Vehicle Segment:
Full-size sedan, American muscle car heritage revival.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, fleet owners, professional repair shops.
Key Competitors 2005 2006:
Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Buick Lucerne, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima.
Design Philosophy:
Retro-modern styling evoking the classic Dodge Charger, rear-wheel-drive platform, spacious interior.
Value Proposition:
Offers V8 power and rear-wheel drive in a segment often dominated by front-wheel drive and V6 engines, at a competitive price point.
Engine:
All aspects including disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, specifications, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control.
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission service, repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, electronic controls, torque converter.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and Rear-wheel drive (RWD) components, driveshafts, CV joints, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder, bleeding procedures, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear, tie rods, power steering fluid.
Electrical:
Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relays, power distribution, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems.
Body:
Exterior and interior trim, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, upholstery, seating systems.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, components.
Safety Systems:
Airbag systems, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS module diagnosis and repair, occupant restraint systems.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage, sensor testing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.
Preventative Maintenance:
Belt replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid service, power steering fluid service.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, steering system repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic approaches for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Recalibration Procedures:
Procedures for recalibrating sensors and modules after component replacement.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic information, including sensor data interpretation and PID (Parameter Identification) lists.
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete component overhauls.
Engine Displacement 2 7L:
2.7 Liters (2736 cc)
Engine Configuration 2 7L:
V6, SOHC, 24 Valves
Horsepower 2 7L:
190 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque 2 7L:
190 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System 2 7L:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Displacement 3 5L:
3.5 Liters (3518 cc)
Engine Configuration 3 5L:
V6, SOHC, 24 Valves
Horsepower 3 5L:
250 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque 3 5L:
250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System 3 5L:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code 5 7L Hemi:
EZB
Engine Displacement 5 7L Hemi:
5.7 Liters (5654 cc)
Engine Configuration 5 7L Hemi:
V8, OHV, 16 Valves, HEMI (2-spark plug per cylinder)
Horsepower 5 7L Hemi:
340 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque 5 7L Hemi:
390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System 5 7L Hemi:
Multi-Displacement System (MDS) with Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Performance Feature 5 7L Hemi:
Multi-Displacement System (MDS) deactivates four cylinders under light load for improved fuel economy.
Engine Code 6 1L Srt8 Hemi:
ESF
Engine Displacement 6 1L Srt8 Hemi:
6.1 Liters (6059 cc)
Engine Configuration 6 1L Srt8 Hemi:
V8, OHV, 16 Valves, HEMI (2-spark plug per cylinder)
Horsepower 6 1L Srt8 Hemi:
425 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 6 1L Srt8 Hemi:
420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Fuel System 6 1L Srt8 Hemi:
High-performance Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
NHTSA Front Driver 2006:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Passenger 2006:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Driver 2006:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger 2006:
5-Star
IIHS Front Crash 2006:
Good
IIHS Side Impact 2006:
Good
ABS:
Standard on all models
Traction Control:
Standard on R/T and SRT8, optional on SE/SXT
Electronic Stability Control:
Available on R/T and SRT8, standard on some later models/trims.
Airbags Front:
Advanced multi-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side curtain airbags (standard on R/T, SRT8; optional on SE/SXT)
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval V6:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval Hemi:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Double Platinum or Iridium)
Transmission Fluid Service Interval:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, or according to severe service schedule. Inspect fluid condition regularly.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 50,000 to 100,000 miles or 5 years.
Engine Oil Type V6:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Type Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified, meeting Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil Capacity 2 7L:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 3 5L:
Approx. 5.0 quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 5 7L Hemi:
Approx. 7.0 quarts (with filter)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mopar ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Coolant Type:
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Extended Life Coolant, Mopar OAT (Orange)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (MS-9602)
Hemi Lifter Tick:
Common issue with early 5.7L HEMI engines, often related to lifter design or oil pressure. Manual will detail diagnostic and potential solutions.
Transmission Issues W5A580:
Potential for electronic control module (TCM) issues or torque converter problems. Manual provides diagnostic flowcharts.
Front Suspension Wear:
Ball joints and tie rod ends can wear prematurely under heavy use. Manual covers replacement and alignment.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many vehicles of this era, intermittent electrical issues can occur. Comprehensive wiring diagrams in the manual are crucial for diagnosis.
Dodge Heritage:
Dodge has a long history of performance vehicles and muscle cars dating back to the 1960s.
First Generation Charger:
Introduced in 1966, known for its iconic styling and performance.
Revival Strategy:
The 2006 Charger marked the revival of the Charger nameplate after a hiatus, repositioned as a four-door sedan with muscle car styling and RWD platform.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the LX platform, developed with Mercedes-Benz, shared with Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum.
Production Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Production Years For 2005 2006 Manual:
Model year 2006 production started in late 2005.