Market Position:
The 2010 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan positioned as a blend of performance, comfort, and distinctive American styling, often appealing to those seeking a larger sedan with optional V8 power and rear-wheel drive dynamics.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, and Nissan Maxima in the full-size sedan segment. The Charger offered a more performance-oriented option with its available Hemi V8 engines.
Key Features:
• Rear-wheel drive platform
• Multiple V6 and V8 engine options
• Distinctive exterior styling
• Spacious interior
• Available all-wheel drive on certain trims
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan
Systems Covered List:
• Powertrain (Engine, Transmission)
• Braking System
• Steering System
• Suspension System
• Electrical System (Lighting, Instruments, Power Features)
• Climate Control System (HVAC)
• Safety Restraint System (Airbags, Seatbelts)
• Infotainment System
• Security System
• Chassis and Body Components
Systems Covered Details:
The manual provides an owner-centric overview of vehicle systems, including how to operate climate controls, understand the instrument cluster, manage the infotainment system, and utilize comfort and convenience features. It also details basic checks for engine oil, coolant, and other vital fluids.
Procedures Included List:
• Normal operation and driving techniques
• Understanding dashboard indicators and controls
• Comfort and convenience feature usage
• Basic maintenance checks (fluids, tires, lights)
• Cleaning and appearance care
• Jacking and tire changing
• Jump starting the battery
• Emergency procedures
• Fueling information
• Accessory installation guidelines
• Reporting safety defects
• Troubleshooting common warning lights
Procedures Included Details:
It outlines procedures such as checking tire pressure, proper jacking points for tire changes, jump-starting procedures, and basic cleaning advice for both the interior and exterior. It also covers how to use safety restraints and child seat anchorages.
Technical Depth:
Covers essential information for vehicle operation, basic maintenance, and understanding features. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair steps typical of a Service Manual.
Technical Depth Details:
The manual focuses on information relevant to the daily user. While it lists lubricant specifications and refill capacities, it does not provide detailed diagnostic codes, wiring diagrams, or step-by-step component replacement instructions, which are reserved for service manuals.
Primary Engine:
3.5L SOHC V6
Engine Options List:
• 3.5L SOHC V6 (250 hp, 250 lb-ft)
• 5.7L OHV V8 HEMI (368 hp, 395 lb-ft)
• 6.1L OHV V8 HEMI (SRT8 trim, 425 hp, 420 lb-ft)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Performance Notes:
Performance varied significantly based on engine choice, with the HEMI V8 models offering strong acceleration and a signature V8 exhaust note.
Engine Notes:
The 2010 Charger offered a range of engines from a capable V6 for everyday driving to powerful HEMI V8s for enhanced performance, catering to different driver preferences.
Bore Stroke Notes:
Specifications vary by engine. For example, the 3.5L V6 has a bore of 3.78 inches and a stroke of 3.27 inches.
Compression Ratio Notes:
3.5L V6: 10.0:1; 5.7L HEMI V8: 10.0:1; 6.1L HEMI V8: 10.3:1
Valvetrain:
SOHC (3.5L V6); OHV with Multiple Displacement System (MDS) and hemispherical combustion chambers (5.7L V8); OHV with MDS and hemispherical combustion chambers (6.1L V8)
Displacement Liters:
3.5L, 5.7L, 6.1L
Standard Transmission:
5-speed automatic (W5A580)
Optional Transmission:
5-speed automatic (W5A580) with Auto Stick for manual gear selection (standard on higher trims or AWD models).
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled overdrive with torque converter clutch. Auto Stick functionality allowed driver-selected gear changes.
Gear Ratios Notes:
Specific gear ratios are proprietary to the transmission model (W5A580) but are optimized for a balance of acceleration and fuel economy. The manual would not typically list these.
Exterior Dimensions:
Length: ~200.1 inches, Width: ~74.5 inches, Height: ~58.4 inches
Interior Dimensions Notes:
Spacious interior with comfortable seating for five adults. Ample legroom and headroom, especially in the front.
Cargo Volume Cu Ft:
Approximately 15.5 cubic feet
Curb Weight Lbs:
Varies by model, typically ranging from ~3,800 lbs (V6 RWD) to ~4,100 lbs (V8 AWD).
