Key insights

• ⚙️ Chrysler 3.2 and 3.6 liter pentastar engines have camshaft position sensor issues, which may not only be electrical but also mechanical in nature.
• 🔍 Understanding the specific codes and their designations is crucial for diagnosing camshaft issues in these engines.
• 🚗 Recurring camshaft-related problems on an 8-year-old vehicle with 200,000 miles raise concerns despite previous repairs, with a service bulletin revealing an unexpected cause.
• 🔧 Inspecting a faulty camshaft involves testing for independent movement using a wrench or a 36mm socket, and identifying potential issues with the cam phaser.
• ⏱️ The control valve assembly, which uses oil pressure to adjust camshaft timing, can be affected by debris or blockages, impacting its proper functioning.
• 💰 Cam phaser issues can necessitate replacement parts costing about $800, involving the replacement of camshafts, lifters, and control valves, and consideration of future replacements based on patterns and mileage.
• 🗣️ The speaker discusses the difficulty of removing a control valve and cam phaser, their rarity of failure, and the decision not to replace them preemptively, suggesting the possibility of future recommendations based on failure patterns.

Q&A

• Why does the speaker decide not to replace control valves and cam phasers preemptively?

  The speaker mentions the difficulty of removing control valves and cam phasers, as well as the rarity of their failure based on experience. As a result, they decide not to replace them preemptively, considering the inconsistency in their failure rates. However, they also note the possibility of future recommendations based on patterns of failure observed.

• What can cause cam phaser issues, and what is the cost of the replacement parts?

  Cam phaser issues can be caused by debris preventing the lock pin from seating properly. This may necessitate the replacement of parts, with an estimated cost of about $800. The replacement process can involve adding oil pressure, replacing camshafts, lifters, and control valves, and considering future replacements based on experience and patterns with high mileage vehicles.

• What components make up the control valve assembly, and how does it function?

  The control valve assembly consists of inner and outer components with a locking pin and spring mechanism. It utilizes oil pressure to release the lock pin and adjust camshaft timing. However, debris or blockages can affect the proper functioning of the assembly.

• How can a faulty camshaft be inspected?

  Inspecting a faulty camshaft involves checking for independent movement, which can be done by using a wrench or a 36mm socket. Additionally, identifying issues with the cam phaser requires exploration of both its inner and outer portions for potential problems.

• What problems might an 8-year-old vehicle with 200,000 miles experience related to camshafts?

  An 8-year-old vehicle with 200,000 miles might experience recurring camshaft-related issues, despite previous repairs. These issues could include multiple failed rockers and camshafts, as well as notorious oil leaks and low oil levels. Recurring camshaft-related codes post previous repairs may also be a concern. A service bulletin may reveal unexpected issues related to circuit codes associated with the camshaft.

• What are common issues with Chrysler 3.2 and 3.6 liter pentastar engines?

  Chrysler 3.2 and 3.6 liter pentastar engines may experience camshaft position sensor issues, which can lead to various codes. These codes may not always indicate electrical problems but could also be related to mechanical issues. Understanding the specific codes and their designations is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

• 00:00 Chrysler 3.2 and 3.6 liter pentastar engines may experience camshaft position sensor issues, leading to various codes. Codes may not always be electrical and could be related to mechanical issues. Understanding the specific codes and their designations is crucial for diagnosis.
• 02:31 Experienced mechanic encounters multiple camshaft-related issues on an 8-year-old vehicle with 200,000 miles. Recurring problems despite previous repairs raise concerns. Service bulletin reveals an unexpected cause.
• 04:58 Inspecting a faulty camshaft, moving it to check for independent movement, using a wrench or a 36mm socket, identifying a bad cam phaser, exploring the inner and outer portions of the cam phaser for potential issues.
• 07:29 The control valve assembly consists of inner and outer components with a locking pin and spring mechanism. Oil pressure is used to release the lock pin and adjust camshaft timing. Debris or blockages can affect the proper functioning of the assembly.
• 10:03 Cam phaser issues can be caused by debris preventing the lock pin from seating, leading to the need for replacement parts costing about $800. The process involves adding oil pressure, replacing camshafts, lifters, and control valves, and considering future replacements based on patterns and mileage.
• 12:31 The speaker discusses the difficulty of removing a control valve and cam phaser, their rarity of failure, and the decision not to replace them preemptively. They also mention the possibility of future recommendations based on patterns of failure.