🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Charger

Model Years Covered:

2005-2006

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Dodge Charger 2005-2006 represented Chrysler's revival of the iconic Charger nameplate, targeting a market seeking a powerful, rear-wheel-drive sedan with a blend of retro styling and modern performance. It aimed to compete with other large American sedans and performance-oriented coupes.

Competitors:

Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, Pontiac Grand Prix, Cadillac DTS.

Design Philosophy:

Retro-inspired styling reminiscent of the original Chargers, emphasis on V8 power and rear-wheel-drive dynamics, spacious interior.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECM/PCM), manual and automatic transmissions, driveline, axles, transfer case (if applicable)

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, traction control), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (interior and exterior), instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system, climate control electronics, body control module (BCM), diagnostic connectors and procedures

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) mechanical components, airbags, restraints

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication, belt and hose inspection/replacement

Diagnostics:

Symptom-based troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical schematic interpretation, component testing, diagnostic tool usage

Repair:

Component removal and installation, engine overhauls, transmission servicing, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component replacement, bodywork repair procedures

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed wiring diagrams, diagnostic flowcharts, and torque specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (if scanned from original factory manual with OCR)

Quality:

Dependent on source scan quality; generally high detail for diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

3.5L V6 SOHC

Base Engine Code:

EGD

Base Engine Horsepower:

250 hp @ 6400 rpm

Base Engine Torque:

250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm

Optional Engine 1:

5.7L V8 HEMI OHV

Optional Engine 1 Code:

EZH

Optional Engine 1 Horsepower:

340 hp @ 5000 rpm

Optional Engine 1 Torque:

390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Optional Engine 2:

SRT8 6.1L V8 HEMI OHV (introduced later in 2005 for 2006 model year)

Optional Engine 2 Code:

ESF

Optional Engine 2 Horsepower:

425 hp @ 6000 rpm

Optional Engine 2 Torque:

420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Regular Unleaded (3.5L V6, 5.7L V8 HEMI); 91 Octane Premium Unleaded recommended for SRT8 6.1L V8

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 3.5L V6

Optional Transmission 1:

5-speed automatic (W5A580) for 5.7L V8 HEMI

Optional Transmission 2:

5-speed manual (Tremec T-56) available for SRT8 model

Hemiphase:

Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on 5.7L HEMI V8 for improved fuel economy.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 199.8 inches (5075 mm)

Width:

Approx. 74.1 inches (1882 mm)

Height:

Approx. 58.4 inches (1483 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 116.0 inches (2946 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 100.7 cubic feet (2851 L)

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 15.1 cubic feet (427 L)

Curb Weight Base:

Approx. 3800-3900 lbs (1724-1769 kg)

Curb Weight Hemi:

Approx. 4000-4100 lbs (1814-1860 kg)

Curb Weight Srt8:

Approx. 4180 lbs (1896 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star (2006 model)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star (2006 model)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5-Star (2006 model)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

4-Star (2006 model)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Good (2006 model)

Traction Control:

Standard on all models

Electronic Stability Control:

Available (ESP) on V6 models, standard on HEMI and SRT8 models

Antilock Brakes:

Standard

Airbags Front:

Standard advanced multi-stage front airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front-seat side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available Boston Acoustics premium audio system, CD player, AM/FM radio. Uconnect hands-free communication system became available.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.

Parking Sensors:

Available rear parking assist system.

Uconnect:

Uconnect system introduced offering Bluetooth hands-free calling and voice command functionality on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil (refer to specific model year/engine in manual).

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years (HOAT coolant recommended).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Consult manual; generally around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for automatics, depending on driving conditions.

Engine Oil 3.5L V6:

SAE 5W-20 (Synthetic or Synthetic Blend)

Engine Oil 5.7L V8 Hemi:

SAE 5W-20 (Synthetic or Synthetic Blend) - Check for specific MDS recommendations.

Engine Oil 6.1L V8 Hemi:

SAE 0W-40 (Synthetic)

Transmission Fluid 42Rle:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

Transmission Fluid W5A580:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Material Standard MS-9602)

Coolant:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) Coolant, Pink/Orange color.

Cv Axle Boots:

Premature wear or tearing of front CV axle boots, leading to joint failure.

Water Pump:

Potential for early failure of the water pump, especially on V8 models.

Power Steering Pump:

Occasional leaks or failure of the power steering pump.

Interior Rattles:

Common for interior trim pieces to develop rattles or squeaks over time.

Transmission Shift Quality:

Some owners report rough or delayed shifting, particularly on the 4-speed automatic.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History:

Dodge, a division of Chrysler, has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles and muscle cars. The Charger nameplate itself is iconic, dating back to the 1960s and early 1970s, synonymous with powerful engines and distinctive styling.

Lx Platform:

The 2005-2006 Charger is part of the fifth generation (LC platform), a significant reintroduction of the Charger as a four-door sedan based on the LX platform, which also underpinned the Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Manufacturing Plant:

Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Model Launch:

Introduced for the 2006 model year, though production began in late 2005.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Charger was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2006, specifically the R/T model.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

While not winning Car of the Year for 2006, its platform siblings like the Chrysler 300 were highly acclaimed.