Segment:
Mid-size station wagon/hatchback (Sportwagon)
Target Audience:
Families, performance enthusiasts, individuals seeking versatile cargo capacity
Competitors 2005:
Subaru Outback, Ford Freestyle, Chevrolet Impala SS (for the SRT8 variant), Volkswagen Passat Wagon
Styling:
Aggressive, muscular styling, a departure from traditional wagon designs
Performance Variants:
Availability of powerful engine options, including the 5.7L HEMI V8 in the Magnum SRT8 variant
Versatility:
Spacious cargo area, unique blend of sedan comfort and SUV utility
Powertrain:
Engine (2.7L V6, 3.5L V6, 5.7L V8 HEMI), Transmission (5-speed Automatic W5A580, 4-speed Automatic 42RLE), Differential and Driveline
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Brakes (hydraulic, ABS), Steering (power rack and pinion), Tires and Wheels
Electrical:
Battery, Starting Systems, Charging System, Ignition System, Instrument Panel Systems, Audio Systems, Horn Systems, Speed Control System, Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Systems, Wiper and Washer Systems, Lamps, Passive Restraint Systems, Electrically Heated Systems, Power Distribution Systems, Power Lock Systems, Vehicle Theft/Security Systems, Power Seat Systems, Power Window Systems, Power Mirror Systems, Chime/Buzzer Warning Systems, Overhead Console Systems, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Body, Frame and Bumpers, Exhaust System, Fuel System, Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Emission Control Systems
Maintenance:
Lubrication, Fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Electrical system testing
Repair:
Component removal and installation, Engine rebuild procedures, Transmission overhaul, Brake caliper replacement, Suspension component replacement, Body panel repair, HVAC system service
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, Fluid capacities, Fluid types, Belt tension specifications, Electrical connector pinouts, Component specifications
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete overhaul and diagnostics.
2.7L V6:
2.7L EER V6. Power: Approx. 190 hp @ 5800 rpm. Torque: Approx. 190 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
3.5L V6:
3.5L EGF V6. Power: Approx. 250 hp @ 6400 rpm. Torque: Approx. 250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
5.7L V8 Hemi:
5.7L EZB HEMI V8 (SRT8 only). Power: Approx. 425 hp @ 6000 rpm. Torque: Approx. 415 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm.
Engine Management:
Chrysler's various engine control modules (ECMs) depending on engine option.
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all variants.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended for V6, premium for SRT8)
Base Transmission:
4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 2.7L V6 models.
3.5L V6 Transmission:
5-speed automatic (W5A580) with AutoStick manual shifting.
5.7L V8 Hemi Transmission:
5-speed automatic (W5A580) with AutoStick manual shifting (SRT8 only).
Traction Control:
Electronic Traction Control (ETC) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) available on most models.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star rating for driver and passenger (2005 model year testing)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-star rating for front and rear passengers
IIHS Roof Strength:
Good (for models with side curtain airbags)
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on many models.
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Traction Control (ETC) on many models.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, optional front side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Audio Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Boston Acoustics premium audio system, optional in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system, covered in the 'Speed Control System' section.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors are standard or optional features detailed in the manual.
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) with synthetic blend or full synthetic oil, under normal driving conditions. Check owner's manual for severe driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
2.7L & 3.5L V6: Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace around 100,000 miles. 5.7L HEMI: Typically longer intervals, consult manual.
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect at 30,000 miles. Service typically recommended at 100,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's maintenance minder, depending on driving conditions. Use only specified Mopar ATF+4.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check VIN for specific recommendation, especially for HEMI). API certified. Chrysler MS-6395.
Coolant:
Chrysler OAT (Organic Additive Technology) HOAT coolant (Mopar Part Number: 05103530AA or equivalent). Color is typically orange/red. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4. Check owner's manual for specific requirement.
Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid +4)
Front Suspension:
Premature wear of front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings) due to vehicle weight and typical usage.
Interior Rattles:
Various interior trim pieces can develop rattles over time.
Water Pump:
The water pump can be a point of failure, especially on higher mileage vehicles. Leakage from the weep hole is an indicator.
Powertrain Control Module:
Less common, but PCM failures can manifest in various drivability issues.
Hemi Lifter Tick:
The 5.7L HEMI can sometimes develop a ticking noise from the lifters, often related to oil pressure or cam wear. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of performance and muscle cars, and the Magnum aimed to bring some of that attitude to the wagon segment.
Magnum Design Inspiration:
Revival of the Dodge Magnum nameplate, first introduced in the 1970s. Based on the redesigned Chrysler LX platform.
Production Years:
2005-2008 (in North America)
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Performance Award Srt8:
The Magnum SRT8 was lauded for its blend of practicality and muscle car performance, often praised by automotive journalists for its aggressive styling and potent V8 engine.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings varied for the Magnum, with some model years receiving average to below-average reliability scores, particularly concerning certain powertrain and electrical components. This manual is crucial for addressing these potential issues.