2019 RAM 1500 - 3.6L Pentastar issues (HELP)

[baldylocks]

I need some collective wisdom (and maybe a little venting space). Brought my 2019 RAM 1500 (3.6L Pentastar) into the dealership about 3 months ago for some engine trouble. Mainly less power when accelerating and a check engine light. Techs originally said it was the charcoal canister for the emissions system. Took a month to get the part. That didn’t fix the issue. Then they found a cracked oil cooler, said that was the issue. Another 2 weeks. They replaced that, still no resolve. Now they say it needs a new intake cam phaser, intake oil control valve, and intake actuator, plus they found the intake cam “grounded” (whatever that means—maybe worn out or an oil pressure thing?)

Problem is, I’m still without my truck because MOPAR/Stellantis is dragging their feet on producing the intake cam kits. Two months with no ride is killing me.

I’ve been digging into forums and posts (RamForumz, Jeep Wrangler Forums, The Autopian) and it looks like this is a known issue with the 3.6L Pentastar—camshaft and lifter failures, oil pressure woes, and that infamous “Pentastar Tick.”

What’s the most frustrating is the parts delay. Threads from 2018 mention supply chain issues, and it seems like nothing’s changed. Anyone else stuck in this boat? How long did your dealership wait for parts? Did Stellantis help with costs or just leave you hanging? I’m about to email JeepCares (or RAM’s equivalent) to push for an ETA, but I’d love to hear your experiences.

Is this just par for the course with Pentastar engines, or did I draw the short straw?

 

[Pop_sickle]

I’m in the same boat as you right now. 1500 has been sitting in the shop for a month because of the intake camshaft. My issue started with the ticking noise.

Apparently the camshaft can have premature wear causing a flat spot which causes the tick as it spins.

Why is this an issue? Talking to a mechanic buddy who knows a lot of the industry. Apparently these companies have been using “****” steel for manufacturing which is causing the issues. There are only like two companies that use better quality steel but it’s a custom order camshaft that goes for about $1200 vs $400 mopar.

Long story short…..they’re all in back order so no idea what my timeline is hang in there for now.

 

[baldylocks]

I’m in the same boat as you right now. 1500 has been sitting in the shop for a month because of the intake camshaft. My issue started with the ticking noise.

Apparently the camshaft can have premature wear causing a flat spot which causes the tick as it spins.

Why is this an issue? Talking to a mechanic buddy who knows a lot of the industry. Apparently these companies have been using “****” steel for manufacturing which is causing the issues. There are only like two companies that use better quality steel but it’s a custom order camshaft that goes for about $1200 vs $400 mopar.

Long story short…..they’re all in back order so no idea what my timeline is hang in there for now.

Wow, good to know!

I ended up contacting RAM directly, they created a case number and were able to expedite the parts. They did say they had 9,000 on back order… Either way, the dealer finally got the parts and they’re working on it now. My cam shaft had a Cam completely worn down to a circle. So I asked where all the metal shavings went…they’re going to replace the oil filter and do an oil change.

Fingers crossed.


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