Cold Air Intake for Dodge Durango (2011-2015) with 3.6L V6 Engine

The Wrench Time

• Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
• Difficulty: 3/10 - Straightforward driveway bolt-on wrenching.

Tools You Will Need

• 10mm deep socket & ratchet (jump post terminal and airbox mounting)
• 8mm socket or flathead screwdriver (intake band clamps)
• Small flat-blade pick or pocket screwdriver (IAT sensor harness clip)
• Panel popper tool (wiring harness anchors and engine cover clips)
• Silicone spray or mild soapy water (slip-fitting silicone couplers)

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

1. Disconnect Power: On the 2011-2015 Dodge Durango, the physical battery is tucked under the front passenger seat, but you can isolate underhood electronics quickly: use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative ground cable from the remote jump terminal on the passenger shock tower to prevent errant sensor codes.
2. Remove the Engine Cover: Grasp the factory decorative engine cover firmly by the front edges and pull straight up with both hands to disengage it from the four rubber ball-stud grommets. Set it safely aside.
3. Disconnect the IAT Sensor: Locate the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor on the driver’s side of the OEM intake duct. Back out the red locking safety clip with a pocket screwdriver, depress the release latch, and unplug the harness. Unclip the wiring harness anchor from the air tube using a panel popper tool.
4. Disconnect the PCV Breather Hose: Locate the crankcase breather line connecting to the side of the factory intake resonator box. Squeeze the release ring firmly with your fingers (or lightly with needle-nose pliers) and slide the hose free from the intake barb.
5. Loosen Clamps and Unbolt Airbox: Using an 8mm socket, loosen the worm-gear clamp securing the intake tube to the throttle body, as well as the clamp on the factory air filter box. Remove the single mounting bolt on the radiator support using a 10mm socket.
6. Extract the OEM Intake Assembly: Pull the intake tube off the throttle body neck. Firmly pull straight up on the lower air filter housing assembly to pop it out of the lower chassis grommets. Ensure the three rubber isolator push-grommets stay seated in the Durango’s body frame sheet metal rather than falling into the fender well.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake for Dodge Durango (2011-2015) 3.6L

1. Transfer the IAT Sensor: Carefully remove the factory IAT sensor from the OEM intake tube by turning it counterclockwise a quarter-turn and sliding it out. Inspect the rubber O-ring for tears. Install the supplied rubber sensor grommet into the aftermarket intake tube, then lubricate the sensor O-ring with a drop of clean engine oil and push the sensor into place until fully seated. Never touch the exposed thermistor bead directly.
2. Mount the Heat Shield: Set the aftermarket heat shield down into the factory lower airbox location, pressing the base pins into the factory rubber floor grommets. Fasten the supplied bracket to the Durango’s radiator support rail using the factory hardware with a 10mm socket.
3. Install Coupler and Intake Tube: Slide the silicone reducer coupler onto the throttle body and secure it loosely using an 8mm socket on the worm-gear clamp. Slide the new intake tube into the coupler and align the opposing end through the heat shield opening. Tighten the throttle body clamp until snug, but do not overtighten and crush the throttle body housing.
4. Plumb the PCV Hose and Harness: Connect the supplied crankcase breather hose (or factory PCV hose) onto the welded barb on the intake pipe until it audibly clicks. Reconnect the IAT harness plug to the sensor and push down the red slide-lock to secure it.
5. Install the Conical Filter: Slip the high-flow performance air filter onto the inlet neck inside the heat shield chamber. Position the clamp squarely around the filter flange and secure it firmly with an 8mm socket. Reinstall the factory engine cover over the intake manifold studs.
6. Reconnect and Calibrate the Throttle: Reconnect the ground terminal on the shock tower using your 10mm socket. Turn the Durango’s ignition to RUN (Engine OFF) for 10 seconds to prime the system. Start the 3.6L engine, but do not touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds; allow the powertrain control module (PCM) to establish a baseline idle trimmed to the increased airflow volume. Inspect all connection points for vacuum leaks or rattles before hitting the road.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2011-2015 Dodge Durango 3.6L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.