2017 Chrysler Pacifica: start-stop system problems

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

safety complaint regarding a severe CAN bus communication failure in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (gas model, base trim, no Engine Stop-Start) resulting in a sudden loss of transmission control while driving. The defect manifests as an intermittent loss of communication between the Electronic Shifter Module (ESM) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Without warning, the rotary shifter (PRNDL) indicator lights go dark and a "Service Shifter" message appears. This triggers a cascade of safety system failures, disabling Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot Alerts. Most critically, the loss of network data causes the vehicle to enter "limp mode," locking the transmission in its current gear and refusing to upshift or downshift, creating a severe crash hazard in active traffic. The root cause is a physical hardware defect in the CAN-C Star Connector junction block (Part No. 68321746AA) located behind the passenger-side glovebox. The pin receptacles inside this distribution block degrade and lose tension, allowing data wires to vibrate loose. Striking the passenger-side dashboard physically reseats the pins, instantly restoring network communication, shifter lights, and transmission function. Dealerships are misdiagnosing this defect by following factory diagnostic trees that mandate replacing the functional Electronic Shifter Module (an ineffective $1,400 repair) instead of addressing the faulty Star Connector. My vehicle has been at the Chrysler dealership since initial diagnosis with no resolution, as the dealer refuses to repair the known wiring defect without first replacing the functional shifter. The sudden loss of transmission control and active safety systems due to this faulty communication block is an extreme safety hazard. Chrysler must issue a mandatory recall to replace these degraded Star Connectors.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Steering · 123,630 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel would stick when turned approximately to the one o'clock position, requiring to be jerked to operate as intended. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, the auto start-stop warning light illuminated, and the check engine warning light would intermittently flash on and off. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 123,630.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IN

The auto start/stop malfunctioned and then the engine sounded like it was going to die. It is available to look at. I thought it was going to stop in the middle of the road. Unknown Unknown The auto start stop light came on and said it was unavailable. They just first appeared today. And the engine light is on.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · FL

After purchasing a used 2017 Chrysler Pacifica from Massey Cadillac of Orlando, a warning light appeared during the initial drive indicating a malfunction in the Auto Start/Stop system (capital letter “A” inside a circle with an exclamation point). The system was disabled and indicated service was required. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Chrysler dealership, which confirmed that the auxiliary ESS (Engine Stop/Start) battery was missing, not failed. Installation of the auxiliary battery and associated mounting hardware was required, indicating the component was not present in the vehicle at the time of inspection. The auxiliary ESS battery is part of a safety-related system. The servicing dealership advised that operating the vehicle without this battery can result in intermittent loss of power steering assist and potential loss of motive power without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. The condition was confirmed by an authorized dealer and is available for inspection upon request. The warning indicator appeared immediately upon operation of the vehicle following purchase. No collision occurred, but vehicle occupants, including children, were placed at risk due to the missing safety component.

Filed Oct 23, 2025 · Electrical · NC

Despite repairing multiple things on the vehicle, the automatic engine start/stop continues to malfunction.

Filed Jun 1, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · PA

On Thursday May 30th was the first incident of the vehicle shutting down we were able to start it back up almost immediately within seconds on the 2nd occasion I was on a street with cars behind me going down to make a turn the stop start did not engage but we were still a ways away from the stoplight and suddenly the engine stopped no signs other than just stopping I could not start it back up I look down there was no indication of any issue other than a stalling so put it in part turned it off turn it back on no start try it again didn't work could not turn it over to neutral to get off the road police came while I had somebody disconnect battery and reconnect it to try to get it started again there was no less battery power on the engine it took 15 minutes or more to get it started once able to get started we brought it back home it was Sunday the 1st of June 2025 so there were no mechanics available still unknown as to what caused the malfunction no indicator lights other than during the issue with a lightning bolt and during the outage the check engine light was on no lights currently on. The Danger was to myself and two children in the vehicle and too many other vehicles behind me that could have crashed into me or cause incident being in the road working on the vehicle having to go around us waiting for green lights or a miss trying to get around us and avoid other traffic

