Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components. Includes cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing systems.
Engine Performance:
Diagnosis and repair of engine performance issues, fuel delivery, ignition system, emissions control, and engine management.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for automatic transmissions (e.g., W5A580, NAG1) including hydraulic controls, torque converter, and electronic diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions (if applicable to specific models covered by the manual).
Drivetrain:
Repair and maintenance of driveshafts, axles, differentials, and AWD systems (if equipped).
Brakes:
Diagnosis, repair, and adjustment of hydraulic brake systems, ABS, ESP, brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines.
Suspension:
Repair and adjustment of front and rear suspension components, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, and steering knuckles.
Steering:
Diagnosis and repair of power steering systems, steering column, steering gear, and electronic power steering components.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including battery, charging system, starter, lighting, and accessory circuits.
Body Electrical Control:
Detailed wiring diagrams and troubleshooting for body control modules (BCM), interior and exterior lighting, power windows, locks, and mirrors.
HVAC:
Diagnosis and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant circuits, blower motor, and climate controls.
Restraint Systems:
Service and safety information for airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and SRS control modules.
Infotainment And Audio:
Troubleshooting and repair of the audio system, navigation, and multimedia components.
Instrument Panel:
Diagnosis and repair of gauges, warning lights, and instrument cluster components.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts for identifying and resolving vehicle issues, including use of diagnostic scan tools.
Routine Maintenance:
Detailed instructions for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, and spark plug replacement.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing major components such as alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, and suspension parts.
Engine Rebuild:
Complete rebuild procedures for all engine variants covered.
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed overhaul procedures for automatic and manual transmissions.
Brake System Repair:
Procedures for bleeding brakes, replacing brake pads, rotors, and calipers.
Suspension Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment.
Diagnostics Tool Usage:
Guidance on using diagnostic scan tools and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Wiring Diagrams:
Extensive, high-quality wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of all critical torque specifications for fasteners.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full component overhaul/rebuild.
Engine Options:
3.5L V6 SOHC, 5.7L V8 HEMI MDS
Engine Displacement 3.5L:
3497 cc (213.4 cu in)
Engine Bore Stroke 3.5L:
96.0 mm x 81.0 mm (3.78 in x 3.19 in)
Engine Compression Ratio 3.5L:
9.6:1
Engine Horsepower 3.5L:
250 hp @ 6400 rpm
Engine Torque 3.5L:
250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Engine Displacement 5.7L:
5654 cc (345.2 cu in)
Engine Bore Stroke 5.7L:
99.5 mm x 90.9 mm (3.92 in x 3.58 in)
Engine Compression Ratio 5.7L:
9.6:1
Engine Horsepower 5.7L:
340 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine Torque 5.7L:
390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Cylinder Deactivation:
Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on 5.7L HEMI allows cylinder shutdown for fuel economy.
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher octane for optimal performance on HEMI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil-on-plug for each cylinder.
Wheelbase:
120.0 inches (3048 mm)
Length:
199.2 - 200.0 inches (5059 - 5080 mm)
Width:
74.1 inches (1882 mm)
Height:
58.4 inches (1483 mm)
Front Track:
62.9 inches (1598 mm)
Rear Track:
63.1 inches (1603 mm)
Wheelbase 2008:
120.0 in (3048 mm)
Length 2008:
199.2 in (5059 mm)
Curb Weight 3.5L:
~3900 - 4100 lbs (1769 - 1860 kg)
Curb Weight 5.7L:
~4100 - 4300 lbs (1860 - 1950 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
~5300 - 5500 lbs (2404 - 2495 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not typically recommended or equipped for towing beyond light loads.
Curb Weight 2008:
Approx. 3,965 lbs (1,798 kg) for 3.5L RWD
Curb Weight 2008 Hemi:
Approx. 4,178 lbs (1,895 kg) for 5.7L RWD
Trunk Capacity:
16.0 cubic feet (453 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver 2006-2008:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger 2006-2008:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver 2006-2008:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger 2006-2008:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver 2006-2008:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger 2006-2008:
5 Stars
IIHS Roof Strength Rating 2006-2008:
Good
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating 2006-2008:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Rating 2006-2008:
Good
Traction Control:
Standard on most models, advanced traction control system (TCS).
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard on most models, Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on trim).
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Seatbelts:
Front seat pretensioner seatbelts, all-position three-point seatbelts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed. Recommended replacement around 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed. Recommended replacement around 15,000-20,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement 3.5L:
Platinum-tipped plugs, typically recommended replacement at 100,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement 5.7L:
Platinum-tipped plugs, typically recommended replacement at 100,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Check fluid level regularly. Replacement interval varies; consult manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions (often around 60,000-100,000 miles).
Coolant Flush Replacement:
First service at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil Specification 3.5L:
SAE 5W-30 (meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395)
Engine Oil Specification 5.7L:
SAE 5W-20 (meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.5L:
5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L:
7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) HOAT type, blue color (Mopar 10 Year / 150,000 Mile Coolant)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Catalytic Converter Premature Failure:
Some models, particularly with the 5.7L HEMI, can experience premature catalytic converter failure due to oil consumption or exhaust leaks.
Water Pump Leaks:
Water pumps can develop leaks over time, especially on the 3.5L V6 engine.
Transmission Hard Shifting:
The W5A580 transmission can sometimes exhibit hard shifting or delayed engagement, often requiring software updates or internal inspection.
Electrical Gremlins:
Minor electrical issues, such as door lock actuators or power window motors, can occur.
Suspension Components Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings may wear over time due to vehicle weight and usage.
Brand Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing powerful and distinctive American cars, with the Charger nameplate having iconic status from the muscle car era.
Lx Platform Introduction:
The 2006 Charger marked the revival of the Charger nameplate on the modern LX platform, shared with Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum.
Design Inspiration:
Design was heavily influenced by the original 1968-1970 Charger models, featuring a distinctive crosshair grille and bold C-pillar.
Performance Variants:
Introduced performance-oriented variants like the R/T with the 5.7L HEMI, and later the SRT8 (though SRT8 typically falls outside this specific manual's year range).
Production Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Production Years Covered:
2006-2008