The Chrysler Pacifica’s Stow ‘n Go seating system transforms how you use your minivan’s interior space. This innovative feature lets you fold your second and third-row seats completely flat into the floor, creating a massive cargo area in seconds.
Understanding how to properly use this system will help you maximize your Pacifica’s versatility for everything from furniture hauling to camping trips.
Understanding the Stow ‘n Go System
The Stow ‘n Go seating works by storing your seats in specially designed floor compartments beneath the passenger area. Unlike traditional fold-down seats that create an uneven surface, this system gives you a completely flat load floor from the front seats to the rear doors.
Your Pacifica has Stow ‘n Go capability in both the second and third rows. The second row features two individual captain’s chairs, while the third row has a 60/40 split bench seat. Each seat stores in its own dedicated floor bin.
This system has been refined over the years, but the basic operation remains consistent across all Pacifica model years. The floor bins are deep enough to completely contain the seats while providing additional storage space around the folded seat components.
Preparing the Seats for Stowing
Before you can fold any seat into the floor, you’ll need to remove the headrests completely. This step is crucial because the headrests prevent the seats from folding flat and fitting properly in the floor compartments.
To remove the headrests, press the release button located at the base of one of the headrest posts while pulling the headrest straight up. The button is usually a small plastic tab that you can press with your finger or a small tool.
Store the removed headrests in a safe location where they won’t get damaged or lost. Many owners keep them in the front seat area or in the remaining upright seats while using the cargo space.
You’ll also want to make sure all seat belts are properly positioned and won’t interfere with the folding process. Tuck the seat belt buckles to the side and ensure the belts aren’t twisted or caught under the seat cushions.
Stowing the Third Row Seats
Start with the third row since it’s typically easier to access when the second row is still in place. Each half of the 60/40 split bench operates independently, so you can stow one side or both depending on your needs.
First, locate the fabric pull straps attached to the top of each seat back. These straps have tags that clearly identify them as the stow mechanism. Pull the strap firmly toward the front of the vehicle while pushing the seat back forward.
The seat back will fold down onto the seat cushion. Continue pulling the strap to engage the tumbling mechanism that rotates the entire seat assembly toward the floor. You’ll feel the seat begin to tip into the floor compartment.
Guide the seat down into the floor bin while continuing to pull the strap. The seat will settle into the compartment with the seat back facing down and the cushion on top. Push down gently to ensure the seat is fully seated in the bin.
The floor panel will automatically close over the stored seat, creating a flat surface. Make sure the panel clicks into place and sits flush with the surrounding floor.
Stowing the Second Row Captain’s Chairs
The second row captain’s chairs follow a similar process but have a slightly different mechanism. Each chair operates independently, allowing you to stow just one seat if needed.
Look for the Stow ‘n Go handle located on the side of the seat near the base. The handle is typically positioned where you can easily reach it while standing next to the open sliding door.
Pull the handle while simultaneously pushing the seat back forward. The seat will begin folding in on itself as the back comes down onto the cushion. Keep pulling the handle to engage the tumbling action.
As with the third row, guide the seat into the floor compartment while operating the handle. The seat will rotate down into the bin with a smooth motion when working properly.
Ensure the seat settles completely into the floor compartment before releasing the handle. The floor panel should close automatically and latch securely in place.
What Fits in the Floor Storage Bins
The floor bins provide valuable storage space even when the seats are stowed. Small items can fit around the edges and corners of the folded seats without interfering with the floor panels.
Emergency supplies like jumper cables, basic tools, and first aid kits work well in these spaces. Cleaning supplies, extra motor oil, and car care products also fit nicely around the seat components.
Avoid storing anything that could damage the seat fabric or mechanisms. Sharp objects, liquids that could spill, and items that might freeze and expand in cold weather should go elsewhere.
The bins aren’t completely weatherproof, so don’t rely on them to protect sensitive items from moisture. However, they do provide some protection from casual water exposure and keep items secure during driving.
