The Chrysler Pacifica has an advanced dashboard diagnostic system that notifies drivers of possible problems through dashboard warning lights. One warning light that may catch the attention of Chrysler Pacifica owners is the A with circle and exclamation point symbol.
This can be due to various reasons. The most common one is a malfunctioning auxiliary battery responsible for powering the vehicle’s accessories when the engine is off during an ESS event. If the auxiliary battery is low or damaged, the functionality of the ESS will be compromised, and the warning light may activate.
In this article, I’ll explain the meaning of this warning light, its possible causes, and the necessary actions to address the issue promptly. Understanding and addressing warning lights is crucial for ensuring your Chrysler Pacifica’s longevity and optimal performance. So, let’s jump into the details!
Contents
What Does the Chrysler Pacifica A With Circle and Exclamation Point Mean?
The warning light with the A inside a circle and an exclamation point beside it in the Chrysler Pacifica indicates a malfunction or issue with the Start/Stop System (ESS). In that case, a “Start/Stop Unavailable” or “Start/Stop Unavailable Service Start/Stop System” message may appear on your Chrysler Pacifica dashboard. Also, you may notice a few symptoms, such as the auto start-stop system not engaging when it should or the vehicle’s engine not restarting smoothly during an ESS event.
It is essential to address the warning light promptly to prevent further issues and potential damage to the vehicle’s batteries and electrical system.
Common Reasons for the Warning Light Activation
Various factors can lead to a start-stop system (ESS) malfunction, triggering the Chrysler Pacifica A with a circle and exclamation point warning light. The most common reasons are as follows:
Low Battery Charge
One of the primary reasons ESS malfunctions in the Chrysler Pacifica is a low charge in the primary or auxiliary battery. The auto start-stop system relies on the battery’s power to restart the engine seamlessly during stop-start events. If the battery charge is insufficient, the ESS may not engage properly, activating the warning light.
Also, both the primary and auxiliary batteries in the Chrysler Pacifica can experience wear and reduced capacity over time. Aging batteries may not provide sufficient power for the ESS, leading to its malfunction.
Faulty Auxiliary Battery
The auxiliary battery plays a vital role in supporting the ESS by powering electrical accessories when the engine is off. If the auxiliary battery is weak or faulty, it may not provide the necessary power to engage the ESS effectively, resulting in the system’s temporary or permanent disablement.
High Electrical Load
The ESS system may be temporarily disabled when the vehicle’s electrical load is high. Activities such as using air conditioning, infotainment systems, heated seats, or power-hungry electronic devices place a significant demand on the electrical system. The ESS may be deactivated temporarily to ensure optimal performance of other electrical components.
Weather Temperature
Extreme weather conditions can significantly affect the battery’s performance, whether very hot or freezing cold. It reduces battery efficiency and capacity, affecting the ESS’s ability to restart the engine smoothly during stop-start events.
Battery Issues Due to Long Inactivity
If the Chrysler Pacifica is left unused for extended periods, the batteries may discharge, affecting their performance. Long periods of inactivity can lead to reduced battery capacity and ESS malfunctions.
Software Issues
Occasionally, software glitches or calibration errors in the ESS system can cause malfunctions. Such issues may require software updates or recalibration to resolve the problem.
Faulty ESS Components
Problems with sensors, relays, or other elements related to the Auto Start-Stop System (ESS) can cause interruptions in the system’s operation, resulting in the activation of the warning light.
Possible Solutions for the Chrysler Pacifica: A With Circle and Exclamation Point
If you’re experiencing the A with a circle and exclamation point warning in your Chrysler Pacifica, don’t worry! By following these systematic troubleshooting steps, you can effectively pinpoint the underlying causes and address the issues on your own.
Check the Battery Health
Start by checking the health of both the primary and auxiliary batteries. Use a digital multimeter to measure their voltage. When the car is fully shut off, a fully charged battery normally reads around 12.6 volts. If the voltage reading is significantly lower than this, it may indicate that the battery is weak or not holding a full charge.
Conduct a battery load test using a battery load tester to further evaluate the battery’s condition. This test will help determine the battery’s overall health and capacity under a load. To conduct the test, connect the battery load tester to each battery and apply a load equivalent to starting the vehicle. Observe the voltage reading during the load test. If the battery’s voltage decreases significantly and fails to recover to an acceptable level, it could be a sign of a weakened or defective battery.
