Improve Chrysler Pacifica Rough Idle 3.6L Pentastar V6

I show you how to clean the throttle body and air intake temperature sensor on a 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 Chrysler PACIFICA.
Cleaning a dirty throttle body and air intake temperature sensor will optimize the engines air/fuel ratio and smooth a rough idle and improve efficiency (mpg).

[@Hemidakota]

As an engineer, I am impressed by your resilience in finding a solution.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Thank you.

[@matthewbrown2266]

I wish I could show you the before and after images on mine! This made my rough idle go away on my 2017 with 114,000 miles. This was the first real “issue” I’ve had with it. Thanks for the video!

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Nice work! Thanks for taking the time to check in and share.

[@TheSouthpawSharpshooter]

You’ve been my go-to guy for Pacifica maintenance and repairs. Thank you, sir!

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Glad to help. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@mattahorn]

Just followed these instructions on my 2018 with ~70k miles. After I finished turned the ignition and the car stalled out...(kind of gave me a mini stroke...OMG what have I done??). Gave it a few moments and tried again and BOOM, rough idle was gone and engine was purring at about 1000 rpms instead of rough/bumpy 600-750rpm. Thank you so much!

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Great job! Yes, the build up of cleaner can make the engine stall if it hasn’t evaporated completely.

[@davidhowell2100]

This happened to me as well. Was looking all over to figure out if I needed to initiate a relearn procedure, but another couple tries and it cleared up.

[@altimaguy03ify]

Great video, mine is doing this now and has been for quite some time I'm at 45k miles 2018. I want to clean the sensor but I'm afraid it will stall and not turn back on???

[@mikegoodwin2647]

Great information and superb explanation of how to do these things. I can't imagine any Pacifica owner who would not appreciate the quality and help from these videos. I would also like to second the comment about maybe doing one about the spark plugs! Thanks again.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Thanks for the positive comments! I already have the spark plug video done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4WTo3aam9OYpJY

[@mattb5219]

I just wanted to say you rock! Just got a Pacifica last week and you helped me diagnose and repair this issue, the Oil Filter cooler adapter issue(found out I had a leak, luckily covered by my CPO), and rough shift trans and you helped reset that system to mitigate that issue. You’ve got a new fan and subscriber! Thanks

[@TheLawnEngineer]

I'm glad my videos could help you out! Thanks for taking the time to check in.

[@Mike_44]

We just bought our very first ever used ‘19 Pacifica with 35k miles. I come from the world of Subaru, Honda & Toyota, but have always liked the Pacifica. I’m noticing a slight/subtle vibration at idle. Glad to know there are videos like yours for this car. Many thanks for this video!

[@TheLawnEngineer]

You're welcome!

[@peterlachica3756]

been watching your video so many times. you know what! I just hit the Like button. transmission & Oil Change done! this is my second oil changed done.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Awesome, thanks for hitting that like button and checking in. I'm glad I could help in a small way, doesn't it feel good to perform your own maintenance?

[@chengtang4878]

Very useful carbon removal tutorial used on my 2020 chrysler voyager and now the cleaned engine runs very smooth. Love your show so much! thank you ！

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Great to hear! I'm glad you are finding value in my videos, thanks for checking in.

[@michelleellingson8130]

you have validated my obsessions with all of the little noises and clunkings door closings what have you!! thank you. bless you man, i’m going to share your channel far and wide

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Thank you very much for the kind feedback; I appreciate the promotion too.

[@seatime674]

@@TheLawnEngineer On the new Pacificas do you know if they are GDI direct injection engines? I know they have a lot of carbon build up on the valve issues

[@TheLawnEngineer]

@@seatime674 They still have port injection. Chrysler was either smart of lucky for not going to direct injection. In general, most all manufacturers has added port injection back. You are correct, direct only causes major carbon issues on the intake valves.

[@VincentFerrara-ks2gc]

Very knowledgeable gentlemen explained it all perfectly and I did what he requested and it fixed my low idle vibration Ty 😊

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@bsanks5346]

Thank You! Just finding this and repeated your procedure, have had rough idle since 30k to now @ 95k. Asked the dealer to check the rough idle twice under warranty and they said - no issue found, then tried to sell me $900 fuel injection and intake cleaning service at the next 5 subsequent oil changes ( hey they offer me cheap oil changes to try to sell me nonsense). Couple comments - it instantly runs smoother. No loping, no chugging at start, no misfiring like grumble at shut down. - If you actually take the throttle assembly to clean all of it off please post, it seems like 4 bolts to remove but not sure how if it has a gasket or would re-seal ok. Opening the plate and pushing rags past that kept returning lots of grime so its not great in there. - I just inspected the intake air temp sensor and wrapped it up in a rag. Not touching it. Have had bad experiences cleaning sensors and their fragile wiring and connectors - I was gentle, not enough though, on air box/plenum removal and shattered the rear ball and socket plastic piece. I wedged it back and it is solid but FYI to others caution - I hate broken fasteners. - With the engine cover off good time to degrease and spray off to get the nooks and crannies - my OCD time.😬 Thank you again.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

You’re welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your experience and feedback.

