The Chrysler Group announced last week that they would be
replacing the cylinder heads on select newer Dodge products that are powered by
the Pentastar V6 after receiving a great many complaints about rough idle and
stalling problems that stem from a problem with cylinder #2.Take note – this isn’t a recall but rather an
issue that will be addressed under warranty should you own a Pentastar powered
vehicle that is experiencing loud ticking noises, misfires, stalling or a
general loss of power.
The notice sent to dealers detailing the problem with these
select Pentastar V6 powered engines pertains specifically to the Dodge Journey
and Dodge Grand Caravan along with the Chrysler version of that minivan and the
Jeep Wrangler.There is no mention as to
whether or not this warranty cylinder head issue is also being experienced on
other Pentastar powered Dodge models including the Dodge Charger, Dodge
Challenger, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Durango and Ram 1500.
This comes as great news for those Dodge and Ram owners who
have been experiencing performance issues from their 3.6L Pentastar V6 but
there is some bad news.Chrysler
believes that as many as 7,500 vehicles could exhibit this cylinder head issue
which is caused by a combination of fuel type, weather conditions and driving
style but since cylinder heads are not the type of part that dealerships (or
automakers) keep sitting on shelves so there could be a shortage of replacement
parts right away.However, Chrysler has
begun using beefier cylinder heads on new Pentastar powered vehicles while also
moving full steam ahead with production of replacement parts for the
troublesome V6 engines.
If you own a Dodge, Ram, Jeep or Chrysler vehicle powered by
the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and you are having issues with engine noises, misfiring,
stalling or a loss of power – it is a good idea to call your dealership and
schedule a trip to the service department to see if your vehicle may apply for
the free cylinder head replacement.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
