🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Magnum

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

LX

Platform:

Chrysler LX Platform

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Magnum was positioned as a stylish, rear-wheel-drive (or optional all-wheel-drive) five-door hatchback/wagon, offering a blend of performance, utility, and distinctive American styling, targeting a niche market seeking an alternative to traditional sedans and SUVs.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, and to some extent, more utilitarian vehicles like the Subaru Outback, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

Styling:

Distinctive and aggressive 'long hood, short deck' styling, inspired by the iconic Dodge Charger. Available in various trim levels, including SE, SXT, and the performance-oriented R/T and SRT8 models.

Powertrain Options:

Offered a range of V6 and V8 HEMI engines, with rear-wheel-drive as standard and all-wheel-drive available on certain models. Known for its powerful HEMI V8 option.

Interior Versatility:

Practical hatchback design with a large cargo area, offering good utility for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete factory service and repair information for the 2006 Dodge Magnum

Page Count:

Approximately 2000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, ignition system, starting and charging system, transmission (automatic and manual if applicable), driveline components.

Chassis:

Suspension systems (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, ESP), wheels and tires.

Body:

Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), body electrical systems, lighting systems, wipers and washers.

Electrical & Electronics:

Wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, power distribution, multiplex systems, body control modules (BCM), instrument cluster, audio systems, security systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting procedures.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement.

Diagnosis & Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting, wiring schematic interpretation, use of diagnostic scan tools.

Repair & Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation of major systems including engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical components.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners, fluid capacities and types, wear limits, diagnostic specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete drivetrain and chassis overhauls. Includes detailed wiring diagrams and component-level repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

High-resolution PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing. Features searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

Excellent, with clear, legible text and high-quality, detailed diagrams and illustrations.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 2006:

3.5L SOHC V6 (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm), 5.7L OHV HEMI V8 (340 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm), 6.1L OHV HEMI V8 (SRT8 - 425 hp @ 6000 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm)

Bore Stroke 3.5L:

96 mm x 81 mm

Bore Stroke 5.7L:

99.5 mm x 94.6 mm

Bore Stroke 6.1L:

103 mm x 94.5 mm

Compression Ratio 3.5L:

9.6:1

Compression Ratio 5.7L:

9.6:1

Compression Ratio 6.1L:

10.3:1

Fuel Delivery 3.5L:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Delivery 5.7L:

Multi-Displacement System (MDS) with Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Delivery 6.1L:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for 3.5L and 5.7L, 91 octane recommended for 6.1L SRT8)

Engine Management:

Chrysler's NGC (Next Generation Controller) or similar engine control module

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard 3.5L Sxt:

42RLE 4-speed automatic

Transmission Standard 5.7L R/T:

545RFE 5-speed automatic

Transmission Optional AWD:

All-wheel-drive system available on SXT and R/T models, paired with respective automatic transmissions.

Transmission Features Rwd:

Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is standard on most models.

Transmission Features AWD:

Active all-wheel-drive system with a front differential and a rear differential connected by a transfer case, providing power to all four wheels as needed.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602) for 42RLE and 545RFE transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 190.6 inches (4841 mm)

Width:

Approx. 74.1 inches (1882 mm)

Height:

Approx. 58.4 inches (1483 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 116.0 inches (2946 mm)

Front Track:

Approx. 62.1 inches (1577 mm)

Rear Track:

Approx. 61.5 inches (1562 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 20.2 cubic feet (572 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 42.2 cubic feet (1195 liters)

Curb Weight 3.5L Rwd:

Approx. 3760 lbs (1706 kg)

Curb Weight 5.7L Rwd:

Approx. 3988 lbs (1809 kg)

Curb Weight 5.7L AWD:

Approx. 4170 lbs (1891 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Varies by model and engine, typically around 4700-5100 lbs.

Towing Capacity:

Typically rated up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg) without a specific towing package.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-star

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-star

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5-star

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

5-star

IIHS Roof Strength:

Acceptable (for models tested)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard on most models, often referred to as Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Anti-Lock Braking System:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Standard traction control system (TCS).

Airbags Front:

Dual-stage front airbags for driver and front passenger.

Airbags Side:

Front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for all seating positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available Boston Acoustics premium sound system with amplifier and subwoofer. Standard AM/FM/CD player. Optional SiriusXM satellite radio.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear park assist system (ParkSense).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Standard remote keyless entry system.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions or CD changers were typical for audio connectivity.

Bluetooth:

Optional Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free communication system available on select trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes (e.g., every 3,000-5,000 miles).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Recommended replacement every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement 3.5L:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) using original equipment spark plugs (e.g., NGK Iridium).

Spark Plug Replacement 5.7L/6.1L:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type and driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations for HEMI engines.

Coolant Flush:

Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 3 years thereafter. Use HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic oil, meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395.

Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:

Approx. 6 US quarts (5.7 liters) with filter.

Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L:

Approx. 7 US quarts (6.6 liters) with filter.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (MS-5901) or an equivalent Dexron III/Mercon ATF.

Hemi Lifter Tick:

Some HEMI engines may develop a ticking noise from the valve train, often attributed to lifter issues or oil viscosity problems. Regular oil changes with proper specification oil are crucial.

Transmission Issues:

The 42RLE transmission can sometimes exhibit hard shifting or delayed engagement. Ensure proper fluid levels and condition.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many vehicles of this era, electrical issues such as BCM problems, interior light failures, or sensor malfunctions can occur and are well-documented in the manual.

Suspension Wear:

Front suspension components like ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links can experience wear over time, leading to clunks and poor handling.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Some HEMI engines may be prone to cracking exhaust manifolds, leading to exhaust leaks and a ticking sound.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing performance-oriented American vehicles, often associated with muscle cars and robust engineering.

Magnum Launch:

The Dodge Magnum was reintroduced for the 2005 model year, based on the Chrysler LX platform (shared with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger). It replaced the Chrysler LHS/Concorde wagon in Dodge's lineup.

Platform Sharing:

Utilizes the rear-wheel-drive LX platform, which featured a modified Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) chassis. This provided a sophisticated ride and handling balance.

Key Trims And Engines:

The 2006 model year saw the introduction of the high-performance SRT8 variant, powered by a 6.1L HEMI V8, solidifying the Magnum's performance credentials.

Production Period:

2005-2008

Manufacturing Location:

Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Sales Performance:

The Magnum enjoyed moderate sales success, appealing to a niche market, but was discontinued after the 2008 model year due to declining sales and Chrysler's restructuring.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Recognition:

The SRT8 variant received considerable attention for its potent performance, often praised for delivering supercar-like acceleration in a practical wagon body style.

Styling Awards:

Its polarizing but distinctive styling earned it praise and criticism, contributing to its unique market appeal.

Design Award Potential:

While not a primary focus of awards, its unique design language was a significant factor in its market identity.