Positioning:
The 2006 Dodge Charger represented a revival of the iconic Charger nameplate, repositioned as a rear-wheel-drive, performance-oriented full-size sedan with a blend of muscle car heritage and modern amenities.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Ford Five Hundred, Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse.
Design Philosophy:
Bold, aggressive styling harkening back to classic Dodge muscle cars, combined with the practicality of a four-door sedan.
Performance Orientation:
Available V8 Hemi engine options, rear-wheel-drive platform, and sport-tuned suspension variants (e.g., R/T).
Primary Coverage:
Features, controls, maintenance schedules, do-it-yourself activities, towing, and safety considerations for the 2006 Dodge Charger.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model year owner's manual).
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid checks, basic maintenance related to the powertrain.
Chassis:
Brake system overview, steering, suspension, wheels, and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, battery, and fuses.
Comfort And Convenience:
HVAC system, power seats, windows, locks, sound system, and interior features.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, and vehicle security.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.
Diy Activities:
Guidance on select user-serviceable tasks, potentially including minor fluid top-offs or component access explanations.
Towing:
Information on towing a trailer with the vehicle, including weight limits and safety recommendations.
Safety Considerations:
General safety advice, emergency procedures, and understanding dashboard warning lights.
Depth:
Designed for the owner; covers operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not delve into detailed diagnostic procedures or component replacement beyond simple user tasks.
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if the PDF is properly OCR'd, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Print Capability:
Printable on any standard computer printer.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (for 2006 model year)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for 2006 model year)
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Traction Control:
All-Speed Traction Control (TCS) standard.
Electronic Stability:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) available on some trims/packages.
Airbags:
Advanced multi-stage front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat belt pretensioners.
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio system. Optional Boston Acoustics premium sound system available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear park assist system.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard on most trims.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard on most trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the oil change indicator system (consult manual for specific model/engine).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles.
Engine Air Filter:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs V6:
Typically iridium-tipped, replacement at 100,000 miles.
Spark Plugs V8 Hemi:
Typically iridium-tipped, replacement at 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil V6:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified (e.g., MS-6395).
Engine Oil V8:
SAE 5W-20, API Certified (e.g., MS-6395).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Engine Coolant (MS-9769) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid 4Spd:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid 5Spd:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent.
Common Complaints V6:
Occasional reports of exhaust manifold leaks, alternator issues, and water pump leaks. Some early models might have had transmission shifting concerns.
Common Complaints V8:
Hemi tick (related to valve lifters) can occur but is not always indicative of a major failure. MDS (Multi-Displacement System) issues can arise. Some reports of differential noise.
Standard Tire:
P215/65R17 (SE/SXT), P225/60R18 (R/T).
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history associated with performance and iconic nameplates, dating back to its founding in 1914.
Charger Legacy:
The Charger name has been used for several distinct models, most famously the muscle car era Chargers of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The 2006 model marked the return of the Charger name to a rear-wheel-drive platform after a hiatus.
Lx Platform:
The 2006 Charger was part of the DaimlerChrysler LX platform, sharing its architecture with the Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300, and Dodge Challenger (later).
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada.
Production Years Generation:
2006-2010 (Second Generation LX Charger).
