Chrysler Pentastar 3.6 ERB engine, ERC

The Chrysler ERB 3.6 liter engine is a modern powertrain designed to provide high power and reliability. This motor is used in various car models of the Chrysler concern and its subsidiary brands such as Dodge, Jeep, Fiat and Lancia. Thanks to its technical characteristics, the ERB 3.6 liter has become popular among motorists and professionals, combining high performance with economy and compliance with environmental standards.

Main features

Precise displacement

The engine has a displacement of 3604 cm³, allowing it to generate considerable power and torque, providing excellent acceleration dynamics and high speed on the road.

Power System

The injected power system guarantees precise fuel metering, which helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Power

Engine power ranges from 280 to 310 hp, making it suitable for different types of vehicles, from cars to SUVs.

Torque

Torque ranges from 345 to 365 Nm, providing high traction at low and medium speeds, which is especially important for towing and off-roading.

Cylinder block and block head

The aluminum V6 cylinder block and aluminum 24-valve block head provide lightweight construction and efficient engine cooling, which positively affects engine durability and performance.

Cylinder diameter and piston stroke

The 96 mm cylinder diameter and 83 mm piston stroke provide optimum combustion conditions and maximize engine efficiency.

Compression ratio

The 10.2 compression ratio contributes to improved fuel efficiency and overall engine performance.

Engine Features

The ERB 3.6 liter features a DOHC (double overhead camshaft) system, hydrocompensators and chain-driven timing, which provides precise valve control and reduces the need for frequent maintenance.

Phase Regulator

Dual VVT (Dual Position Phase Shifter) system optimizes timing, improving engine performance under various operating conditions.

No turbocharger

No turbocharger simplifies engine design and reduces maintenance requirements.

Operating Recommendations

For optimal engine performance it is recommended to use 5W-30 engine oil in the volume of 5.6 liters and AI-95 gasoline.

Environmental class and service life

The engine complies with the environmental class EURO 4 and has an estimated service life of 330,000 km, which indicates its reliability and durability.

Application in automobiles

The ERB 3.6 liter engine is used in various car models, which indicates its versatility and a wide range of applications:

Chrysler

• 200 1 (JS) (2010 – 2014)
• 200 2 (UF) (2014 – 2016)
• 300C 2 (LD) (2011 – present)
• Town & Country 5 (RT) (2010 – 2016)

Dodge

1. Avenger 1 (JS) (2010 – 2014)
2. Charger 2 (LD) (2011-present)
3. Challenger 3 (LC) (2010 – present)
4. Durango 3 (WD) (2010 – 2016)
5. Grand Caravan 5 (RT) (2010 – 2016)
6. Journey 1 (JC) (2010 – 2016)

Jeep

• Grand Cherokee 4 (WK2) (2010 – 2016)
• Wrangler 3 (JK) (2011 – 2018)

Fiat

• Freemont I (JC) (2011 – 2015)

Lancia

• Thema II (LD) (2011 – 2014)

Volkswagen

• Routan 1 (7B) (2011 – 2014)

Pentastar 3.6 liter engines from Chrysler have become popular due to their reliability and performance. However, despite their advantages, they are not without a number of problems, especially on the early versions. In this article, we’ll look at the main faults of the classic Pentastar 3.6 ERB engine and the specific problems of the second version of the Pentastar 3.6 ERC.

Troubleshooting Part 1: Pentastar 3.6 ERB

Software

For the 2011 model year, the following errors appeared due to software problems:

1. P0344 – Camshaft Position Sensor Intermittent – Bank 1 Sensor 1
2. P0349 – Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent – Bank 2 Sensor 1
3. P0369 – Camshaft Position Sensor Intermittent – Bank 1 Sensor 2
4. P0394 – Bank 2 Camshaft Position Sensor 2/2 Circuit Intermittent
5. P050B – Cold Start Ignition Timing Performance
6. P0219 – Engine Overspeed
7. P0108 – Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High
8. P0522 – Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Low
9. P06DD – Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off
10. P0298 – Engine Oil Temperature Too High

These errors have been resolved by updating the software. When diagnosing, always update the software to the latest version before repairing.

Oil Pressure

Major oil pressure problems include:

1. Oil pump sticking due to oil deposits inside the solenoid. Replacement of the pump assembly is recommended.
2. Problems with the emergency pressure relief valve in the oil pump, resulting in a P06DDD error. Replacing the pump with a new one corrects the problem.
3. Opening of the oil passageway plug bolts, causing a drop in oil pressure and a P06DDD error. Re-tightening the bolts is recommended.
4. Damage to the oil intake tube O-ring can also cause P06DD error. Replacing the ring or tube solves the problem.

Oil leaks

• The engine oil cooler often begins to leak after 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Replacement of the assembly is recommended.
• The oil pressure sensor may be defective in 2013-2014 models, causing a P0520 error.

Engine Mechanics

1. Defective cylinder heads (Cylinder Block Heads) in 2011-2013 models cause ignition misses. Replacing the cylinder head solves the problem.
2. Dirt under the connecting rod liners in 2012 models caused engine seizure. The L33 recall campaign provided engine replacement.
3. Tocking under the hood is often caused by a destroyed rocker needle bearing. Replacing the rockers and hydrocompensators eliminates the problem.
4. Threaded inserts are not allowed to repair damaged threads on the cylinder-head bolts or main journals. Only replacement with a new head is acceptable.

Attachments

1. Noise after starting the engine due to attachment roller or pump. Replacing the roller or pump gasket solves the problem.
2. Thermostat housing leaks are often due to a defective fitting. Replacing the housing assembly fixes the problem.
3. Rusted cooling system clamps can cause them to break and cause the engine to overheat. Replacement of the clamps is recommended.
4. Antifreeze leaks due to untightened head bolts from the factory. Retightening the head solves the problem.

Problems Part 2: Pentastar 3.6 ERC

Synchronization Problems

ERC engines have a history of timing out-of-sync timing errors:

• P0017 – Crankshaft/Camshaft Timing Misalignment – Bank 1 Sensor 2.
• P0019 – Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor 2.
• P000A – Bank 1 Camshaft 1 Position Slow Response.
• P000C – Bank 2 Camshaft 1 Position Slow Response.

Replacing the intake VVT solenoids corrects these problems.

Intake Camshaft Problems

• Lack of notching on the intake camshafts can cause ignition misses and slow response errors. Replacing the camshafts solves the problem.
• Camshaft wear is seen at mileages of 40-50 thousand. The cause has not been determined, and dealers suggest replacing the engine assembly.

Other problems

1. Damage to the fuel ramp during production can lead to gasoline leakage and fire. The S85 recall campaign provides replacement of damaged ramps.
2. A protrusion on the right valve cover can damage the EGR tube and hose. Removing the protrusion solves the problem.
3. Spark plug cracks in 2020-2021 models. Replacing the plugs fixes the problem.

Pentastar 3.6 engines, despite their problems, remain popular due to their power and reliability. It is important to troubleshoot issues in a timely manner and keep up with software updates to ensure long life and reliable engine performance.