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

Outstanding Information! Like and subscribed! Great speaking ability too. Keep up the good work helping us with our Pacifica. We are just at 60K and this is such a beautiful vehicle. The transmission research is Just Outstanding! Thanks again!

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice comment.

[@LynxStarAuto]

Honestly, what fixed your issue was the throttle body cleaning. That's what directly correlates to rough idle, because there is no idle air control valve anymore in throttle by wire systems. IAT is directly related to ignition timing, and has no effect on the fuel system. If the air is too hot, you can get pinging and pre-ignition. The computer uses this reading to dial back the timing if necessary. The MAP sensor is the key player in managing air fuel ratio on a car without a MAF. That's the one you needed to focus on. That one can become contaminated with blow by gases as it goes plugged directly into the intake manifold. It tells the computer how much air the engine is gulping. Every single fuel injected system uses an oxygen sensor or A/F ratio sensor on these engines. That's suspect numero uno in controlling and adjusting the fuel mix in the engine. The computer has no way to monitor the mechanical process of combustion. So it does the next best thing: it takes a sample of the exhaust stream. The O2 sensor, and the MAP sensor should be your man focal point on an engine with speed density fuel injection like the Pentastar uses. Also specific to the RT platform: turn off Econ mode. It tends to idle rougher and have terrible throttle response because Econ mode lowers engine idle by 200-300 RPM, into the 700's. These engine like to idle in the 900's.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

I agree, thanks for adding all the additional information.

[@ConnorBallin659]

I would recommend taking the throttle body off and cleaning both sides! But this is a great video on how to do all of this yourself.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Great point! That would be an improvement to my process. Thanks for checking in.

[@frankgrammatico3827]

Outstanding video. Clear and concise. Thank you.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

You’re welcome, thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@dladd10]

Great video! i'm going to try this on my 2017 Pacifica. I also need to look to how to replace the PCV as I saw oil on the air filter when I replaced it.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Glad it helped, great idea on the pcv valve.

[@medjoolmaker]

Thanks for making this! 👍👍

[@TheLawnEngineer]

No problem!

[@hugohernandez6968]

Great info! i have 2018 Pacifica and will be doing this over this weekend. I came across your transmission computer reset to help smooth out those jolts and it seems to have worked! ty again. One day when you do something about spark plugs, That would be awesome.i know the back 3 plugs are the easier ones, but the front ones?? wow

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Thanks for checking in👍. I will plan on doing a spark plug video .

[@rebeccajeffers5936]

Can you post the link to the transmission video in the comments?

[@LauroPialaFilho]

Fiz o reset em meu Jeep Compass Diesel com Cambio ZF9 modelo 9hp48 e realmente é perceptível como o cambio ficou mais suave.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Awesome, glad it helped.

[@hoodratsgarage77]

Great video! Explained well and nice and precise with information!

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the nice comment.

[@garyloewen8204]

Wow another great video!! Your video on transmission reset solved my 2017 pacifica shifting issue!!! Now 20,000k later my van is rough idling at startup. It threw a check engine light and Ill check that code first. I was going to add Sea foam to my gas and run that through and see what happens but I know I have to also change my air filter as I checked that a few days ago at my last oil change. Ill see if the sea foam and air filter change help and if not, Ill go on to the rest of your fixes. Is it ok to spray the throttle body cleaning around the intake like that or just spray it on a toothbrush and clean the intake. Just worried the cleaner might damage the engine if it leaks inside?? Anyways, thanks for the great videos as always!! Your knowledge and exlpanations of how components work sure helps alot!!! Ill keep you posted :)

[@TheLawnEngineer]

You’re welcome! I’m glad my videos have helped you out. You are correct that you don’t want a large volume of throttle body cleaner to get into the engine. It does evaporate pretty quickly so you could wait a half hour after cleaning and most of it should be gone, take the throttle body off, or use a brush as you have suggested. Thanks for checking in, happy wrenching.

