Sylvie Willis
The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica has a unique fuel tank design, known as a saddle tank, which is essentially two separate tanks joined at the top. This design has resulted in various issues for owners, including problems with fuel gauges, filling the tank, and faulty fuel pumps. While some owners have attempted to address these issues without removing the fuel tank, others have found it necessary to drop the tank for repairs or replacements. Given the complexity of the Pacifica's fuel system, it is recommended that owners consult a mechanic or refer to the service manual for guidance on safely dropping the fuel tank and performing any necessary maintenance.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel gauge and filling tank problems
The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica has a unique saddle tank design, which means it has two separate tanks joined at the top. This design allows a driveshaft to pass through the centre portion if the car is AWD.
There are a few common problems with the fuel gauge and filling the tank on this model of car. One issue is that the fuel gauge will suddenly drop from half a tank to empty, even though there is plenty of fuel in the tank. This can cause the car to shut down, thinking the tank is empty. This issue can be caused by a faulty sender, which can be diagnosed with a system scan. The sender can then be replaced.
Another issue is that the fuel tank can be difficult to fill. The tank may only fill partially before the pump shuts off, or fuel may back up the filler tube and cause the pump to shut off. This problem can be caused by a faulty vent valve or a problem with the fuel tank control valve. The control valve can be fixed by disconnecting and reconnecting the vapor recirculation tube at the fuel tank and fuel filler tube. If this does not work, the vapor recirculation tube may need to be replaced.
Some users have also reported that the fuel pump needs to be replaced, as well as the siphon hoses and gas gauge sensors. This can cost around $426-475 for parts and $350 for labour.
It is also recommended that the car is allowed to idle for 60-90 seconds after being driven aggressively to allow the fuel pump to transfer fuel to the left side tank and open the control valve, allowing normal fuel filling.
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Faulty fuel pumps
The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica is known to have some issues with its fuel tank. The fuel gauge can drop from half full to empty very quickly, and the vehicle can only use half of its fuel capacity. This can be due to a faulty fuel pump or a problem with the sending unit.
The fuel pump in the Chrysler Pacifica sends gasoline from the tank to the injection system. It is placed inside the gas tank, which is the optimal location as liquid gasoline is not combustible. The latest Pacifica Fuel Pumps are electronic and feed fuel under pressure.
To replace the fuel pump, you can access it by removing the fuel pump access panel beneath the passenger seat in the third row. However, it is important to take extra precaution when working with the gas tank, and it is recommended to run the extra gas out of it first.
Some symptoms of a faulty fuel pump include the engine jolting and stuttering while driving at a steady speed, sudden surges of speed, reduced fuel efficiency, and high-pitched noises. A faulty fuel pump can also cause the vehicle to sputter at high speeds, have hard starting, loss of power, and poor oil resistance.
If you are experiencing issues with your fuel pump, it may be necessary to drop the fuel tank to replace the pump. This can be done by following online guides or seeking assistance from a mechanic.
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Replacing the fuel tank
The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica has a unique saddle tank design, which means it has two separate tanks joined at the top. This allows a driveshaft to pass through the centre portion if the vehicle is equipped with AWD.
To replace the fuel tank, you will need to drop the tank and remove the old one. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Ensure the tank is almost empty.
- Use a hoist or jack stands to raise the vehicle.
- Remove the rear wheels and underbody covers for better access.
- Locate the fuel lines and disconnect them carefully.
- Remove any other components that may be blocking access to the fuel tank, such as the catback exhaust and propeller shaft.
- Carefully lower the fuel tank and remove it from the vehicle.
- Install the new fuel tank by following the above steps in reverse.
It is important to note that this process can be complex and should be undertaken with caution. If you are uncomfortable with any part of the process, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic.
Additionally, some sources suggest that you may be able to access the fuel pump through an access panel without dropping the tank. However, this may not be possible on all models, and dropping the tank may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis and repair.
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Fuel tank control valve
The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica has a unique saddle tank design, which means it has two separate tanks joined at the top. This allows a driveshaft to pass through the centre portion if the vehicle is equipped with AWD. Due to this design, the fuel tank needs 30 to 60 seconds while the engine is running to level the fuel in both halves of the tank.
The fuel tank control valve is an important component of the fuel system in the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica. It is located under the hood, on the passenger side, in front of the power steering pump and next to the radiator. To access and replace the fuel tank control valve, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the two vacuum lines and the electrical clip connected to the valve.
- Remove the old valve by unscrewing or detaching it from its mounting.
- Install the new fuel tank control valve, ensuring it is securely fastened in place.
- Reconnect the vacuum lines and electrical clip to the new valve.
It is important to note that you may need to remove the fuel tank for repairs or replacements if there are issues with the fuel pump or level senders. However, for basic diagnostics, removing the tank may not be necessary.
If you are experiencing issues with the fuel gauge dropping from half full to empty quickly, or if the vehicle is only able to use half of the fuel capacity, it could be due to a faulty fuel tank control valve or a problem with the sending units. In such cases, dropping the fuel tank and replacing the necessary components might be required.
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Fuel tank access
The 2007 Chrysler Pacifica has a unique saddle tank design, which means it has two separate tanks joined at the top. This allows a driveshaft to pass through the centre portion if the vehicle is equipped with AWD.
To access the fuel tank, the tank must be dropped and removed. This is because the fuel pump and level sensors must be physically checked to ensure the resistance matches the movement. This can be done by a mechanic or at a garage.
There are two ways to do this:
- Follow the OE tank removal procedure, which includes pulling the entire catback exhaust and propeller shaft.
- Cut access doors in the pan where the original ones would have been.
It is recommended that you do not cut the floorpan if you live in the rust belt, as this will cause the car to rust away.
If you are attempting to do this yourself, you will need to get the car around 20" off the ground. You can use four 12-ton jack stands and two wooden crates consisting of screwed 2x2s as secondary support.
To empty the tank, you can use the fuel pump, but this may take over an hour to drain a 20-gallon tank. Alternatively, you can use a hose and gravity to siphon the fuel out.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you follow the OE tank removal procedure, which includes pulling the entire catback exhaust and propeller shaft. You will need to hoist the vehicle and ensure that the tank is almost empty.
Your Pacifica uses a "saddle tank", which is like two separate tanks joined at the top. This means that there are two level units and the readings are averaged by the body control module (BCM). You won't know which of the two senders are acting up without a system scan. Given that both senders are the same age, you might consider replacing both.
You need to get the fuel nozzle fully inserted (through both flappers, by feel) and then turn it about 45 degrees.
You will need to drop the tank and physically check the resistance of the level sensors.
You can disconnect the fuel line in the engine bay and jumper the fuel pump, or use a hose to siphon the fuel out via the gas cap.
