Segment:
Full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented sedan buyers, families, enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria/Police Interceptor, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne
Styling:
Retro-inspired design with classic muscle car cues
Powertrain Options:
Wide range of V6 and V8 engines, including powerful HEMI variants
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel-drive standard, all-wheel-drive available on select models
Interior Space:
Spacious cabin and comfortable seating for five adults
Performance Variants:
RT and SRT-8 trims offering significant performance upgrades
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (HEMI 5.7L, 6.1L, Pentastar 3.5L, 3.6L), engine performance, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, ignition, emissions, engine control systems (ECM/PCM)
Transmission:
Automatic transmissions (W5A580, NAG1, W5A380), manual transmissions (NV3500, NSG370), transfer case, driveline, axle assemblies
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system (power steering, steering column), braking system (ABS, ESC, hydraulic components, power assist), wheels and tires
Body And Frame:
Exterior (doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, mirrors), interior (seats, trim, headliner, dashboard), structural components, rust prevention and corrosion, body seals and weatherstripping
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instruments and gauges, wipers and washers, horn, infotainment system, comfort and convenience features, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), security system, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, airbag system (SRS)
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, climate control
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical diagnostic procedures, use of diagnostic scan tools
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, component replacement, adjustments, alignment
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, diagnostic parameters
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical schematics for all systems
Depth:
Full factory level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine 3.5L V6 Sohc 24V:
3.5L V6; Horsepower: 250 hp @ 6400 rpm; Torque: 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm; Bore x Stroke: 96 mm x 83 mm; Compression Ratio: 10.0:1; Fuel System: Sequential MPI; Engine Code: EHF, EHG (Pentastar 3.6L introduced later in the generation with increased power)
Engine 5.7L V8 Hemi OHV 16V:
5.7L V8 HEMI; Horsepower: 340-370 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm; Torque: 390-410 lb-ft @ 4000-4400 rpm; Bore x Stroke: 99.5 mm x 94.6 mm; Compression Ratio: 9.6:1; Fuel System: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
Engine 6.1L V8 Hemi OHV 16V Srt:
6.1L V8 HEMI (SRT-8); Horsepower: 425 hp @ 6000 rpm; Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm; Bore x Stroke: 103 mm x 94.6 mm; Compression Ratio: 10.3:1; Fuel System: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower Range:
250 hp to 425 hp
Torque Range:
250 lb-ft to 420 lb-ft
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Transmission Type V6:
5-speed automatic (W5A580 for 3.5L, 8-speed automatic for 3.6L Pentastar)
Transmission Type V8 Rwd:
5-speed automatic (W5A580)
AWD Availability:
Available on select V6 models (LX, SXT)
Manual Transmission Availability:
Limited availability, often on specific performance or police variants (e.g., NV3500 or NSG370 with V6)
Transmission Fluid Spec W5A580:
Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Transmission Fluid Capacity W5A580:
Approximately 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) for dry fill, 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters) total
Electronic Shift Control:
Standard on automatic transmissions
Length:
Approx. 199.1 - 200.0 inches (5057 - 5080 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.5 inches (1892 mm)
Height:
Approx. 58.4 - 59.0 inches (1483 - 1500 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 15.6 cubic feet (0.44 cubic meters)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3800 - 4100 lbs (1724 - 1860 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model and engine, typically around 5000-5300 lbs
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (for models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5-Star (for models tested)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5-Star (for models tested)
IIHS Roof Strength:
Good (for models tested)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Front advanced multi-stage airbags, front side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Uconnect System:
Available Uconnect infotainment system with touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice commands on higher trims.
Audio Options:
Premium audio systems from Boston Acoustics or Alpine available.
Parkview Camera:
Optional ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack available
Remote Start:
Available remote start system
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months with synthetic oil, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 20,000 miles (32,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Hemi:
Approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km) using recommended iridium spark plugs.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Initial service at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or higher, meeting Chrysler MS-6395)
Engine Oil Capacity Hemi:
Approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter change
Coolant Specification:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT) or equivalent, typically HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) for this era, e.g., Mopar 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (check specific vehicle for type, often ATF+4 compatible for early models)
Hemi Lifter Tick:
Some HEMI engines are known to develop a 'lifter tick' due to worn lifters or valve train issues.
Transmission Issues:
The W5A580 transmission can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting or electronic control module (TCM) issues.
Suspension Components:
Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends can occur with higher mileage.
Electrical Gremlins:
Various electrical issues can arise, often related to body control modules, sensor failures, or wiring harness problems.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Exhaust manifolds on HEMI engines can develop cracks, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles and muscle cars.
Lx Platform:
The 2006 Charger was a reintroduction of the Charger nameplate, built on the rear-wheel-drive LX platform shared with the Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300, and Dodge Challenger.
Redesign 2011:
This manual covers the first generation of the LX Charger, which received a facelift for the 2011 model year, marking the end of this specific design cycle.
Assembly Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Production Years:
2005 (for 2006 model year) - 2010
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Charger was frequently lauded by automotive publications for its blend of performance and practicality, with models occasionally appearing on '10 Best' lists for its segment.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not a winner in this specific generation for MotorTrend's COTY, the Charger's performance variants were consistently praised.
Safety Ratings Summary:
Generally good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its era, reflecting a robust chassis and comprehensive airbag system.
Emissions Standards:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the respective model years.