[@user-xg1lq4ky3e]

Thank you Perfect !!!

[@TheLawnEngineer]

You're welcome!

[@plumpandfabulous4255]

Amazing

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Thank you!

[@ReadySetAutismFamily]

Great video we just hit 130k on our 2017. Transmission is starting to slip when doing a fast uturn or fast sharp turn. It seems like it might be fluid because only happened when gforce from fast turn of direction. What do you think?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

It's possible but g-forces shouldn't have an effect on the transmission unless the fluid level is low. I think it could be something going on with the differential. When you turn sharply the wheel speeds become significantly different which the differential has to accommodate.

[@ReadySetAutismFamily]

@TheLawnEngineer Thanks so much for replying!!! I will research the differential & update you on what it is. I don't think the fluid has ever been changed and it could be low. I had an old 94 Chevy Lumina along time ago that used to do the same thing but it was driven to the junk yard 🤣 Thank You!

[@TheLawnEngineer]

@@ReadySetAutismFamily you’re welcome. The differential is part of the transmission so you were correct but transmission “slipping” is normally referring to the clutch packs for the gears and not the differential. Anyway, still within the same box.

[@DDCaldwellnot1lost]

Thank You

[@TheLawnEngineer]

You’re welcome.

[@medjoolmaker]

that throttle body was gross, you think you can use mass airflow sensor cleaner on there instead of buying another can? or is it not strong enough cleaner for that application?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

I'm not sure the mass airflow sensor cleaner is strong enough to clean the throttle body. If you try it, let me know how it works.

[@TranslucentOrigin]

What 50/50 coolant do you recommend for 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

The purple OAT coolant.

[@bkynaston]

Out of curiosity, why did you not clean behind the throttle plate? If it was dirty in front, I would presume it was dirty behind as well

[@TheLawnEngineer]

I did, the video just didn’t make the cut. Thanks for checking in 👍

[@stinger5084]

Great video. How do you flip the throttle plate?

[@OxCart78]

​@@stinger5084if you have gloves on you can press with your fingers. Other option which is kind of a pain is take off the manifold and clean it that way. I was changing my plugs and did it that way.

[@Coco-qz7fn]

Solution, get a honda?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

They aren’t perfect either but better.

[@denisdisa8798]

Hi i have a 2021 pacifica and the engine is shaking on neutral or on drive then i push brakes. First thinks i did is all you show on this video clean the air flow sensor and the throttle body engine. Then i have changed all 6 coils and a spark plugs . The problem is still exist 😞 The engine is shaking and i can fill it . What can i do more?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Have you tried the transmission reset? Chrysler Pacifica-Jeep Cherokee 948TE ZF 9 speed Transmission Reset: Fix those harsh shifts kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHbKg5acfshpkJI If you have it could be a number of things: engine mounts to failing torque converter.

[@juliandominguez9566]

Over drain sensor for Nissan frontier2007

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Thanks for checking in Julian. What are you trying to tell us about the over drive sensor for a Nissan Frontier?

[@habebs7345]

Why they say not to open it or mess with it

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Who says?

[@zjaz7061]

either they want you to use it until 100k and throw it out and buy new one. or they want it paci to fail miserably so you can pay them high $ ...screw them and take care of your baby😅

[@TheLawnEngineer]

@@zjaz7061 well said, well said

[@stevenmullens584]

Yeah that not so smooth idle problem you are describing is currently going on with my 2017 Pacifica which has 106,000 MI but you have described it to a T

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Thanks for checking in, hopefully I was able to help you out.

[@seatime674]

Are you the original owner putting 106k miles on it? Have you had any major issues?

[@stevenmullens584]

@@seatime674 yes I am the original owner bought it brand new really no trouble other than that jerky transmission once in awhile that everybody else has

[@juliandominguez9566]

Over driv sensor for Nissan Frontier pikup 2007

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Thanks for checking in Julian. What are you trying to tell us about the over drive sensor for a Nissan Frontier?

[@DZ302-Z28]

What about when your shifter locks up? Or you get a service shifter soon notification on your dash cluster?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

I would try this reset, if that doesn’t work I would disconnect the negative battery cable for a few minutes.

[@KimberlyCruz-z4t]

I have a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and get the service shifter error often. For me, I unclipped the fabric cover inside the glove compartment and pushed the wires into the CAN bus star connector and then the shifter lights back up. After that I can shift out of park into drive. Now it happens sometimes when I drive and when this happens it sometimes (rarely) refuses to shift gears. We will definitely need to replace it soon.