Maximizing Your Cargo Space
With both rows stowed, you’ll have approximately 140 cubic feet of cargo space. This rivals many pickup truck beds and easily accommodates furniture, appliances, and camping gear.
The flat floor makes loading heavy items much easier since you don’t have to lift them over seat backs or work around awkward angles. Use furniture dollies or appliance straps to move heavy items across the smooth floor surface.
Consider investing in cargo nets or tie-down anchors to secure loads properly. The Pacifica has several tie-down points built into the floor and side panels specifically for this purpose.
Remember that your maximum payload capacity remains the same regardless of how much space you have. Check your owner’s manual for the specific weight limits and don’t exceed them even with the seats stowed.
Restoring the Seats
Getting your seats back up is just as simple as stowing them. Start by opening the floor panel over the stored seat. The panels typically have a small finger grip or handle to make this easier.
Grab the seat by the headrest mounting posts or any other sturdy part of the frame. Lift straight up while guiding the seat out of the floor compartment. The seat will begin to unfold automatically as it clears the bin.
Continue lifting until the seat reaches its normal position. You’ll hear and feel the seat lock into place when it’s properly positioned. Give the seat a gentle shake to make sure it’s securely latched.
Reinstall the headrests by inserting the posts into their holes and pushing down until they click into place. Adjust the headrest height as needed for your passengers’ comfort and safety.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If a seat won’t stow properly, check that the headrest has been completely removed. Even partially installed headrests can prevent the seat from folding correctly.
Seat belts caught under the cushion or wrapped around the frame can also interfere with the stowing process. Make sure all belts are properly positioned before attempting to fold the seat.
Seats that won’t come back up often have something blocking them in the floor bin. Remove any stored items and try again. Occasionally, the seat may need a firm pull to overcome the initial resistance of the mechanism.
Floor panels that won’t close properly usually indicate the seat isn’t fully seated in its compartment. Push the seat down firmly and try closing the panel again.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Keep the Stow ‘n Go mechanisms clean and free of debris. Vacuum the floor bins regularly to prevent dirt and small objects from interfering with the seat operation.
Lubricate the moving parts occasionally with the lubricant specified in your owner’s manual. This helps maintain smooth operation and prevents premature wear of the mechanisms.
Inspect the fabric pull straps and handles periodically for signs of wear or damage. Replace any damaged components promptly to avoid getting stranded with a seat that won’t stow or deploy.
Be gentle with the mechanisms and avoid forcing anything. The Stow ‘n Go system is robust but can be damaged by excessive force or improper operation.
Safety Considerations
Never attempt to stow or deploy seats while the vehicle is moving. Always engage the parking brake and turn off the engine before operating the Stow ‘n Go system.
Make sure all passengers are clear of the seats before folding them down. The mechanisms are powerful enough to cause injury if someone gets caught in the moving parts.
Don’t let children operate the Stow ‘n Go system without adult supervision. The seats are heavy and the mechanisms can pinch fingers or catch clothing.
Always reinstall headrests before carrying passengers in the restored seats. The headrests are crucial safety components that help prevent whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stow just one seat at a time?
Yes, each seat operates independently. You can stow any combination of seats depending on your needs. This flexibility is particularly useful when you need cargo space but still want to carry some passengers.
How much weight can I put on the floor panels when seats are stowed?
The floor panels are designed to support normal cargo loads, but avoid concentrating excessive weight on a single panel. Distribute heavy items across multiple panels and stay within your vehicle’s payload limits.
What should I do if a seat gets stuck halfway down?
Don’t force it. Check for obstructions like seat belts, floor mats, or debris. Remove any obstacles and try again with steady, even pressure on the operating handle or strap.
Can I store the headrests in the floor bins?
While there may be some space around the folded seats, it’s better to store headrests in a more secure location where they won’t get damaged or rattle around. The front seat area or a storage bin works better for this purpose.
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