Fitment Requirements
This pump is designed for selected vehicles using the naturally aspirated:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6
- DOHC architecture
- 24 valves
- Accessory-belt-driven water pump
It does not fit:
- 3.5L Chrysler V6 engines
- 3.7L PowerTech V6 engines
- 5.7L or 6.4L HEMI engines
- 3.0L EcoDiesel engines
- Newer Pentastar applications without part-number verification
- Jeep Wrangler models unless specifically confirmed through the current catalog
Confirm compatibility using the VIN, original pump number, and production date.
Reference and Interchange Numbers
Common AW6169 interchange numbers include:
- Airtex AW6169
- GMB 120-4450
- Mopar 05184498AE
- Mopar 05184498AH
- Mopar 05184498AI
- Mopar 05184498AJ
- Mopar 05184498AK
- Mopar 05184498AL
- Mopar 05184498AM
- Mopar 5184498AE
- Mopar 5184498AI
- Mopar 5184498AJ
- Mopar 5184498AK
- Mopar 5184498AL
- Mopar 5184498AM
- Mopar 68158680AB
- 1204450
- 21118
Mopar catalogs show that several earlier 5184498-series pumps were later superseded. Current service numbers may include 5184498AN or 68667064AA, depending on the application and replacement type.
The official Mopar replacement listing for 68667064AA identifies it as replacing several 5184498 and 68158680AB versions. Always compare the complete assembly before treating a superseded number as automatically interchangeable with this aftermarket pump.
Product Features
- Designed for selected 3.6L Pentastar engines
- Accessory-belt-driven mechanical pump
- Direct-fit mounting configuration
- Required gasket and seals included
- New aftermarket assembly
- Manufactured to reproduce OE-style fit and function
- Product photographs taken from an actual sample
- Three-year seller protection
- Compatible with multiple Chrysler-platform vehicles
What Comes in the Package?
The kit includes:
- One PAROD AW6169 water pump
- One water-pump gasket
- Required seals, as packaged
Inspect the contents before taking the vehicle apart. Verify that all fittings, plugs, pulleys, and sensors match the removed assembly.
How the AW6169 Water Pump Works
The accessory belt turns the pump pulley and internal shaft. The shaft drives an impeller that circulates coolant through the:
- Engine block
- Cylinder heads
- Heater circuit
- Thermostat
- Radiator
Coolant absorbs heat from the engine and releases it through the radiator. Normal circulation helps prevent localized hot spots, detonation, oil degradation, and cylinder-head distortion.
What Causes a Pentastar Water Pump to Fail?
Possible causes include:
- Normal bearing and seal wear
- Contaminated coolant
- Incorrect coolant chemistry
- Excessive belt tension
- A defective automatic tensioner
- Misaligned or seized accessory pulleys
- Trapped air
- Engine overheating
- Corrosion
- Improper gasket installation
Antifreeze does not normally damage a compatible water pump merely by being present. Problems are more likely when the coolant is incorrect, contaminated, excessively diluted, mixed with an incompatible formula, or left in service beyond its recommended interval.
Likewise, a properly functioning automatic tensioner should regulate belt load. Excessive tension may indicate the wrong belt, incorrect routing, a defective tensioner, or another accessory-drive problem.
Symptoms of a Failing AW6169 Water Pump
Common symptoms include:
- Coolant leaking from the pump
- Dried coolant residue around the housing
- Grinding, howling, or rumbling
- Water-pump pulley wobble
- Repeated coolant loss
- Engine overheating
- Temperature fluctuations
- Weak or intermittent cabin heat
- Coolant odor
- Steam from the engine compartment
A failing pump is only one possibility. A thermostat, radiator, hose, pressure cap, oil-cooler housing, or heater circuit can create similar symptoms.
Use our guide explaining how to find a coolant leak before replacing parts. Our comparison of a bad thermostat versus a bad water pump can also help distinguish the two failures.
Can an AW6169 Water Pump Fail Without Leaking?
Yes. A water pump can lose circulation because of:
- A damaged impeller
- A loose impeller-to-shaft connection
- Worn bearings
- Excessive shaft movement
- Restricted coolant passages
- A slipping accessory drive
The engine may overheat even when no external coolant leak is visible.
