Positioning:
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its performance-oriented nature, powerful V8 engines, and muscular styling, appealing to a broad market segment seeking a blend of practicality and performance.
Competitors:
Competes with vehicles such as the Ford Crown Victoria/Police Interceptor, Chevrolet Impala, Pontiac Grand Prix, and later models like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang (in its performance variants).
Performance Appeal:
Offers a range of powerful HEMI V8 engines, rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform, and optional all-wheel drive (AWD) on select models, emphasizing sporty driving dynamics.
Design Heritage:
Revived the iconic Charger nameplate with a retro-inspired design that pays homage to the muscle cars of the 1960s and 70s.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of all engine variants, including diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures.
Transmission:
Detailed information on automatic and manual transmissions, including removal, installation, and internal component repair.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) systems, including differentials, axles, and driveshafts.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering systems, alignment procedures, and component replacement.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems, ABS, traction control, brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical Lighting:
Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, and accessory circuits.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, and chassis component repair.
Heating Ac:
HVAC system operation, component diagnostics, refrigerant handling, and repair of heating and cooling systems.
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics, SRS module, seat belt mechanisms, and related safety components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, and inspection procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, and fault code interpretation.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, repair, and complete overhaul.
Diagnostics:
Engine management diagnostics, ABS/TCS diagnostics, body control module (BCM) diagnostics, and powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including component location and connector pinouts.
Depth:
Professional level, suitable for dealership technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Options:
2.7L V6 (EER), 3.5L V6 (GEMA), 5.7L V8 HEMI (EZH), 6.1L V8 HEMI SRT (ESG)
Hp Torque 2.7L V6:
178 hp @ 5500 rpm, 190 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Hp Torque 3.5L V6:
250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Hp Torque 5.7L V8 Hemi:
340-370 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm, 390-410 lb-ft @ 4000-4200 rpm (depending on year/tune)
Hp Torque 6.1L V8 Srt:
425 hp @ 6000 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum, higher recommended for performance variants)
Coolant Type:
Chrysler/Mopar OAT (5/150 OAT) Antifreeze/Coolant, Pink (for engines using this specification)
Oil Type 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic (preferred) or SAE 5W-30
Oil Capacity 5.7L Hemi:
7 US quarts (6.6 liters)
Standard Type:
5-speed automatic (W5A580 on V6 models, 545RFE on V8 models)
Optional Type:
6-speed manual (NSG 370) available on some RWD V8 models (e.g., R/T)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (MS-9602) for automatic transmissions
Differential Fluid Rwd:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (limited slip additive may be required for LSD units)
AWD Transfer Case Fluid:
Specific Mopar transfer case fluid (consult manual for exact specification)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 120 inches (3048 mm)
Length:
Approximately 199.6-200.1 inches (5070-5083 mm)
Width:
Approximately 74.1 inches (1882 mm)
Height:
Approximately 58.0-58.3 inches (1473-1481 mm)
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approximately 3750 lbs (1700 kg) for V6 models to over 4100 lbs (1860 kg) for SRT models.
Trunk Capacity:
Approximately 15.1-16.2 cubic feet (428-459 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) in many configurations for frontal impact
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front and Rear Occupants) in many configurations for side impact
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - marketed as Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, and available full-length side-curtain airbags.
Infotainment System:
Uconnect infotainment system available on many models, featuring touchscreen displays, navigation, satellite radio, and CD/MP3 player. Availability varied by trim level and option packages.
Parking Aids:
Optional rear parking assist sensors and rearview camera available on higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming on models equipped with Uconnect.
Remote Start:
Optional remote start system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000-8,000 miles (9,650-12,875 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (consult manual for specific engine and oil type).
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,140 km), replace as needed or at approximately 30,000 miles (48,280 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,140-32,190 km) or annually.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,280 km), replace fluid and filter as recommended by dealership or at 60,000-100,000 miles (96,560-160,934 km) depending on driving use.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual for specific requirements)
Power Steering Fluid:
Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent)
Pentastar V6 Oil Sludge:
Early Pentastar V6 engines (though not prevalent in the 2006-2010 Charger) could be susceptible to oil sludge if maintenance is neglected. Ensure proper oil changes.
Hemi Lifter Tick:
Some HEMI V8 engines may exhibit a ticking noise from the valvetrain, often related to lifters. Proper oil viscosity and regular changes are crucial.
Automatic Transmission Hard Shifts:
Occasional reports of hard shifting in automatic transmissions, which can sometimes be resolved with a fluid and filter service or by addressing solenoid issues.
Suspension Wear:
As with any vehicle of this age and weight, suspension components like ball joints, tie rods, and bushings can wear over time, leading to noise or alignment issues.
Dodge Performance Legacy:
Dodge has a long and storied history of producing powerful and iconic muscle cars, with the Charger nameplate being a significant part of that heritage.
Lx Platform:
This generation of Charger (2006-2010) is based on the Chrysler LX platform, which was co-developed with Mercedes-Benz, allowing for rear-wheel drive architecture and performance-oriented components.
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift for the 2011 model year, but the 2006-2010 models represent the initial LX platform introduction.
Manufacturing Plant:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Safety Awards:
Many Charger models from this era achieved good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, contributing to its reputation as a safe large sedan.
Performance Reviews:
Generally well-received for its powerful engine options and engaging driving dynamics, especially in R/T and SRT trims.
Police Package:
The Charger also found significant success as a police pursuit vehicle, known for its durability and performance in demanding conditions.
