Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians.
Key Competitors:
Ford Five Hundred, Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, Buick Lucerne.
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
American performance sedan with classic styling cues and rear-wheel-drive proportions.
Manual Value Proposition:
Cost-effective alternative to dealership service, empowers owners for maintenance and repairs, comprehensive diagnostic information.
Primary Coverage:
Complete service and repair for 2005-2006 Dodge Charger
Engine Coverage:
3.5L V6, 5.7L V8 HEMI
Transmission Coverage:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580 / NAG1, 42RLE)
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Body Structure
Electrical Coverage:
Wiring Diagrams, Powertrain Control, Body Electronics, HVAC, Audio Systems
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft), Fuel System (injection, pump, filter), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Emission Control Systems.
Transmission Systems:
Automatic Transmission (W5A580 / NAG1, 42RLE) diagnosis, overhaul, and component replacement, torque converter, valve body, seals, and clutches.
Drivetrain Systems:
Driveshaft, axles, differentials, CV joints, wheel bearings.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, sway bars), power steering system (pump, rack and pinion), wheel alignment specifications.
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic brake system (master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) components and diagnosis, parking brake system.
Electrical Body Systems:
Complete electrical system diagnosis, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, HVAC system, SRS (airbag) system, infotainment, instrument cluster, fuses, relays, and body control modules.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics, circuit testing.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all covered systems.
Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed overhaul procedures for major components like engines and transmissions.
Torque Specifications:
Accurate torque values for all critical fasteners.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, routine service, in-depth troubleshooting, component-level diagnostics, and complete overhaul procedures.
Engine 1 Name:
3.5L SOHC V6
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.5 Liters (215 cu in)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
250 hp @ 6400 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.62 x 3.27 inches (92 x 83 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.6:1
Engine 1 Firing Order:
1-2-3-4-5-6
Engine 1 Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Engine 2 Name:
5.7L V8 HEMI MDS
Engine 2 Displacement:
5.7 Liters (345 cu in)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
340 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.92 x 3.58 inches (99.5 x 90.9 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.6:1
Engine 2 Firing Order:
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Engine 2 Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Transmission 1 Type:
5-Speed Automatic (42RLE)
Transmission 1 Drive Wheels:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Transmission 2 Type:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580 / NAG1)
Transmission 2 Drive Wheels:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) (Standard on HEMI models)
Transmission Fluid Spec 42Rle:
ATF+4 (Mopar)
Transmission Fluid Spec W5A580:
MB-Approval 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Transmission Control:
Electronic with manual shift control (AutoStick on W5A580 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 Stars
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control (All-Speed).
Passive Safety Features:
Advanced Multi-Stage Front Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags, Side-Curtain Airbags (Front and Rear), Crumple Zones, Energy-Absorbing Steering Column.
Infotainment Options:
Available Uconnect infotainment system with CD player, MP3 capability, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and optional navigation.
Available Driver Assistance:
ParkSense (rear parking assist), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Connectivity Features:
Auxiliary audio input jack, available Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (6,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, based on driving conditions and oil type (consult manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 3.5L:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 5.7L Hemi:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with platinum-tipped plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on usage; W5A580 may have longer intervals but requires specific fluid.
Engine Oil Spec 3.5L:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or equivalent), capacity 6 quarts (5.7 Liters).
Engine Oil Spec 5.7L Hemi:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or equivalent), capacity 7 quarts (6.6 Liters).
Coolant Type:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid OAT) coolant, typically purple or orange.
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (ball joints, control arms), power steering components (leaks), brake wear (pads, rotors).
Electrical Quirks:
Occasional issues with body control modules, power window regulators, and sensor failures (e.g., camshaft/crankshaft sensors).
Powertrain Considerations:
HEMI MDS system can sometimes be a source of concern if not properly maintained; W5A580 transmission can be sensitive to fluid type and level.
Brand Origins:
Dodge, a division of Chrysler LLC, has a long history in American automotive manufacturing, known for performance-oriented vehicles.
Revival Of Nameplate:
The 2005-2006 Dodge Charger marked the revival of the iconic Charger nameplate, originally a muscle car from the 1960s and 70s.
Platform Strategy:
This generation of Charger was built on the new LX platform, shared with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, initially developed by DaimlerChrysler. It featured rear-wheel drive architecture, a departure from previous front-wheel-drive Chargers.
Production Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada.