🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Charger

Year:

2006-2009

Chassis Code:

LX Platform

Generation:

Second Generation (2006-2010), with this manual specifically covering the initial 2006-2009 model years of this generation.

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Charger (2006-2009) represented a significant revival of the iconic Charger nameplate, positioned as a rear-wheel-drive, full-size sedan with performance-oriented variants appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers, from daily commuters to performance enthusiasts.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other large sedans and performance sedans of its era, including the Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, and to some extent, performance-oriented imports. Its distinctive styling and available V8 powertrains gave it a strong presence in the American market.

Key Features:

Retro-inspired styling, choice of powerful V6 and V8 Hemi engines, rear-wheel-drive platform offering classic American muscle car dynamics, spacious interior, and a range of trim levels from basic SE to performance-oriented R/T and SRT8 variants.

Design Philosophy:

To revive a legendary nameplate with a bold, American design that emphasized performance, comfort, and a substantial road presence, appealing to a nostalgic customer base while attracting new buyers.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive parts identification and cataloging for all major vehicle systems including powertrain, chassis, body, electrical, and interior components.

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (derived from typical comprehensive parts catalog size for this vehicle generation).

Manual Type:

Parts Manual / Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF for ease of searchability and printing of specific diagrams).

Searchability:

PDF format typically offers full-text search capabilities, allowing users to quickly locate specific part numbers or descriptions.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (including variants), Transmission, Drivetrain (RWD, AWD), Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System (including wiring diagrams), Body Panels, Exterior Trim, Interior Components, HVAC, Safety Restraints, Wheels, and Tires.

Body Hardware:

Includes detailed part listings and diagrams for all exterior body panels (hood, fenders, doors, trunk lid, bumpers), interior trim pieces, glass, mirrors, and associated hardware (clips, fasteners, seals).

Procedures Included:

Identification of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part numbers, detailed exploded view diagrams for part assembly and location, cross-referencing of parts across different configurations, approximate part pricing for budgeting, and estimated labor times for common replacement procedures.

Specific Part Numbers:

Includes unique manufacturer part numbers for all components, crucial for sourcing correct replacements.

Diagram Detail Level:

Extremely detailed exploded view diagrams illustrating the precise arrangement and fitment of components within each assembly. This level of detail is invaluable for technicians and DIYers.

Technical Depth:

Highly detailed for parts identification and assembly. Provides the foundational information necessary for repair and maintenance by illustrating how components fit together and their correct part numbers, essential for accurate ordering and installation.

Diagnostic Codes Coverage:

While primarily a parts catalog, the detailed diagrams often implicitly support diagnostic procedures by illustrating the location and interrelation of components often associated with DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes).

Troubleshooting Support:

Direct troubleshooting is not the primary function, but the accurate identification of parts and their placement is a critical first step in any troubleshooting process. Understanding which parts make up a system is essential for diagnosis.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) optimized for digital viewing and printing.

Portability:

Digital PDF format allows for easy transfer, access across multiple devices, and printing of specific pages for use in a workshop environment.

Print Quality:

High-resolution diagrams and text ensuring clarity for part identification and assembly visualization. Optimized for printing of individual pages or sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Completeness:

This parts manual provides a comprehensive catalog of genuine OEM parts, essential for accurate part identification, replacement, and ordering, thereby supporting efficient and correct vehicle repair.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.5L SOHC V6 (Power: ~250 hp @ 6400 rpm; Torque: ~250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm)

Engine Variants:

5.7L OHV V8 HEMI (Power: ~340-368 hp; Torque: ~390-395 lb-ft), 6.1L OHV V8 HEMI (SRT8) (Power: ~425 hp; Torque: ~420 lb-ft)

Performance:

0-60 mph times varied significantly with engine choice, ranging from approximately 7.5 seconds for the V6 to under 5 seconds for the SRT8 variants.

Fuel System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all engine variants. The HEMI engines feature Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) for improved fuel economy under certain driving conditions.

Engine Codes:

EER (3.5L V6), EZB (5.7L HEMI), ESG (6.1L HEMI)

Engine Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy (3.5L V6), Cast Iron (5.7L & 6.1L HEMI V8)

Bore X Stroke:

3.5L V6: 3.78 x 3.23 inches; 5.7L HEMI: 3.92 x 3.57 inches; 6.1L HEMI: 4.05 x 3.57 inches

Compression Ratio:

3.5L V6: 9.8:1; 5.7L HEMI: 9.6:1; 6.1L HEMI: 10.3:1

Valvetrain:

SOHC 2 valves per cylinder (3.5L V6); OHV 2 valves per cylinder per cylinder bank (HEMI V8s).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (42RLE) for V6 models and early 5.7L HEMI models. 5-speed automatic transmission (W5A580) became standard or available on later 5.7L HEMI and SRT8 models.

