21 challenger 3.6 temps

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Discussions' started by toxicfire, Jul 25, 2025.

  1. toxicfire

    toxicfire Member

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    So its probably been asked but everything i see online is talking about the rt or bigger engines not the 3.6..


    So my car has 30,000km on it so roughly 19,000miles


    My temps in city driving are for coolant temp is 98C(208)F to 104C (219F) average. hwy is like 94C (201F) to 97C (207F)

    Is this normal on this engine? my hemi ram runs cooler then this so just making sure im good here.
     
  2. baccaruda

    baccaruda Full Access Member

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    that sounds fine that's about what one of my car runs , "3.6" that's pretty norm.
     
  3. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    A 3.6 engine runs between 180-230 degrees, depending on driving conditions and load. Dodge engines were designed to run at higher temperatures for emissions.

    For instance, the 3.6 Pentastar’s thermostat doesn’t open until around 221 degrees. Additionally, the radiator fan doesn’t kick on to its highest setting until around 230 degrees. In most other engines, the thermostat will open around the 180-195 degrees Fahrenheit range.

    The high operating temperatures of these components don’t leave very much breathing room between normal operating temperature and overheating. This is one reason why overheating is common among FCA Pentastar-equipped Jeeps, Rams, and Dodges. That is especially true for abnormally hot days.

    Dodge issued a TSB for the 2013 models with the 3.6 for a water pump/overheating problem.

    Water Pump
    Part Numbers:
    68079412A$
    05184498A$
    Issue Description:
    Water Pump Noise and Elevated Operating Temp.


    Chrysler is addressing an issue of NVH from the water pump on 2013 vehicles equipped with the 3.6 Pentastar. It has been described as a chirp, squeal, squeak at idle and operating temp
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2025
  4. baccaruda

    baccaruda Full Access Member

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    most fans kick on around 210-214, all cars are different. one of my hemi engine i have re programed my fans to kick on at 195 so there you are you are ok..... i work on them every day.
     
  5. synoptic12

    synoptic12 Full Access Member

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    @SRT-Tom

    I called a Dodge dealer and they cannot find either part number. Service states there should be two letters not one. Furthermore, they state it is only a TSB and not a recall. No word on Chrysler (FCA) addressing any issues with NVH.

    * The new part numbers are:


    Water Pump:part Number 68667064AA $227.00 BACKORDER

    Gasket 68087340AA 32.95

    Bolts 6509392AA $10.20

    Water Pump
    Part Numbers:
    68079412A$ >The $ should be an "N"
    05184498A$ > The $ should be an "N"
    Issue Description:
    Water Pump Noise and Elevated Operating Temp.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2025
  6. baccaruda

    baccaruda Full Access Member

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    It might help if we knew what year and model you have?
     
  7. toxicfire

    toxicfire Member

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    Thread title 21 challenger :):)
     
  8. HellKitten

    HellKitten Full Access Member

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    I like how Stellantis says it's only a TSB not a recall. In my eyes a TSB should be a recall !

    Sorta like the TSB for 850RE transmissions for 2020 - 2023 clutch pack D friction rings wear out quick as it did in my Challenger with 60K on it.

    If you have this model transmission in your auto 20-23 . Go in reverse with some throttle backing up a hill , if the clutch is wearing out you will set a code and your auto will pop out of gear..