Filed Aug 24, 2024 · AR

Auto start/stop need service and then vehicle will mention stop safely vehicle will turn off. I then will lose power to my vehicle

Filed Jul 18, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · FL

I purchased my 2017 in 2023. Within a few months, problems began. When we brought the van back to the Chrysler dealer to have it checked with their OBD2 code reader, multiple codes pulled up… First thing “needing” to be replaced was the hood sensor because the display said the hood was open (even though I was simply stopped at a red light). The auto start/stop light was also coming on and staying on. The dealer said that would go away after replacing the sensor. That repair was done (I believe) in April of 2024 at the Chrysler dealer (and the auto start/stop light came back on a week later, both batteries testing fine independently of one another). Next thing “needing” to be replaced was the accelerator pedal module because my van would start shaking, not accelerate, and go into (what I now know is) limp mode with all warning lights displaying on almost every right hand turn. This absolutely puts my safety and the safety of my four children at risk when it suddenly decides to not accelerate!! That repair was done in June 2024 at the Chrysler dealer. Next thing to happen is the check engine light illuminating. We checked the coolant and it was almost empty! This should NOT be happening! We filled with coolant, but have to do this every few days now. The check engine light has come back on and is still producing many codes, the worst of which is p0303. This code has pulled up every single time we’ve had the van scanned at the dealer. The dealer has had my vehicle on MULTIPLE occasions for MULTIPLE days each time and NEVER ONCE told me the severity of this problem. Their words: We just go down the list, starting at the top. P0303 was not at the top, and now I have to pay the price for their incompetency! My van would not start and had to be towed to the dealer yesterday, 7.17.2024. I’m waiting to hear from them, but I can guarantee this is a head gasket/engine failure issue. Who can afford to just replace an engine?! This is infuriating and beyond frustrating!!

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CO

Continue issue with stop/start system failure that drains batteries to the point of total power loss, even at high rate of speed. An audible ticking sound, engine misfires resulting in bucking and surging, decreased engine performance, hesitation, loss of power. Start/stop system has been investigated by dealership multiple times. Power loss and engine misfire were reported as the result of the start/stop system failure. However it has been a reoccurring problem with continued worsening symptoms. The safety of myself, my passengers and other travelers is at risk due to the unexpected bucking, surging, hesitation and power loss that occurs during traveling. Problem has not been reproduced at service center as it has been “solved” by replacing batteries and not investing further. Vehicle has been inspected by qualified mechanics. Warning lamps have recently alerted but the problem of engine bucking, power loss, surging, hesitancy have preceded the warning lamp. It has been at least 8 months of engine concerns and 2 years of power concerns that were reported to dealership and only 1 month of the warning light indicating a problem.

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · WI

Blown head gasket 2017 chrysler pacifica 82000 miles. Spark plugs replaced. All are black with heavy carbon buildup. Check engine light went on as did the engine stop start warning. Code read cylinder 5 misfire. Many people have had the same issue. Check out following thread. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 25, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · AZ

The electrical interface components stopped working spontaneously; the speedometer and RPM gauge dropped to zero, the windshield wipers turned on, and all of the "check engine" type warning lights lit up on the dash (check engine, seatbelt, airbag, battery, etc). The warning messages started popping up one after another on the dash, for example, "Service Trans Stop Safely Shut Off Engine to Engage Park," "Stop/Start Not Ready Due to Outside Temperature," "Park Brake Temporarily Unavailable" etc. I tried to put the car in Park, but the round shift knob locked in Neutral. I could not turn off the engine with the ignition button (keyless ignition). There was no way to turn off the engine without opening the hood and disconnecting something manually. Everything spontaneously went back to normal for about 15 minutes, then it happened again and has not gone back to normal since. The photos I am attaching were taken during the first incident, during the second incident, and in between the two incidents when the electrical was working again.

Filed Nov 28, 2022 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lunged forward, nearly causing a collision with the Pull Over message displayed and the Auto Start/Stop warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer determined that the transmission was faulty and replaced the electrical and main batteries; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000. The contact stated that there was no guarantee that the dealership was going to fix all of the issues. The vehicle has since been sold and traded in.