Dodge 3.6L Pentastar Camshaft & Intake: Tick, P0016 & Direct-Fit Cams | VeloCore
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What the 3.6L Pentastar Camshaft Does
The Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 (2011+ Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram) uses dual overhead camshafts on each bank — an intake and an exhaust cam per head, four camshafts total. They are driven by a timing chain and actuate the valves through roller rocker arms. When a camshaft wears or the timing correlation drifts, the engine loses power, runs rough, and sets cam-related codes.
- Intake cams (left & right) control the intake valves — the air side of combustion.
- Exhaust cams (left & right) control the exhaust valves — the spent-gas side.
- Cam phasers on the nose of each cam vary timing for emissions and torque; a phaser fault is often mistaken for a worn cam.
Because the Pentastar is a non-interference, chain-driven design, a properly timed cam replacement restores full operation — but it is a serious job that requires locking the timing.
Symptoms of a Failing Pentastar Camshaft
| Symptom | What you hear / see | Most common cause |
|---|---|---|
| "Pentastar tick" at idle | Light ticking from the top end, worse when cold | Rocker / lifter or early cam-lobe wear |
| Rough idle, misfire under load | Vibration, hesitation on acceleration | Cam lobe wear altering valve lift |
| Loss of power and torque | Sluggish, poor throttle response | Retarded or advanced timing from phaser/cam |
| Cam-related fault codes | CEL with P0016 / P0017 / P0340–P0344 | Crank-cam correlation or cam sensor circuit |
| Metallic rattle on start-up | Short chain / phaser rattle before oil pressure builds | Phaser or chain tensioner, not always the cam |
Before condemning the camshaft, confirm the fault is the cam and not the phaser or timing chain — they share the same codes. A scope or a physical lobe inspection is the only way to be sure.
What the Codes Mean
| Code | Meaning | Most common cause |
|---|---|---|
| P0016 / P0017 | Crankshaft – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 / Bank 2) | Stretched chain, slipped phaser, or worn cam timing |
| P0340 / P0341 | Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit (Bank 1) | Sensor, wiring, or a cam that no longer triggers it |
| P0344 | Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent | Worn cam lobe, loose tone ring, or sensor gap |
These are generic public OBD-II definitions. A P001x can also come from a stretched chain or a phaser — not necessarily the camshaft itself. Confirm with a timing inspection and a known-good sensor before ordering a cam.
VeloCore Direct-Fit Pentastar Camshafts
Each cam below is a direct-fit replacement matched to the original Mopar OE number. Confirm bank (left/right) and intake/exhaust before ordering — use the fitment check or your VIN.
| Application | OE Reference | VeloCore Camshaft | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar — Right Intake Cam | 5184380AG | VeloCore Right Intake Cam 5184380AG | $60.99 |
| 3.6L Pentastar — Right Exhaust Cam | 5184378AF | VeloCore Right Exhaust Cam 5184378AF | $59.99 |
| 3.6L Pentastar — Left Intake Cam | 5184379AG | VeloCore Left Intake Cam 5184379AG | $77.99 |
| 3.6L Pentastar — Left Exhaust Cam | 5184377AG | VeloCore Left Exhaust Cam 5184377AG | $80.99 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just one camshaft?
Yes, if only one lobe or one bank is worn — but on a high-mileage engine the opposite cam often follows. Inspect both banks and decide; replacing in pairs on the same head is common.
Is a Pentastar cam job a DIY project?
It is advanced. It requires locking the timing, removing the valve cover and phasers, and re-timing precisely. If you are not confident with timing-chain service, have a shop do it — a mistimed engine will not run.
Will a new cam clear P0016 / P0017?
Only if the cam timing was the cause. Those codes also come from a stretched chain or a slipped phaser, so verify the timing system before ordering a cam.
Do I need new phasers with the cam?
Not always, but the phasers share the load and mileage. Many techs replace phasers and the chain tensioner at the same time to avoid a second teardown.
Fitment Guarantee
Ordering the wrong bank or cam type is the #1 reason a Pentastar top-end job stalls. Every VeloCore camshaft is sold against its OE number and confirmed fitment list. If it is not a match for your VIN, our fitment team will catch it before it ships — and if a verified part ever fails to fit, we make it right. Check your fitment with us before you buy.
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