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Rough Shifting on 2018 Pacifica Limited - Transmission Fluid?

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:25 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited

Hey everyone, I've got a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited with about 75,000 miles on it. Lately, I've noticed some rough shifting, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear, and sometimes a slight hesitation when accelerating from a stop.

I'm wondering if it's time for a transmission fluid change. I've heard different things about 'lifetime' fluids, but 75k miles seems like a lot without a service.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Pacifica? What's the recommended interval for transmission fluid service on these vans, and what type of fluid should I use? Any DIY tips or things to watch out for would be great!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:25 AM

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This is a common concern, and while some manufacturers label transmission fluid as 'lifetime,' it's generally good practice to service it, especially when experiencing symptoms like rough shifting.

Causes of Rough Shifting:

  • Degraded Transmission Fluid: Over time, transmission fluid breaks down and loses its lubricating and cooling properties, leading to increased friction and wear.
  • Low Fluid Level: A low fluid level can cause pressure issues within the transmission.
  • Clogged Filter: A dirty transmission filter can restrict fluid flow.
  • Internal Transmission Wear: While less common at 75k miles, worn clutches or solenoids can cause shifting issues.

Recommended Maintenance & DIY Steps:

  1. Check Fluid Level & Condition: On many modern Chrysler transmissions, checking the fluid level requires a special dipstick tool and specific temperature. However, you can visually inspect the fluid for dark color or a burnt smell.
  2. Transmission Fluid & Filter Service: For your 2018 Pacifica, Chrysler generally recommends Mopar ATF+4® Automatic Transmission Fluid. The service interval can vary, but for vehicles experiencing symptoms or under heavy use, a fluid and filter change around 60,000-80,000 miles is often beneficial. This is a more involved DIY as it typically requires dropping the transmission pan.
  3. OBD-II Scan: If you have a 'Check Engine Light' or 'Service Transmission' warning, scan for codes. Common transmission-related codes include P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) or specific solenoid codes (e.g., P0750 series). These can help pinpoint the issue.

When to See a Shop:

  • If the rough shifting persists after a fluid and filter change.
  • If you're uncomfortable performing the transmission service yourself, as it can be messy and requires specific torque specs.
  • If you have persistent transmission warning lights or diagnostic codes that indicate internal component failure.
  • Any unusual noises coming from the transmission.
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