Engine Tick, A/C Not Cooling, Coolant Sediment

2022 DODGE DURANGO
42,683 MILES • 3.6L • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JPO0410
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I recently purchased a 2022 Dodge Durango 3.6L Pentastar AWD with 41,634 miles and within 48 hours of ownership I have discovered several concerns. I’ll admit I unfortunately didn’t catch these during my initial inspection and test drive. Some of these issues only became apparent after extended use and closer examination after purchase.


1.ENGINE TICK — Constant mechanical tick present at all temperatures. Does not diminish when warmed up. Consistent at idle and when revved. Possibly consistent with known rocker arm or VVT issues on this platform.

2.AIR CONDITIONING — Not cooling cabin despite maximum settings. Constant hissing noise when running suggesting possible refrigerant leak. Have minimized use to prevent potential compressor damage.

3.COOLANT — The coolant reservoir appears to have sediment or debris settled at the bottom of the tank rather than clean fluid. The coolant itself may be degraded or contaminated with particulate matter.


My main questions are:
Is the engine tick consistent with known 3.6L Pentastar rocker arm or VVT failures?

Is the A/C hissing likely a refrigerant leak?

Is the discoloration likely just neglected/old coolant needing a flush or could it indicate a deeper issue?
May 24, 2026 at 8:51 AM
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STRAILER
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It looks like you wrote this with Ai? Also, we only handle one problem per thread so please start new questions for the AC issue and coolant problem, we will handle the engine tick on this thread. Thanks for the video on the engine noise, yep this is the typical roller follower that needs to be replaced I would remove the valve cover for inspection. Also, inspect the camshaft lobe as well. Please upload an image or video of the issue once you have found it. Check out the images (below). Please let me know what happens.

May 24, 2026 at 3:28 PM
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