🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Charger

Year:

2011

Platform:

LX (LD Platform from 2011 onwards for new generation, though 2011 models often retain LX designation for this specific generation facelift)

Vin Code:

B (for V6 engines), H (for V8 HEMI engines)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size sedan, often marketed as a muscle car alternative with available powerful V8 engines.

Competitors:

Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Azera, Buick LaCrosse.

Appeal:

Rear-wheel-drive platform (with optional AWD), powerful engine options (especially HEMI V8), distinctive American styling, spacious interior.

Manual Value:

Provides technicians and DIY enthusiasts with factory-level diagnostic and repair data, crucial for maintaining vehicle integrity and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All U.S. and Canadian models, all trim levels, all engine variants, all drivetrains (RWD/AWD)

Pages:

Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF/eBook) or Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, powertrain control module (PCM), automatic transmission (5-speed W5A580/NAG1, optional 8-speed 8HP45 for later models but 2011 primarily 5-speed), manual transmission (if applicable, less common for 2011 Charger), transfer case (for AWD), drive axles, differentials.

Chassis:

Suspension (front SLA, rear multi-link), steering (power steering system, column, rack and pinion), brakes (ABS, EBD, disc brakes, parking brake), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), power windows, power locks, power seats, wipers, horn, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II), body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, infotainment system, audio system.

Body:

Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control (HVAC), interior lighting, security system.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, wiring schematic interpretation, component testing procedures, fuel pressure testing, compression testing, electrical system diagnostics.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine disassembly/assembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical module diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair/replacement.

Installation:

Procedures for replacing various components, including sensors, actuators, control modules, accessory components, and body parts.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic trees and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and embedded images/diagrams. Printable pages.

Quality:

N/A (if digital), if printed: professional binding, clear legible text and diagrams.

Type:

N/A (if digital), if printed: perfect bound or comb binding.

Type:

N/A (if digital), if printed: durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

3.6L V6 'Pentastar' (280-300 hp, 260-270 lb-ft torque)

Engine 2:

5.7L V8 HEMI (370 hp, 395 lb-ft torque) with Multi-Displacement System (MDS)

Engine 3:

SRT8: 6.4L V8 HEMI (470 hp, 470 lb-ft torque) - Introduced later in the generation, but 2011 models may have specific variants.

Compression Ratio 3.6L:

10.3:1

Compression Ratio 5.7L:

10.6:1

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher octane for optimal performance in HEMI)

Fuel Delivery:

In-tank electric fuel pump with pressure regulator

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed automatic (W5A580/NAG1 for V8, 545RFE for V6 on some early 2011 models, later Pentastar V6 often paired with 8-speed)

Transmission Type:

5-speed automatic with AutoStick (manual shifting mode)

AWD Option:

Available on 3.6L V6 models, utilizing a two-speed transfer case.

Fluid Type 5 Speed Auto:

ATF+4 (Mopar Material Standard MS-9602)

Fluid Capacity 5 Speed Auto Qt:

Approximately 8-9 quarts (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length In:

200.1 inches

Width In:

76.5 inches

Height In:

58.5 inches

Wheelbase In:

120.0 inches

Track Width Front In:

63.1 inches

Track Width Rear In:

63.3 inches

Front Headroom In:

38.6 inches

Rear Headroom In:

36.5 inches

Front Legroom In:

41.8 inches

Rear Legroom In:

37.7 inches

Trunk Volume Cu Ft:

16.6 cu ft

Curb Weight Lbs 3.6L Rwd:

3950 lbs

Curb Weight Lbs 5.7L Rwd:

4178 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:

Approx. 5300-5600 lbs (varies by engine/drivetrain)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Occupant:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Occupant:

5 Stars

NHTSA Rollover Resistance 0 75 Rating:

4 Stars (5-star rating for stability)

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel disc anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Traction Control:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control

Brake Assist:

Yes

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Standard (TPMS)

Airbags:

Front advanced multi-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for front and rear.

Seatbelts:

3-point active head restraints, pretensioners, load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Uconnect System:

Available Uconnect infotainment system with touchscreens (e.g., 4.3-inch, 8.4-inch), navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, voice commands.

Audio Options:

Various audio systems including Alpine and Boston Acoustics premium sound options.

Parking Assistance:

Available ParkSense rear park assist system and ParkView rear backup camera.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available on some higher trims/packages.

Usb Ports:

Available USB ports for media playback and device charging.

Remote Start:

Available remote start system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Miles:

Every 8,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement Miles:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Cabin Filter Replacement Miles:

Every 20,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement Miles 3.6L:

100,000 miles (long-life iridium plugs)

Spark Plug Replacement Miles 5.7L:

100,000 miles (long-life iridium plugs)

Engine Oil Type 3.6L:

SAE 0W-20, API SN certified, MS-6395 compliant (e.g., Mobil 1, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum)

Engine Oil Type 5.7L:

SAE 5W-20, API SN certified, MS-6395 compliant (e.g., Mobil 1, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum)

Engine Oil Capacity 3.6L Qt:

5.3 quarts (with filter)

Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L Qt:

7.0 quarts (with filter)

Coolant Type:

Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT) 5-Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769), typically purple or pink.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Pentastar Throttle Body:

Early Pentastar engines could sometimes exhibit issues with the throttle body causing rough idling or stalling, often addressed by software updates or component replacement.

Hemi Mds Lifter Noise:

Some HEMI engines could develop lifter noise associated with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), particularly if oil changes are neglected.

Transmission Shifting Harshness:

Some owners reported occasional harsh shifting with the 5-speed automatic transmission, often resolvable with software updates or internal adjustments.

Suspension Noise:

Front suspension components, especially ball joints and control arm bushings, can wear over time, leading to clunking or rattling noises.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of performance vehicles, including the original Charger, a 1960s icon of American muscle cars.

Generation 2011:

The 2011 model year marked a significant facelift and update for the LX platform Charger, with a new exterior design, improved interior, and the introduction of the Pentastar V6 engine.

Assembly Plant:

Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada

Production Years:

The second generation Charger (LC) ran from 2006-2010. The 2011 model year represents the start of the third generation (LD) with significant updates. This manual covers the 2011 model year specifically within this generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Consistently received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS during this generation.

Performance Awards:

Charger R/T and SRT8 models were often praised for their V8 performance and handling capabilities in their segment.

Consumer Reports Rating:

Variable, often rated average to above average depending on the specific trim and year, with reliability scores fluctuating.