Positioning:
The Dodge Magnum, positioned as a stylish and versatile sports wagon, offered a unique blend of performance, practicality, and American muscle car DNA in a segment often dominated by more conventional sedans and SUVs.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Subaru Outback, Ford Freestyle, Audi A6 Allroad, and other premium or performance-oriented wagons and crossovers.
Design:
Distinctive long hood, aggressive front fascia, rear-wheel-drive platform (optional all-wheel drive), spacious interior, and hatchback utility.
Performance Variants:
Offered powerful V6 and V8 engine options, including the potent 5.7L HEMI V8 in the R/T models, appealing to performance enthusiasts.
Value:
This comprehensive workshop manual is essential for owners and technicians seeking to perform all levels of maintenance, diagnostics, and repair on the Dodge Magnum, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, engine diagnostics, ECU/PCM operation
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmissions (e.g., 42RLE, NAG1/W5A580), manual transmissions (less common), transmission control modules, fluid and filter service, diagnostics, repair procedures
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), Rear-wheel drive (RWD), axles, driveshafts, CV joints, differentials
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (independent), shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications
Brake Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, EBD, traction control systems, brake fluid, caliper and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures, parking brake
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), power windows, locks, mirrors, wiper/washer system, horn, fuse box diagrams, wiring schematics
HVAC Systems:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control systems, refrigerant handling, component replacement
Body Interior Exterior:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hoods, liftgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass replacement, corrosion protection
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt systems, passive safety features
Infotainment Electronics:
Radio, navigation system, speakers, Uconnect system (if applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, diagnostic flowcharts
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, electrical component diagnostics and replacement
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed steps for removing, inspecting, and reinstalling virtually every component
Diagnostics:
Using scan tools, interpreting live data, electrical testing procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Engine Code:
EER (3.5L V6 SOHC)
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (215 cu in)
Horsepower:
Approximately 250 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Engine Code:
EZA (5.7L V8 HEMI MDS)
Displacement:
5.7 Liters (345 cu in)
Horsepower:
Approximately 340-370 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm (depending on year and specific tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 375-390 lb-ft @ 4000-4200 rpm (depending on year)
Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Required Octane:
87 Octane Recommended (91 Octane for optimal performance, especially HEMI)
ECU PCM:
Chrysler's integrated powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM)
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically Mopar OAT (Orange) or equivalent
Wheelbase:
Approximately 116 inches (2946 mm)
Overall Length:
Approximately 193.7 inches (4920 mm)
Overall Width:
Approximately 74.4 inches (1890 mm)
Overall Height:
Approximately 58.4 inches (1483 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 100.7 cu ft (2852 Liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 27.8 cu ft (787 Liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 62.6 cu ft (1773 Liters)
Curb Weight Approx:
3600 - 4200 lbs (1633 - 1905 kg), varies by engine and drivetrain
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
Generally good ratings for its time, often receiving 4 or 5 stars in frontal crash tests.
IIHS Side Impact:
Varies by year and specific test, generally good to acceptable ratings.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard or optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability:
Optional Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP) on later models
Airbags:
Front airbags, side curtain airbags (optional or standard depending on trim/year)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Consult owner's manual for specific recommendations.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or at approximately 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect annually, replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
3.5L V6: Typically iridium plugs with a 100,000-mile (160,000 km) interval. 5.7L HEMI: Typically MDS-compatible iridium plugs with a 100,000-mile (160,000 km) interval.
Transmission Fluid:
Recommended service every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) for ATF+4, or as per manual for NAG1. Fluid and filter change is crucial.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.5L V6: Approx. 5 quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter. 5.7L HEMI: Approx. 7 quarts (6.6 Liters) with filter.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Typically 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic (refer to manual for precise recommendation).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10-12 quarts (9.5-11.4 Liters), depending on engine and radiator size.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual for exact specification)
Electrical Gremlins:
Various electrical issues reported, including malfunctioning power windows, door locks, and instrument cluster problems, often related to body control modules or wiring harnesses.
Suspension Wear:
Front suspension components (ball joints, control arms) can wear prematurely, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.
Transmission Issues:
The 42RLE transmission can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting or delayed engagement. The NAG1 (used with HEMI) is generally robust but requires specific fluid and maintenance.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can leak over time.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converters and mufflers can be prone to rust and failure, especially in corrosive climates.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing powerful and distinctively styled vehicles, often associated with American performance and muscle car culture.
Merger Platform:
The second-generation Dodge Magnum (2005-2008) was part of Chrysler's LX platform, which also underpinned the Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, and Dodge Challenger. This platform provided a robust rear-wheel-drive architecture.
Design Intent:
Revived the 'Magnum' nameplate, aiming to capture buyers seeking a practical yet sporty and American-styled alternative to European wagons and larger SUVs.
Production Years:
2005-2008 (with some overlap into 2009/2010 depending on regional sales data and final model year designations for certain markets).
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Discontinuation Reason:
Sales figures did not meet expectations, and Chrysler shifted focus towards SUVs and more conventional sedans. It was replaced indirectly by the Dodge Journey crossover.