Segment:
Mid-size/Large station wagon, often marketed towards performance and utility.
Competitors 2004 2005:
Subaru Outback, Ford Five Hundred Wagon, Chevrolet Impala SS (performance variant).
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling for a wagon, powerful engine options, rear-wheel-drive bias available.
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking practicality with a dose of American muscle car heritage and performance.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, and repair for all engine variants.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics, wiring diagrams.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair procedures for the 5-speed automatic transmission (e.g., NAG1).
Transmission Manual:
Details on any available manual transmission variants, clutch service.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment procedures, shock absorber/strut replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rod ends, rack and pinion service.
Electrical Chassis:
Lighting, wipers, horns, power windows, power seats, central locking.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control diagnostics.
Body Interior:
Trim removal, seat removal, dashboard disassembly, interior component repair.
Body Exterior:
Door panel repair, bumper replacement, hood/trunk latch service, glass replacement.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump replacement, fuel filter service, fuel injector diagnostics, EVAP system.
Exhaust System:
Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust pipe replacement, gasket service.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics and replacement, seat belt service.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, belt replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms and fault codes.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing major and minor components.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed instructions for using diagnostic tools and interpreting data.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle circuits.
Depth:
Extensive; covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Options:
2.7L V6 (EER), 3.5L V6 (EGJ), 5.7L V8 HEMI (EZD).
2.7L V6:
Approx. 190 hp @ 5600 rpm, 210 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
3.5L V6:
Approx. 250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
5.7L V8 Hemi:
Approx. 340 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
V8 5.7L Hemi Engine Code:
EZD
All Wheel Drive:
Available on certain trims/engines, often paired with specific transmissions.
Rear Wheel Drive:
Standard on most trims.
Automatic Transmission:
Chrysler W5A580 (NAG1) 5-speed automatic, electronically controlled.
Manual Transmission:
Not typically offered for these model years.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent.
Length:
Approximately 197.6 inches (5019 mm)
Width:
Approximately 74.1 inches (1882 mm)
Height:
Approximately 59.7 inches (1516 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approximately 34.0 cubic feet (0.96 m³)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approximately 71.0 cubic feet (2.01 m³)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3700-4300 lbs (1680-1950 kg), depending on engine and drivetrain.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (for 2004 model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2004 model)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (for 2004 model)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, available front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Available Boston Acoustics premium audio, CD player, MP3 capability.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, optional power liftgate.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Check manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Typically around 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: 2.7L V6/3.5L V6 approx. 60,000-100,000 miles; HEMI 5.7L approx. 100,000 miles (multi-ground electrode).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) for the NAG1, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for exact interval and procedure.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20 (preferred for 2.7L & 3.5L V6), SAE 5W-30 (for 5.7L HEMI). Refer to MS-6395 or API certified oil.
Coolant Type:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Mopar Orange or equivalent.
Common Problems 2004 2005:
Power window regulators, alternator failures, transmission solenoid issues (especially on NAG1), front suspension wear (ball joints, tie rods), exhaust manifold cracks (HEMI), heater core leaks.
Manufacturer Heritage:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing performance-oriented American vehicles.
Design Origin:
Revival of the Magnum nameplate, originally used on Dodge's muscle cars of the 1970s and 1980s. Styled by Mark Allen.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the rear-wheel-drive Chrysler LX platform, shared with the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.
Production Years:
2004-2008
Assembly Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