[@therealsheikh]

Does rough idle mean it's vibrating more than normal? That's actually my issue. My 2017 Pacifica vibrates noticably while in Park/ sitting idle, but doesn't when I drive it. Would this remedy the problem?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Yes that vibration can be from a rough idle, it would also show up with variations in the tachometer. This cleaning does help.

[@therealsheikh]

@@TheLawnEngineer thanks a lot!

[@TheLawnEngineer]

@@therealsheikh you're welcome.

[@fatongilic3961]

how many miles can i expect this to happen to me? i have a 2020 with 19k miles

[@yakunins1]

Having voyager 2021 60k miles. Idle rpm is 750 and swinging. Guessing when idle, engine tends to get more hot air from under the hood. I blaming temp sensor dirted. Will clean em, but prob intake cleaning is a waste of time, except when dirt is preventing air flap to move easily.

[@karenboever2887]

My 2017 Pacifica knocks and my tester says cyl.6 .misfire what can I do

[@KaranSingh-hp5lj]

Probably bad rocker arm

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Hard to diagnose virtually but an easy thing to check is the coil. Each cylinder has its own ignition coil, I would swap the coils on cylinder 4 and 6 and see if the misfire moves to 4. The good news is cylinder 6 is the right most cylinder on the front side of the engine and is easily accessible. If there truly is a knock associated with the misfire it’s likely something more serious. A misfire will cause some vibration and noise but a true knock indicates a mechanical failure.

[@brianw.520]

I ended up with the same cylinder 6misfire code and replaced the plug and coil pack. Solved the issue. Make sure you use OE Mopar and not aftermarket parts. They are more expensive but totally worth it.

[@zjaz7061]

Mopar spark plugs and coil pack last 70k what I hear

[@seatime674]

How many miles are on your Pacifica..

[@TheLawnEngineer]

84k right now. It was around 82k when I did this video.

[@seatime674]

Do you have to top up your coolant on occasion? My '18 uses like a cup every 5k miles but I have no leaks, I also hear these have alot of leak points .

[@TheLawnEngineer]

@@seatime674 yes, I have the exact situation you have described. I monitor the oil closely and haven’t noticed any contamination so it must be leaking and evaporating somewhere on the outside of the engine.

[@seatime674]

@@TheLawnEngineer Yeah now I don't feel so bad I think most cars use a little bit of coolant but these I think use a little bit more somehow somewhere. Try and use the Mopar purple don't mix if you can help it.. It doesn't use a drop of oil between oil changes either which is a really fantastic thing... When you do oil changes always use exactly 6 quarts it brings it to the top of the stick, the book says 5 with Filter but I always do 6 the book is definitely a little off.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

@@seatime674 great advice.

[@DKLGalactus5]

Cam or lifters worn out.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Thats very possible

[@DKLGalactus5]

@@TheLawnEngineer l know, I work on those cars at the dealers, lol.

[@mauroramirez4405]

Don't forget to check why your coolant level is low.....lol

[@TheLawnEngineer]

I have a video on that Coolant Leak on Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 - Oil filter/cooler housing kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqTVlJ2sZ5Woaqs 🤣

[@DKLGalactus5]

Needs a left head.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

I'm glad I got rid of it.

[@alexbayles2049]

My girlfriend’s 2019 Pacifica has a failed head gasket at 100k miles. I’ve noticed a ton of others with the same issues at even earlier miles. My best advice, don’t buy anything Chrysler. It’s junk.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Yeah, that stinks. I didn’t know that was even an issue with the Pentastars until comments started popping up on my videos.

[@theronrohr586]

I think I've had head gaskets replaced on my cars over the years. I thought it was somewhat of a wear and tear item on an older car?

[@taylormarsden7926]

The Chrysler Pacifica is the biggest pile of junk I have ever owned. I wouldn't buy anything dodge/Chrysler again. I have have a 2017 with 110,000 miles and I have spent $6000-$7,000 in the last 2 years. Piece of crap shakes still.

[@TheLawnEngineer]

I sold mine at around 85k miles, I don't miss it.

[@markshuell3198]

Your experience is unfortunate. 114,000 miles on my 2017 Pacifica. So far, zero repairs, just normal maintenance.

[@opulentcorners6277]

@@TheLawnEngineer What did you buy?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

@@opulentcorners6277 Tesla Model Y

[@ReginaldBostic360]

I have a question will this also make the pacifica faster?

[@TheLawnEngineer]

Oh yes, it will restore at least 3hp and take 0.001s off your quarter mile time 😎