Finding a Chrysler Pacifica spare tire shouldn't feel like a treasure hunt when you're stranded on the shoulder of a highway. Unlike traditional SUVs that mount spares underneath the chassis or hang them on the tailgate, the Chrysler Pacifica hides its spare tire right inside the cabin under the second-row floorboards.
Knowing this exact location before an emergency happens saves you from frantically flipping through a 400-page owner's manual in the dark or rain. Whether you drive a standard gas model or a plug-in hybrid, the placement, tools, and retrieval process require specific steps to ensure you're back on the road safely.
Where is the Spare Tire Located in a Chrysler Pacifica?
The Chrysler Pacifica stores its temporary spare tire inside the vehicle cabin beneath the floor storage bin on the passenger's side of the second row.
If you own a standard gas-powered Pacifica, open the passenger-side sliding door and look at the floor between the front seats and the second-row Stow 'n Go seating tubs. You'll notice a floor lid or carpet flap covering the storage compartment. Lifting this panel reveals the compact spare tire, jack, and lug wrench kit securely strapped into place.
Gas Models Versus Hybrid Models
There's a catch if you drive the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). Because the large lithium-ion battery pack takes up the under-floor storage wells where the spare tire normally lives, hybrid models do not come with a spare tire from the factory. Instead, Chrysler equips hybrids with a portable tire inflator kit and a bottle of tire sealant stored in the rear cargo area. If you own a hybrid and want a spare, you have to purchase an aftermarket compact spare kit and store it upright in the cargo trunk.
Tools Required for the Job
Before you start unbolting anything, make sure you have the necessary equipment ready. Opening up your trunk or side compartments reveals a factory tool kit that includes:
- A mechanical scissor jack designed to lift the vehicle's specific weight rating.
- A lug wrench with a socket size matching your wheel lug nuts (typically 19mm).
- A extension rod or hook tool used to unlatch or loosen securement straps.
- Wheel chocks to block the tires and prevent rolling while elevated.
Tip: Always check your factory kit during routine vehicle maintenance. It's frustrating to discover a missing lug wrench only after you've already popped a tire on a Sunday afternoon.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the Spare Tire
Extracting the spare tire from its cabin compartment takes less than five minutes if you follow a methodical sequence.
- Park on a flat, safe surface: Shift into Park, engage the electronic parking brake firmly, and turn on your hazard lights. Position warning triangles or flares at least 50 feet behind your vehicle.
- Clear the second-row floor: Open the passenger-side sliding door. Slide the second-row passenger seat all the way forward to give yourself enough working room to lift the floor panel.
- Lift the floor cover: Pull back the floor mat and lift the plastic or carpeted storage lid covering the well.
- Unfasten the retention strap: The spare tire and tool kit are held down by a plastic wing-nut or a webbing strap. Turn the fastener counter-clockwise by hand until it detaches.
- Lift out the tool kit and jack: Remove the molded foam organizer holding the jack and lug wrench first to clear the center opening.
- Pull out the spare tire: Tilt the compact spare tire sideways and maneuver it up and out through the sliding door opening.
How to Change the Flat Tire Safely
Once you have the spare tire and tools in your hand, it's time to tackle the flat wheel on the exterior of the vehicle.
Loosening the Lugs
Take your lug wrench and loosen all five lug nuts on the flat tire by turning them counter-clockwise one full turn while the vehicle is still on the ground. Do not remove them completely yet; you just want to break the factory torque seal.
Positioning the Jack
Consult the Chrysler official owner support portal or the diagram stamped on the steel frame of the jack for the exact jacking points. Placing the jack head incorrectly can damage the vehicle's rocker panels or slip under load. Crank the jack handle clockwise until the lifting saddle makes firm contact with the metal frame seam.
Lifting and Swapping
Pump the jack until the flat tire clears the pavement by about two inches. Remove the loosened lug nuts completely and set them in a safe spot where they won't roll into a storm drain. Pull the flat wheel straight off the wheel studs, slide the compact spare onto the hub bolts, and hand-thread the lug nuts back on.
Lowering and Torquing
Lower the vehicle back to the ground by turning the jack counter-clockwise, then remove the jack entirely. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross star pattern to ensure even clamping force.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Drivers facing an unexpected flat often rush through the process, leading to dangerous errors. Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Forgetting to chock the wheels: Always wedge a heavy stone, brick, or rubber chock behind the tire diagonal from the flat one. Front-wheel-drive vans can roll unexpectedly when lifted.
- Over-tightening with body weight: Don't stand or jump on the lug wrench when tightening nuts. You can warp the rotor or strip the stud threads.
- Driving long distances on a compact spare: Temporary donuts are rated for a maximum speed of 50 mph and short distances. Swap it out for a full-sized repaired tire as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit a full-size spare tire in the Pacifica's floor well?
No. The factory floor well is engineered specifically for a space-saver compact spare tire. A full-size alloy wheel and tire assembly is too wide and tall to fit under the second-row floor lid.
What should I do if my Pacifica didn't come with a spare tire?
Many modern trims, especially hybrids or models equipped with run-flat or sealant kits, omit the spare tire entirely to save weight and cabin space. You can buy a Mopar spare tire kit from a certified dealer and store it in the rear cargo bay.
How much air pressure should be in a Pacifica compact spare?
Compact spares require much higher pressure than standard tires, usually around 60 PSI. Check the pressure printed on the sidewall of the spare tire once or twice a year so it's ready when you need it.
Is it safe to drive on a highway with a compact spare?
You can drive on a highway if necessary, but keep your speed under 50 mph and stay in the right-hand slow lane. Compact spares have reduced traction and braking performance compared to standard tires.