Installation Recommendations
Never open the cooling system while the engine is hot. Pressurized coolant can cause serious burns.
General installation steps include:
- Confirm the VIN and original pump number.
- Allow the engine to cool completely.
- Disconnect the battery when required.
- Drain the coolant into an approved container.
- Remove intake components or covers blocking access.
- Record the accessory-belt routing.
- Release the automatic tensioner and remove the belt.
- Disconnect the necessary coolant hoses.
- Remove the original water pump.
- Clean and inspect the sealing surface.
- Compare every port and mounting point.
- Install the supplied gasket and seals.
- Tighten the fasteners to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Reinstall the pulley, belt, hoses, and removed components.
- Refill with the correct coolant.
- Bleed trapped air according to the service procedure.
- Pressure-test and inspect the system for leaks.
Installation access differs substantially between a Chrysler 200, Ram 1500, and front-wheel-drive ProMaster. One generic video does not replace vehicle-specific service information. Shocking, yes.
Inspect Related Components
While replacing the pump, inspect:
- Serpentine belt
- Automatic belt tensioner
- Idler pulleys
- Thermostat and housing
- Radiator hoses
- Heater hoses
- Expansion tank and pressure cap
- Radiator
- Electric cooling fans
- Coolant condition
A rough or seized pulley can damage a new pump. Rotate accessible pulleys by hand with the belt removed and check for noise, binding, or looseness.
Use the Correct Mopar Coolant
Use coolant meeting the specification for the exact model year and VIN. Chrysler changed coolant recommendations during the broad Pentastar application period, so do not select antifreeze by color alone.
Our guide to IAT, OAT and HOAT coolant types explains why coolant chemistry matters.
If the existing coolant is contaminated or unknown, follow our guide on flushing a cooling system safely.
PAROD Manufacturing
PAROD states that its automotive components are manufactured in an ISO/TS 16949-certified facility and tested to reproduce original-equipment specifications. More information about the company is available from the official PAROD website.
Certification applies to quality-management processes. It does not make the pump a genuine Mopar component.
Three-Year Coverage
The listing advertises three-year protection administered through the seller’s customer-service channel.
Before purchasing, verify:
- Coverage start date
- Mileage limitations
- Replacement or refund terms
- Return-shipping responsibility
- Commercial-vehicle exclusions
- Labor-cost exclusions
- Proof-of-installation requirements
The listing references “MACEL” for support even though the pump is branded PAROD. Confirm the actual warranty provider and seller before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles does the PAROD AW6169 fit?
It fits selected 2011–2019 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Volkswagen vehicles equipped with the compatible 3.6L Pentastar V6. Exact year coverage varies by model.
Does AW6169 fit a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
This specific PAROD listing identifies Grand Cherokee fitment through 2015. Do not extend coverage to 2016 without confirming the VIN and original pump number.
Does it fit the Dodge Grand Caravan?
Yes. The stated application range is 2011–2019 with the 3.6L V6.
Does it fit a Ram 1500 Classic?
The supplied PAROD listing identifies Ram 1500 coverage through 2018. Some other AW6169 catalogs extend into Ram 1500 Classic years, but this particular pump should be verified separately.
Does it fit a Jeep Wrangler?
A Wrangler is not included in the supplied compatibility list. Verify the OE number rather than assuming all Pentastar pumps are identical.
Does this pump include a gasket?
Yes. The kit includes the primary gasket and applicable installation seals.
Is the thermostat included?
No thermostat is identified as part of the package. Inspect or replace it separately if necessary.
Is this a genuine Mopar water pump?
No. PAROD AW6169 is an aftermarket replacement that cross-references several Mopar pump numbers.
Can an overtightened belt damage the pump?
Yes, excessive belt load can accelerate bearing and seal wear. On vehicles using an automatic tensioner, investigate the tensioner, belt selection, routing, and accessory alignment.
Final Verdict
The PAROD AW6169 is a broadly compatible aftermarket water pump for earlier 3.6L Pentastar applications. Its included gasket, direct-fit design, extensive interchange coverage, and three-year seller protection make it a practical option for a properly verified vehicle.
The broad fitment range makes VIN verification essential, particularly for later Grand Cherokee, Durango, Ram 1500 Classic, and ProMaster applications.
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