Chrysler Techs - 2013 Caravan 3.6

[RattFink]

We bought a 2013 Caravan last Nov. with 28,000 miles used. Love it so far. Last night when coming to a stop you can feel a shudder because the engine rpm will drop low right before you stop then at the light the idle fluctuates between 6-800 rpm. It did this multiple times then stopped doing it. I am curious if there are any known issues or TSBs. Current mileage is right under 36000, so warranty is about up....if I drive it to the dealer it would turn over 36000. Taking it on a LONG trip in a couple weeks so I'm kinda paranoid.

[thedon809]

I've never heard of anything like that. Make sure the transmission is not in eco mode. That makes it shift and downshift like crap.

[RattFink]

Hmm I did notice the economy button on the other day can't remember if it got shut off. Also ambient temp. was showing 98 degrees yesterday so it was HOT not sure if that had anything to do with it.

[A.J.]

Did the check engine light come on? Those engines have a problem with the valve sealing. There is a TSB on it but I don't know that the number is. If you have a misfire code stored you're looking at possibly replacing the heads. I have a customer that went though that and all they have is 50K on it.

[thedon809]

The head issue usually sets a code before you can feel anything. Only the left(front) head is affected. Typically # 2/4/6 will have slightly lower compression. Like 120 compared to 170 of a normal cyl.

[RattFink]

No light didn't scan codes. I thought the head problems were 2011 only?

[thedon809]

2011-2013. You have an extended 10 year 150,000 warranty on the left head because of the issues.

- - - Updated - - -

Bring it to me. I can replace those heads in <4 hours and they pay 10 hours. I've done at least 25 heads.

[RoadWarrior222]

Those symptoms though, pretty generic to a lot of cars when you come to a stop when the AC compressor happens to be running.

[RattFink]

I'll keep an eye on it I suppose. 1 week away from driving from ATL Ga to Northern Mi so we'll see what happens. What is the root cause of the cylinder head problem? Why only the LH head?

[thedon809]

Something to do with the coolant passages in the left head not taking enough heat away. Causes the guide to shift slightly and that causes the valve to not completely seal. I have no idea why it's left head only. Some do it some don't. Most usually start messing up around 30k miles. My mom has a 2011 challenger 3.6 with 55k no problems.

[black86glhs]

F*cking Chryslers and cylinder heads.....lol. Kinda like GM and cylinder heads.....lol.

[RattFink]

Thanks for all the responses! Sounds like Chrysler is doing the right thing by extending the warranty that far and owning up to the problem. We will see how the van fares on this trip.

[thedon809]

Other than the head issue the 3.6 has been pretty decent. Small issues here and there. I've seen some rocker bearings go bad and chew up a cam a few times. The dual stage oil pump got stuck on high mode once in a cop car 4wd durango. What a PITA to change that.

[RattFink]

Running errands today no problems a bit cooler out 85ish

[RattFink]

Got back from our trip late last night. 2,210 miles with no problems aside from the LF strut starting to squeek when turning. Averaged 22 mpg at 75 mph with 6 people and packed with luggage. That includes a lot of stopping and idling too. Pleased with the van so far aside from that strut noise and some minor fit and finish issues.

[thedon809]

I just replaced an upper strut mount on a caravan. Somehow the spring got completely dislodged from the mount and the end of the spring was hitting the strut rod.

[RattFink]

I just replaced an upper strut mount on a caravan. Somehow the spring got completely dislodged from the mount and the end of the spring was hitting the strut rod.
Was it hard? Just looked at mine and something defiantly doesn't look right, hard to get a pic of it.

[thedon809]

No its easy. You have to pop a few push pins out from the cowl so you can squeeze a 13mm to get the top nuts. After that it's like any other strut. You don't have any camber adjustment on a factory strut.

[Johnny]

We have a 2012 Avenger R/T and love it. Thinking for getting a van with the 3.6 too.