Optional Transmission:

5-speed automatic transmission (W5A580) with AutoStick manual shifting functionality, particularly on R/T and SRT8 trims.

Features:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available on select V6 models (e.g., Charger SXT AWD).

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios are detailed for each transmission (42RLE, W5A580) in associated service information; this parts manual would list the components of these transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions:

Length: ~200.1 inches, Width: ~74.4 inches, Height: ~58.4 inches, Wheelbase: ~120.0 inches.

Interior Dimensions:

Front Headroom: ~39.2 inches, Front Legroom: ~41.7 inches, Rear Headroom: ~37.7 inches, Rear Legroom: ~40.2 inches. Spacious cabin designed for five occupants.

Cargo Dimensions:

Trunk Volume: ~16.0 cubic feet.

Weights:

Curb Weight: ~3,800 - 4,100 lbs, depending on engine and drivetrain configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

GVWR varies by model and configuration, typically ranging from 5,200 to 5,500 lbs.

Wheelbase:

120.0 inches (3048 mm)

Track Width Front:

Approx. 63.4 inches

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 63.5 inches

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test: 5-star driver, 5-star passenger. NHTSA Side Impact Test: 5-star driver, 5-star rear passenger. IIHS Frontal Offset: Good.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Passive Features:

Front-seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear crumple zones, active head restraints (on some models).

Brake System:

Front: Ventilated discs (size varies by model, e.g., 12.6-13.6 inches); Rear: Solid discs (size varies by model, e.g., 11.9-12.6 inches). SRT8 models featured larger Brembo brakes.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x115mm

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Optional MyGIG infotainment system with touch screen, navigation, satellite radio (SiriusXM), and Uconnect hands-free communication. Base models featured an AM/FM/CD player.

Driver Assistance Features:

ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera (optional), front and rear park assist sensors (optional).

Connectivity Features:

Uconnect system with Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming on equipped models. Auxiliary audio input jack.

Lighting Features:

Halogen projector headlamps, available HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlamps on performance models, LED tail lamps.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Oil Changes: Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic recommended). Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Spark Plugs: 100,000 miles (V6), 30,000-100,000 miles (HEMI depending on type). Coolant Flush: 60,000 miles or 5 years. Transmission Fluid: Check every 30,000 miles, change as needed (refer to specific transmission type).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-20 or SAE 5W-30 (depending on engine and climate, check owner's manual or oil cap for specific recommendation). API Certified.

Coolant Specification:

Mopar OAT (Olds Antifreeze Type) HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent extended life antifreeze. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Specification:

For 42RLE: ATF+4 (MS-9602). For W5A580: ATF 4HP 20 or equivalent (refer to specific MB specification).

Common Issues:

Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, control arms), potential for catalytic converter issues, minor electrical gremlins (e.g., window regulators, power locks), Hemi piston slap (especially on early models, often a cosmetic issue), and sometimes issues with the automatic transmission torque converter lock-up clutch.

Recommended Fluids Oem:

Mopar

Oil Capacity:

3.5L V6: 5.0 quarts (with filter); 5.7L HEMI: 7.0 quarts (with filter); 6.1L HEMI: 7.0 quarts (with filter). Always verify with owner's manual or dipstick.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10.5 - 12.0 quarts (depending on engine and heater core size). Verify with owner's manual.

Recommended Tires:

Tire sizes varied by trim level and wheel size. Common sizes include P235/55R18, P225/60R18, P245/45R20 (SRT8). Always check the driver's side doorjamb sticker for original equipment tire size and inflation pressures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Dodge has a long and storied history of producing performance-oriented vehicles, with the Charger nameplate dating back to the muscle car era of the 1960s and 1970s, synonymous with power and distinctive styling.

Model Evolution:

The 2006-2009 generation marked the revival of the Charger as a modern four-door sedan on the LX platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Chrysler 300. It successfully blended classic Charger styling cues with contemporary sedan functionality and performance.

Production Location:

Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Production Years:

Model years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009.

Platform:

LX Platform (shared with Chrysler 300 and Dodge Challenger of the same era).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Dodge Charger in this generation received various accolades for its performance, styling, and value, often cited in automotive publications for its American muscle car appeal.

Ratings:

Consistent good ratings from consumer review sites for overall performance and styling, particularly for the R/T and SRT8 variants.