How to Open Fuel Door on the Chrysler Pacifica

There’s no “universal standard” when it comes to fuel doors. It seems like every single auto manufacturer has their own ideas about how drivers should be able to open those doors before refueling. Some even invent a bunch of different systems to use across various vehicles.

This often causes confusion for drivers, as you have to figure out the exact way to open the fuel door in every new car you drive. Some have buttons. Others have levers. Some just have doors that you can push or pull open.

In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about opening a fuel door on the Chrysler Pacifica, covering older Pacificas and new models.

Opening the Fuel Door on a Pacifica Minivan (2017-Now)

The Pacifica has had two main iterations. One dating back to 2004-08, when it was a crossover, and a second, more modern release, which began in 2017. The 2017 (current) version of the Pacifica is a minivan which replaced Chrysler’s Town & Country.

For these modern Pacificas, there are two possible methods to open the fuel door. The method you choose will depend on whether or not your vehicle has a fuel release button inside the cabin or not. Typically, only the Hybrid Pacificas will have the button.

First Method (with the Button)

1. Locate the fuel release button. It’s found on the inside of the driver’s door, within the lower “map pocket” or storage area. It has a fuel pump symbol on it. Push that button.
2. You should hear a click and the display of your car will say “Ready to Refuel.” You can then exit the vehicle and simply open the door to refuel.

Second Method (without the Button)

If your Pacifica has no obvious button within the cabin, no need to panic. Here’s what to do:

1. Exit the car and walk back to the fuel door.
2. Push firmly on the rear side of the fuel door. It should simply pop right open, allowing you to refuel.

Opening the Fuel Door on a Pacifica Crossover (2004-2008)

If you’re driving an older Pacifica, back from the crossover days of 2004-08, here’s how to open the fuel door. Note that there’s no point looking for a latch or switch inside the cabin, as there isn’t one. Instead, you just open the door manually:

1. Exit the vehicle and walk to the rear, where the fuel door is located.
2. Slide a finger under the lip of the fuel door.
3. Pull the door open.

That’s it. You can then remove the fuel cap, fuel up, replace the cap, and then manually shut the door. Note that there isn’t any lock or latch to seal the door shut, but it will stay closed until the next time you slide it open.

Opening a Stuck Fuel Door on a Chrysler Pacifica

If your Pacifica’s fuel door is stuck and won’t open, no matter what, there is an emergency release.

1. Go to the rear of the vehicle and open the trunk.
2. Open the panel door in the left wall.
3. Inside, you’ll see another, smaller door you can open up, with a green piece of plastic attached to a string.
4. Pull on that green plastic to release the fuel door.

Note that this only applies for modern (minivan) Pacificas. If you’ve got an older Pacifica, or yours doesn’t seem to have the emergency release, you’ll most likely need to seek professional repair.

Open Your Fuel Door in No Time

Whether you’ve rented a Pacifica or just bought one – new or used – that’s how to open the fuel door. It’s quite simple, once you know how. But many drivers understandably aren’t sure how to do it the first time.

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