During the load test, also pay attention to any unusual noises or signs of battery failure, such as excessive heating or leakage. These can be additional indicators of battery health issues.
If you find it weak or faulty, replace the affected battery with a new one to solve this warning issue.
Inspect the Auxiliary Battery
Find the auxiliary battery situated in the engine compartment near the main battery. Inspect the battery terminals to verify they are clean, securely connected, and corrosion-free. Corrosion on terminals can lead to weak electrical connections and impact the battery’s performance.
Check the Auto Start/Stop System
To check the Auto Start-Stop System (ESS) in your Chrysler Pacifica, you can use an OBD-II scanner to scan for error codes. This device is designed to access the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system and retrieve valuable information related to the ESS or any other potential issues in the car.
Start by finding the OBD-II port of your vehicle, usually located beneath the driver’s side dashboard. Plug the OBD-II scanner into the port and turn on the ignition. The scanner will connect with the vehicle’s computer system and scan for error codes.
Once the scanning process is complete, the OBD-II scanner will display any detected error codes on its screen. Every error code retrieved using the OBD-II scanner corresponds to a particular problem within the vehicle’s various systems, including the Auto Start-Stop System (ESS). These error codes can provide valuable insights into the problem’s nature, helping you identify the potential cause of the malfunctioning ESS.
Take note of the problem codes displayed by the OBD-II scanner and check the vehicle’s service manual or internet resources to learn what they indicate. Some scanners may also provide brief descriptions of the codes to aid in troubleshooting.
Understanding the error codes can guide you in determining the necessary steps to address the ESS issue. Suppose you need clarification on the meaning of the error codes or how to proceed with the repairs. In such situations, seek professional help from a certified Chrysler technician or visit an authorized dealership for assistance.
Reset the Vehicle’s Systems
To reset the vehicle’s systems, start by disconnecting the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery using a wrench. Then, leave the battery disconnected for at least 5 minutes to ensure a complete reset of the vehicle’s systems. During this time, any temporary faults or error codes may be cleared. It is essential to wait for the entire duration to allow the reset to take effect.
After the 5 minutes, reattach the negative terminal securely to the auxiliary battery. And start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes to enable the vehicle’s systems to reset fully. During this time, observe the warning light on the dashboard to check if the A with a circle and exclamation point warning is still illuminated.
If the “A with circle and exclamation point” warning light is gone, the battery reset may have resolved the Auto Start/Stop System (ESS) issue. If the warning light continues to illuminate or reappears even after performing the reset, it may suggest a more significant problem that needs further deep inspection.
Verify Software Updates
Check for software updates from the Chrysler website or contact your nearest dealership. If there is any software glitch or bug in your current version for which the warning light is illuminating, updating the Uconnect software may solve the issue.
Also, read how to fix the Chrysler Pacifica sliding door button that is not working with a DIY process.
Conclusion
The Chrysler Pacifica A with circle and exclamation point warning light indicates a malfunction in the auto start/stop system or issues with the auxiliary battery, primary battery, electrical load, weather conditions, software bugs, etc. Promptly addressing this warning light and understanding its significance is vital to maintaining your vehicle’s optimal performance and reliability.
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and the warning light still exists, I recommend contacting your dealership or authorized mechanic. They can accurately diagnose the issue, perform comprehensive diagnostics, and provide the necessary repairs and maintenance.
I have this problem twice with in a year the 1st time it was the auxiliary battery. The main battery the 2nd time. Now the A! Have came on again and a misfired on the # 4 cylinder low compression. So now for $537 and several days at the dealership to find out the real problem witch sounds like it can still be a number of problems. I just like to know if this is normal for these issues. Sounds like to me if u get the A! Anything can be wrong with this 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.
Thanks Jimmie for sharing your experience!!
Can this cause the check engine light to come on
The Start/Stop system malfunction in your Chrysler Pacifica may not directly activate the check engine light, but it signals an underlying issue linked to safety precautions and potential engine problems.
This warning light (A With Circle And Exclamation Point) is a symptom, indicating temporary Start/Stop system disablement due to factors like low battery voltage or high engine temperature.
These same issues can trigger the check engine light independently, highlighting potential faults within the engine or emission control system.