Track Width Front Inches:
63.1
Track Width Rear Inches:
63.7
Ground Clearance Inches:
Approximately 4.7 - 5.5 inches (depending on trim/suspension)
Front Overhang Inches:
36.8
Rear Overhang Inches:
43.2
Wheel Size Inches:
17-inch, 18-inch, 20-inch, or 22-inch alloy wheels (depending on trim and options)
Safety Ratings:
Refer to NHTSA and IIHS for specific crash test ratings for the 2010 model year. Generally, Dodge Chargers of this era performed well in frontal and side impact tests.
Active Safety Features List:
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Brake Assist
• Rain-Sensing Wipers (Optional)
Passive Safety Features List:
• Advanced multi-stage front airbags
• Supplemental front and rear side-curtain airbags
• Front seat-mounted side airbags
• Active head restraints
• Child seat LATCH anchor points
Tire Pressure Recommendations
Tire Pressure Recommendations:
Typically around 30-34 PSI, as indicated on the driver's side doorjamb sticker.
Brake System Type:
Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.
Front Brakes Type:
Ventilated discs
Rear Brakes Type:
Solid discs
Airbag Count:
6 (front, side-front, side-curtain)
Infotainment System:
Infotainment systems varied by trim level, including options like the Uconnect AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3 stereo with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Boston Acoustics premium audio system, and available navigation.
Driver Assistance Features List:
• ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera (Optional)
• ParkSense Rear Park Assist System (Optional)
• Keyless Enter-N-Go
• Remote Start (Optional)
Connectivity Features:
Uconnect voice command and Bluetooth connectivity were available on many models, allowing for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Instrument Cluster Details:
Features a driver information display (DID) showing fuel economy, trip information, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) status, and warning indicators.
Lighting Features:
Includes automatic headlamps, interior dome and map lights, front and rear reading lamps, and a trunk light. Fog lamps were optional on some trims.
Service Intervals Notes:
Typical intervals include oil changes every 3,000-7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions), tire rotations every 6,000-8,000 miles, and spark plug replacement around 100,000 miles (depending on type). Refer to the manual for precise schedules.
Fluid Specifications List:
• Engine Oil: SAE 5W-20 (for most V6 and V8 engines, check specific requirements)
• Engine Coolant: Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent HOAT
• Brake Fluid: DOT 3
• Transmission Fluid (Automatic): ATF+4 (Mopar specification)
• Power Steering Fluid: ATF+4 or specified Mopar fluid
Known Issues Notes:
Common issues for this generation can include potential water pump leaks, exhaust manifold leaks, transmission solenoid issues, and tire wear on performance models. Regular maintenance as outlined in the manual is crucial for longevity.
Part Numbers Availability:
The manual would contain references to common service items and potentially part numbers for filters, spark plugs, and fluids. Specific part numbers are best confirmed via a VIN decoder or dealership parts department.
Refill Capacities Notes:
Capacities for engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and other fluids would be detailed, e.g., engine oil capacity typically around 5-7 quarts depending on engine.
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mopar or equivalent filter for 3.5L V6 might be around Part No. 04861706AA. V8 HEMI may differ.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mopar or equivalent filter for 3.5L V6 might be around Part No. 05033392AC. V8 HEMI may differ.
Lubricant Specifications Engine
Lubricant Specifications Engine Notes:
The manual specifies the correct API service category and viscosity grade for engine oil, emphasizing the use of synthetic or synthetic blend oils for optimal protection.
Lubricant Specifications Transmission
Lubricant Specifications Transmission Notes:
Specifies the use of Mopar ATF+4 (or equivalent) for the automatic transmission, crucial for its longevity and performance.
Battery Specifications:
Standard Group Size 48 or 65 battery (check specific requirements based on engine and options). Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) recommendation will be provided.
Tire Information Notes:
The manual will specify recommended tire sizes and load ratings for different trims, e.g., P225/60R17 for base models, P235/55R19 for R/T models, P245/45ZR20 for SRT8.
Fuel Requirements:
Regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Premium fuel (91 octane or higher) is recommended for optimal performance, especially for HEMI engines.
Brand Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles, with the Charger nameplate evoking muscle car heritage from the 1960s and 1970s.
Model Evolution:
The 2010 Charger is part of the second generation (2006-2010) of the modern Charger revival. This generation saw updates and refreshes, including the facelift for the 2009 model year which influenced the 2010 model.
Production Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada