This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the camshafts on the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine in 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler models, requiring cylinder head removal for proper access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Camshaft(s) - intake and/or exhaust as required × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cylinder head gaskets × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain components (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft position sensor O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rocker arm assemblies (if replacing camshafts) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 6.5 qt
• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate terminal
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retention points
4. Drain engine coolant completely into appropriate container
5. Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
6. Remove air intake system from throttle body to air filter housing
7. Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump relay and cranking engine briefly
8. Tag and photograph all vacuum lines, electrical connectors, and hose routing for reinstallation reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve covers
   Disconnect ignition coil electrical connectors on both banks. Remove ignition coils from spark plug tubes. Unbolt and remove both valve covers, noting the location of any wiring harness brackets or ground straps attached to cover bolts. Clean any oil residue from exposed valve train.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove accessory drive components
   Remove serpentine belt by rotating tensioner clockwise. Remove alternator with mounting brackets. Remove A/C compressor and secure aside WITHOUT disconnecting refrigerant lines. Remove power steering pump and secure aside with lines attached. Remove accessory drive bracket from front of engine.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove timing chain cover and set timing marks
   Remove crankshaft damper using appropriate puller (do not pry). Remove all timing chain cover bolts including the lower bolts accessible from underneath. Carefully remove timing chain cover. Rotate engine to TDC cylinder #1 (compression stroke) and verify all timing marks on camshaft phasers align with marks on cylinder heads. Mark timing chain position relative to camshaft and crankshaft sprockets with paint pen.
   ⚠Document timing mark positions with photographs. Even slight misalignment during reassembly will cause valve-to-piston contact.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lock timing chain and remove camshaft phasers
   Install camshaft phaser locking tools or equivalent to prevent cam rotation. Remove camshaft position sensors from both cylinder heads. Remove camshaft phaser bolts while holding camshafts with holding tool. Remove both intake and exhaust cam phasers along with timing chain as an assembly. Keep phasers organized by bank and position.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove cylinder head components
   Disconnect all coolant hoses from cylinder heads. Disconnect exhaust manifolds at catalytic converters. Remove all remaining electrical connectors from cylinder head area including coolant temperature sensors, oxygen sensors, and any remaining cam position sensors. Support engine with fixture or hoist as engine mounts may need slight adjustment for head removal clearance.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)

   Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove cylinder heads
   Remove cylinder head bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (consult service manual for specific pattern - starts from outside and works inward). Carefully lift cylinder heads straight up to avoid damaging deck surfaces. Place heads on clean, padded surface with combustion chambers facing up. If heads are stuck, gently tap with soft mallet at designated lifting points - never pry between head and block.
7. 7

   Remove rocker arm assemblies and camshaft bearing caps
   With cylinder heads on workbench, remove rocker arm assembly bolts in sequence from outside toward center. Carefully lift off complete rocker arm shaft assemblies. Remove camshaft bearing cap bolts gradually in crisscross pattern (no more than 1/4 turn at a time) to prevent cap warping. Mark each bearing cap with cylinder head bank and position for reinstallation in exact same location.
   ⚠Camshaft bearing caps are machined as matched sets with the cylinder head. Never interchange caps between positions or heads.
   Torque spec

   Gasket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove and inspect camshafts
   Carefully lift camshafts straight up from cylinder heads. Inspect cam lobes for scoring, pitting, or uneven wear patterns. Measure lobe height with micrometer if available - compare to service specifications. Inspect camshaft bearing journals for scoring or discoloration. Check cylinder head cam bearing surfaces for damage. Any damaged bearings require cylinder head replacement as bearings are not serviceable separately.
9. 9

   Clean all mating surfaces
   Using plastic scraper, carefully remove all gasket material from cylinder head deck surfaces and engine block deck. Clean timing chain cover mating surfaces on block. Ensure no gasket material falls into engine. Clean camshaft bearing journals in cylinder heads with clean lint-free cloth and brake cleaner. Inspect all surfaces for scratches or gouges - any damage requires machining or replacement.
   ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces. Gouges in deck surfaces will cause head gasket failure.
   Torque spec

   Gasket Surface Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new or replacement camshafts
    Lubricate all camshaft bearing journals and lobes with assembly lube or fresh engine oil. Carefully lower camshafts into position in cylinder heads, ensuring intake and exhaust cams are in correct positions (consult casting marks). Position camshafts so lobes are in neutral position (valves closed on #1 cylinder). Install bearing caps in original positions with arrow marks pointing toward front of engine.
11. 11

    Install bearing caps and rocker assemblies
    Install camshaft bearing cap bolts finger-tight, then torque in sequence from center outward in multiple steps: first to 50% of final spec, then to final specification. Install rocker arm shaft assemblies ensuring oil feed holes align correctly. Torque rocker assembly bolts to specification in sequence from center outward.
    ℹ️Verify camshafts rotate freely by hand after bearing caps are torqued. Any binding indicates misalignment or debris.
    Torque spec

    Gasket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall cylinder heads
    Install new cylinder head gaskets on block with all alignment dowels properly seated. Carefully lower cylinder heads onto block, guiding over alignment dowels. Install NEW cylinder head bolts (torque-to-yield type) and torque in specified sequence per service manual - typically requires multiple steps plus final angle torque. Install exhaust manifolds to heads.
    Torque spec

    Gasket Surface Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install timing components and verify alignment
    Ensure crankshaft is still at TDC #1. Install timing chain and camshaft phasers as assembly, aligning all timing marks precisely as documented during disassembly. Install camshaft phaser bolts and torque to specification while holding camshafts with holding tool. Remove locking tools and manually rotate engine two complete revolutions. Recheck that all timing marks align perfectly at TDC #1.
    ⚠️Incorrect timing will result in valve-to-piston contact and immediate engine destruction upon startup. Verify timing marks at least three times.
14. 14

    Install timing cover and remaining components
    Install new timing cover gasket. Install timing cover ensuring all alignment pins are seated. Torque timing cover bolts to specification in crisscross pattern. Install crankshaft damper to specification. Reinstall accessory drive brackets, power steering pump, A/C compressor, and alternator. Install serpentine belt ensuring proper routing. Install camshaft position sensors with new O-rings.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall valve covers and final assembly
    Install new valve cover gaskets. Install ignition coils into spark plug tubes. Reconnect all ignition coil connectors. Install valve covers and torque bolts in sequence from center outward. Reconnect all coolant hoses, vacuum lines, and electrical connectors per documentation from disassembly. Reconnect fuel lines. Install air intake system. Reconnect battery.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

    Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Refill cooling system with Mopar OAT Purple coolant - bleed air from system per service manual procedure
2. Install new oil filter and refill with 6.5 quarts Mopar 5W-20 synthetic blend engine oil
3. Double-check all electrical connectors, hoses, and hardware are properly secured
4. Verify serpentine belt is properly routed and tensioned
5. Reinstall engine cover

Verification

• Start engine and immediately verify oil pressure on gauge - shut down immediately if no pressure within 5 seconds
• Allow engine to idle and listen for any abnormal valve train noise or timing chain rattle
• Monitor for coolant or oil leaks around valve covers, timing cover, and cylinder heads
• Check for proper engine operation - smooth idle with no misfires or rough running
• Perform test drive and verify normal power delivery and acceleration
• Recheck all fluid levels after engine reaches operating temperature
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes - address any cam position sensor or timing-related codes immediately

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