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How Many Batteries Does A Chrysler Pacifica Have? Replacement Instructions

The Chrysler Pacifica is one of the best minivans chosen by families across the US for its size and handy functionality. Maybe you’re interested in purchasing a Chrysler Pacifica or are already a proud owner.

Either way, many people are shocked when they discover this vehicle has more than one battery and each serves a unique purpose! 

The Chrysler Pacifica has two batteries – The auxiliary battery works as a “backup” battery that focuses on working signal lights, radios, and other accessories, while the main battery works solely on providing enough electricity to power the engine.

A Guide To The Chrysler Pacifica Batteries

With the majority of vehicles having one battery, the addition of the auxiliary battery may seem like additional work that creates another costly fix when things go wrong, but that is not the case.

The aux and main battery are connected together meaning if the secondary battery was to go flat, your vehicle could still run until you could get a fix in place. This would cause a drain on your main battery, but at least it wouldn’t leave you stranded!

It’s no surprise many people have a lot of questions when it comes to the functions the two batteries provide, so let’s take a closer look at the commonly asked questions and answers to the Chrysler Pacifica’s batteries.

What Does The Auxiliary Battery Do?

You may think the inclusion of a second battery means your vehicle comes with special features, but the inclusion of this battery makes more sense once you understand what the auxiliary battery does.

The auxiliary battery functions the same as it would in any other vehicle that has two batteries and is there to power systems in your car that requires 12 volts of power, meaning you would still be able to drive if this battery was not functioning for any reason.

How Many Batteries Does A Chrysler Pacifica Have? Replacement Instructions

The main battery is focused on starting the engine whilst the aux battery works on powering lights, radios, and other smaller jobs by using energy from the alternator.

If you leave your aux battery connected when it has failed then this can drain your main battery and cause your whole vehicle to lose power.

This is another reason why you need to make sure your auxiliary battery is fully functioning at all times as both batteries can become drained if you don’t disconnect your failed auxiliary battery.

Battery Locations on the Chrysler Pacifica

With the majority of vehicles today only relying on power from one large battery under the hood, the two batteries in the Pacifica are different. You will see the main battery under the hood as expected, but where is the auxiliary battery?

You can usually find the auxiliary battery located under the carpet in the passenger side footwell for most Chrysler Pacificas. Although some owners do report that their aux battery is located under the hood next to the main battery.  

Check these two locations when trying to find your auxiliary battery and remember you will be able to identify the battery as it has its own positive and negative posts.

How To Replace The Battery in a Chrysler Pacifica

Finding the right battery is a difficult task for any vehicle, and the Crysler Pacifica is no exception. The batteries last between 3-5 years before needing a replacement depending on how well you look after them.

Replacements cost around $160 without including labor costs, but we’ve included a guide on how to replace Chrysler Pacifica batteries below.

  1. Start by removing the air duct that covers your Pacificas battery by pulling it upwards.
  2. Put the air duct to one side and locate the battery, it should be easy to see with a red top.
  3. Find the left side of the battery and lift the tab upwards.
  4. Using a 10mm socket and ratchet wrench, loosen the negative side first, then the positive side.
  5. Remove the connections to loosen the red portion.
  6. Disconnect the grey and purple plugin by using something thin such as a key to go through the plug gaps. Push down and forward for the plugs to be released. 
  7. Close the red box so you have room to remove the battery, then use your ratchet wrench to loosen the 10mm connecting the strap to the battery at the bottom.
  8. Place your new battery in and repeat the steps back to fit your new battery into your Chrysler Pacifica.

FAQs

How Many Batteries Does A Chrysler Pacifica Have? Replacement Instructions

Where is the second battery in a Chrysler Pacifica?

The second auxiliary battery on the Pacifica is usually located under the footwell of the passenger side, underneath the carpet. But some owners have reported that the second battery is found under the hood next to the main battery.

What should the battery voltage on a Chrysler Pacifica be?

You should regularly test your battery to make sure it is operating at the right level of 12 to 13 volts.

Can the auxiliary battery drain the main battery?

If you leave your auxiliary battery drained then this will begin to drain the main battery as they are both connected. If your main battery’s power is drained then this means your vehicle will no longer be able to start and perform other essential functions. 

How do you charge an auxiliary battery?

You can charge the auxiliary battery by using your alternator. Connect the positive terminals of both batteries so they are parallel.

How much does it cost to charge a Pacifica Hybrid?

Once fully charged, it costs around 5.2c per mile for the first 33 miles you drive and achieves around 84 combined MPGe.

Conclusion

Having an additional battery is becoming a common feature in many newer/hybrid vehicles so it’s no wonder that the location of auxiliary batteries is a hot topic as of late.

If you own or are looking to purchase a Chrysler Pacifica then you will probably want to know all about the additional battery, where it is located, and what it is there for. 

In short, the additional battery is usually found under the carpet in the passenger footwell and is used to power features such as signal lights, radios, and anything else that requires a 12v charge.

Hopefully, you’re never left with a flat battery, but if you are then we hope this article has given you all the information you need to know when it comes to your Chrysler Pacifica’s two batteries.