Target Audience:
Automotive enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Competitors 2005:
Ford Five Hundred, Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala
Design Philosophy:
Retro-inspired styling, powerful engine options, rear-wheel drive platform
Reintroduction:
Revival of the iconic Charger nameplate after a hiatus
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, and Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
2000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (RWD/AWD options)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, ESP), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Lighting, Instruments, HVAC Controls, Audio Systems, Security Systems
Body:
Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Bumpers
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Flushes, Tune-ups, Inspections
Repair:
Engine Overhauls, Transmission Rebuilds, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Scan Procedures, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation
Technical Data:
Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Belt Routing Diagrams, Component Locations
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete component overhauls and electrical system troubleshooting
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams included
Exploded Views:
Extensive use of exploded views for part identification and assembly/disassembly guidance
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Base Engine 2005 2006:
3.5L SOHC V6 (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm)
Performance Engine 2006:
5.7L HEMIยฎ V8 (340 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm - early models)
Performance Engine 2006 Hemi Upgrade:
5.7L HEMIยฎ V8 with MDS (350 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm - later models, some early MY06 might have the 340hp tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Valve Train:
SOHC (V6), OHV (HEMI V8) with Multiple Displacement System (MDS)
Standard Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (42RLE for V6), 5-Speed Automatic (W5A580 for V8)
Optional Transmission:
None for these years (all automatic)
Transmission Features:
Electronic Controls, Driver-selectable modes (e.g., Auto Stick)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
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(5-Star)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
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(5-Star)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control
Passive Safety Features:
Front Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags (Optional/Standard depending on trim)
Infotainment Options:
Optional Boston Acoustics premium audio system, MyGIG infotainment system (later in the generation, but early systems had basic CD/MP3 radios)
Driver Assistance Features:
ParkSenseโข Rear Park Assist (Optional)
Connectivity Features:
SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Optional)
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Engine Oil Spec V6 V8:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)
Transmission Fluid Type 42Rle:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Type W5A580:
ATF+4 (Mopar) or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
Common Issue Hemi Lifters:
Lifter tick/noise, especially on early 5.7L HEMI engines (often addressed with updated lifters and cam profiles)
Common Issue Transmission Hard Shifts:
Occasional hard shifting or delayed engagement, potentially related to valve body or transmission control module
Common Issue Suspension Bushings:
Wear on front and rear suspension bushings, leading to clunks or wandering
Dodge History:
Dodge has a long-standing history in American automotive manufacturing, known for performance and muscle cars.
Charger Evolution Pre 2005:
The Charger nameplate was used on several iconic muscle cars in the 1960s and 70s.
Charger 2005 Reintroduction:
The 2005 model marked the revival of the Charger as a four-door sedan on the LX platform, sharing components with Mercedes-Benz.
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly, Ontario, Canada
Production Years Lx Platform:
2005-2010 (for the first generation LX)
