I have a 2007 Pacifica, AWD. Bought it used in 2010 with 46,000 miles, it now has 138,000 miles. For the last several years, when the transmission is placed in Park, the transmission gear and select shift lights on the dash all light up and the AWD warning light comes on. If you walk behind the car with the key in the start position or the engine running, you can hear the back-up alarm sounding. When I turn engine off, the tailgate won't open for several minutes. Apparently there is a problem with the car not recognizing it's in Park. Also, lately the car won't start sometimes in Park, but starts right up in Neutral. Perhaps these issues are related. Does anyone know if this is likely a range selector issue, or some sort of shifter interlock switch problem? I can live with it, but it's really irritating when the tailgate won't open. I did have to have major transmission work done right after I bought it. The car is comfortable, but the transmission/shifter/? issues have made me regret the decision to buy it.

 

Sounds like a ground issue. Go to your local chrysler dealer, ask service for a electrical schematic showing ground locations (I know they have one for G104) and check them ALL. These things have horrible ground problems. When you find a ground, take it off, clean the surfaces of the connector and frame/part on the car with sand paper, then put a bunch of dielectric grease on it, and reconnect it. Before you do this, unhook your battery for like 30 mins.

 

Excellent, thanks very much. I'll check it out and post results.

 

IF you are do it yourselfer and want a tool to help out, my powerprobe set was very valuable when finding back voltage through the grounds. You can get one for about $250. Amazon has them but I got mine from the local Snap-on guy.