burning smell is concerning. There are numerous reports of head gasket failures on this forum. Have you checked the level of coolant? And what color is it as it stands in the reservoir? If it needs to be brought up to the "min" level, be sure to use the correct stuff. You can be sure if you buy it from a Chrysler dealer.

There are a couple of spots on the driver's door label to find the build date. In the upper left corner is the month and year; in the lower right is the month, day and hour.

Good luck in getting the issue resolved. Perhaps you could report back with the findings.

 

[Kwaping]

+1 to what others have said. Maybe also it could be a clogged fuel filter? But I don't think that would explain the smell.

Best of luck!! Please report back later.

 

[ThisSuckersElectrical]

The side stickers don't have a date as to when she was made, and no VIN search can tell me the exact date either.

All door stickers have a date code.

What are the DTCs? Misfire cylinder 1, 3, or 5? If so, better prepare for expensive repairs and a hydro-locked engine after you let it sit parked.

 

[Apix]

Thanks so much for all the responses! I love there's a community who helps out those like myself, in my dream minivan lol.

I got my hands on a diagnostic reader and the code that popped up was P0306 a misfire on a cylinder. I know the very basics on vehicles (dad taught me more about boat engines than automobile engines haha) so could this be a garage fix I could follow along on YouTube?

Also, the milage is 104,092 and the build date is.. ****, I still can't read the stickers. I'll try and attach them because I would genuinely like to know the build date hahaha

 

[Apix]

Please show my ignorant self where the build date is. I'm a hairstylist, so I'm horrible with numbers and clearly vehicles lol

 

[ThisSuckersElectrical]

Please show my ignorant self where the build date is. I'm a hairstylist, so I'm horrible with numbers and clearly vehicles lol View attachment 52171
View attachment 52173
View attachment 52174
View attachment 52172

6 you might be lucky and only need a coil pack replacement, boot, or a spark plug. Had it been 1, 3, or 5, the story might be different.

Is there not a sticker on the edge of the door?

 

[PacificaMinivanFan]

Yes, the sticker in question is on the edge of the door itself, just below the latch.

 

[Werd]

Yes, the sticker in question is on the edge of the door itself, just below the latch.

Just put your VIN after the = in a browser to get the window sticker: https://www.chrysler.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=

And like @ThisSuckersElectrical said, Cylinder 6 is not typically indicator of head gasket failure since it is on the front bank. You very well may just need a coil pack or plug.

 

[ChryslerCares]

Greetings, @Apix!

We regret to hear about this occurring and are here to offer our assistance alongside your dealer! Please send our team a private message if interested.

Hannah
Chrysler Cares

 

[PacificaMinivanFan]

Just put your VIN after the = in a browser to get the window sticker: https://www.chrysler.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=

And like @PacificaMinivanFan said, Cylinder 6 is not typically indicator of head gasket failure since it is on the front bank. You very well may just need a coil pack or plug.

Giving credit where credit is due, I believe it was @ThisSuckersElectrical who diagnosed cylinder 6. This member is nowhere near as well versed in technical engine issues as @TSE!

 

[Werd]

Giving credit where credit is due, I believe it was @ThisSuckersElectrical who diagnosed cylinder 6. This member is nowhere near as well versed in technical engine issues as @TSE!

Right you are. Oops. Fixed.