The 3.6 Pentastar engine is one of the most popular power units used in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles. It is valued for its good dynamics and smooth operation, but in many vehicles—especially those equipped with LPG systems—a characteristic problem of jerking while driving occurs.

If your car shows such symptoms, we have a solution that will restore full driving comfort.

Why does the 3.6 Pentastar engine “jerk” when accelerating?

This jerking phenomenon occurs in many variants of this unit:

  • both in longitudinally and transversely mounted engines,
  • as well as in versions equipped with an EGR system.

The symptoms are most often noticeable:

  • when driving gently at a constant load,
  • during gentle acceleration,
  • especially when the engine is running on LPG.

Our experience shows that standard gas system settings are often unable to correctly reproduce the operating parameters of the 3.6 Pentastar engine, which leads to a deterioration in driving smoothness.

Solution: ALEX Optima Expert controller with the “Pentastar” function”

To effectively eliminate this problem, a dedicated function designed specifically for 3.6 Pentastar engines has been implemented in the ALEX Optima Expert controller.

Thanks to this solution:

  • jerks and unpleasant engine reactions are eliminated,
  • the operation of the LPG drive unit is faithfully reproduced in relation to gasoline operation,
  • the car behaves the same way on gas as it does on gasoline.

The latest versions of the 3.6 Pentastar engine also use a ready-made fuel pressure emulation solution, which allows for even better adaptation of the LPG system to the engine characteristics.
For best results, we recommend installing the complete set, which includes:

  • ALEX Optima Expert electronics
  • ALEX Barracuda injectors
  • 2x ALEX Shark reducers
  • ALEX Ultra 360 filter

This combination ensures trouble-free and stable vehicle operation.

Which cars feature the 3.6 Pentastar engine?

The 3.6 Pentastar engine has been and continues to be used in many popular models. Below is a list of vehicles in which the Optima Expert controller effectively eliminates jerking problems:

Dodge

  • Journey (2011–2020)
  • Charger (2011–present – SXT, GT versions)
  • Challenger (2011–present – SXT, GT versions)
  • Durango (2011–present)
  • Grand Caravan (2011–2020)
  • Avenger (2011–2014)

Chrysler

  • 300 / 300C (2011–present)
  • Pacifica (2017–present, also hybrid versions)
  • Voyager (2019–present, USA)
  • Town & Country (2011–2016)

Jeep

  • Grand Cherokee (2011–present)
  • Wrangler / Wrangler Unlimited (JK, JL) (2012–present)
  • Gladiator (JT) (2019–present)
  • Cherokee (KL) (2014–2023, Limited / Overland versions)

RAM

  • RAM 1500 (2013–present – 4×2 / 4×4 versions, including Pentastar eTorque)
  • RAM ProMaster (Fiat Ducato USA) (2014–present)
  • RAM ProMaster City (2015–2022)

Summary

If you own one of the above vehicles and are struggling with jerking while driving on LPG, an installation based on the ALEX Optima Expert controller with a dedicated “Pentastar” function is an effective solution.

Properly selected components and dedicated settings allow you to:

  • improve driving smoothness,
  • maintain engine comfort and performance,
  • avoid typical problems occurring in this unit.