🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Challenger

Year:

2008

Body Style:

Coupe

Generation Code:

LC

Platform:

Dodge LC platform

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Muscle car, Pony car, Rear-wheel drive coupe.

Brand Positioning:

Dodge's revival of an iconic nameplate, targeting enthusiasts seeking performance, style, and American muscle heritage.

Key Competitors:

Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro.

Manual Advantage:

Vehicle-specific factory data, comprehensive A-Z coverage, step-by-step instructions with diagrams, wiring schematics, and specifications, designed for technicians but accessible to knowledgeable DIYers.

Digital Convenience:

Single, easy-to-use PDF manual; no need to flip through multiple books; printable pages for garage use; ability to enlarge diagrams.

Diy Empowerment:

Enables owners to perform a wide range of repairs themselves, saving on labor costs and increasing vehicle understanding.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific model variant, but typically 1500+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals.

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Operating Systems:

Windows Vista 32 and 64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, and Mac compatible.

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader and Winzip (free online).

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, control system, fuel service, emission control, intake, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, ignition, starting, charging.

Drivetrain Systems:

Automatic transmission, manual transmission, transfer propeller shaft, drive shaft, differential, axle, suspension.

Braking Steering Systems:

Brake control, brakes, parking brake, steering column, power steering.

HVAC Safety Systems:

Air conditioning, supplemental restraint system (SRS), seat belts, engine immobilizer, cruise control.

Body Interior Electrical:

Wiper & washer, door locks, meter, audio/visual, horn, windshield/glass/mirrors, instrument panel, seats, engine hood/doors, exterior & interior, electrical, multiplex/CAN communication.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostics.

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine maintenance checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication services, scheduled maintenance.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including disassembly, assembly, and adjustment.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing components such as engines, transmissions, brakes, suspension parts, body panels, and electrical modules.

Electrical Schematics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams and schematics for all vehicle electrical systems.

Chassis Systems:

Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension, steering, wheel alignment, and tire servicing.

Body And Trim:

Instructions for interior and exterior trim removal, installation, repair, and body panel alignment.

Depth:

Factory-level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and complete component rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and clearances.

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive torque specifications for all fasteners, critical for proper assembly and safety.

Illustrations Diagrams:

High-quality, detailed illustrations and diagrams that visually guide users through disassembly, assembly, and repair processes.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Printability:

All pages are printable with high clarity. Ability to blow up images and print enlarged copies.

Binding:

Digital PDF (no physical binding).

Physical Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital format).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve (250 hp @ 6000 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm); 5.7L V8 HEMI MDS Multi-Displacement System (360 hp @ 5200 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm). Note: Manual covers all engine variants.

Horsepower Range:

250 hp to 360 hp (depending on engine)

Torque Range:

250 lb-ft to 390 lb-ft (depending on engine)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Cylinder Head Design:

SOHC for V6, HEMI with hemispherical combustion chambers for V8.

Engine Code V6:

EGG (3.5L V6)

Engine Code V8:

E-ZDN (5.7L V8 HEMI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

4-speed automatic (42RLE for V6), 6-speed manual (Tremec TR6060 for V8).

Optional Transmission:

5-speed automatic (RELA 545RFE for V8 models in some markets/trims, although primarily 6-speed auto and manual were prevalent for this year).

Transmission Features:

Tiptronic style auto-stick for automatic transmissions, performance-oriented manual transmission for R/T models.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

116.0 inches (2946 mm)

Overall Length:

197.7 inches (5022 mm)

Overall Width:

76.0 inches (1930 mm)

Overall Height:

54.5 inches (1384 mm)

Curb Weight Min:

3,800 lbs (approx. for SE/SXT models)

Curb Weight Max:

4,100 lbs (approx. for R/T models)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

Not available for this specific year and model in readily accessible aggregated data, but general stability and crashworthiness were designed to meet standards.

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

Not available for this specific year and model in readily accessible aggregated data.

Traction Control:

Standard on all models.

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard on all models (ESC).

Antilock Brakes:

Standard on all models (ABS).

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, front side-impact airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Options:

Basic AM/FM/CD audio system with optional SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims could feature a 6-disc CD changer and Boston Acoustics premium audio system.

Driver Assistance Features:

Standard ABS, Traction Control, and Electronic Stability Control. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist were common in this era's muscle cars.

Connectivity Features:

Optional Uconnect Hands-Free Communication system (Bluetooth).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe duty intervals.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Refer to manual for specific intervals.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Refer to manual for specific intervals.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 (for both 3.5L V6 and 5.7L V8 HEMI, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification).

Coolant Type:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, Prediluted (50/50 mix).

Transmission Fluid Type Auto:

ATF+4 (MS-9602) for 4-speed automatic; ATF+4 or equivalent for 5-speed automatic (if applicable).

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

Refer to manual for specific specification (typically a high-quality gear oil for Tremec TR6060).

Common Issues Early Models:

While the 2008 model was the first year of this generation, common issues often reported in later years or on initial production runs can include minor electrical gremlins, suspension component wear, and occasional transmission shifting concerns, particularly with the 4-speed automatic. The manual would detail how to diagnose and address these.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of performance vehicles, particularly in the muscle car era with iconic models like the original Challenger and Charger.

Challenger Reintroduction:

The 2008 model marked the return of the Challenger nameplate after a hiatus since 1974, based on the LX platform (shared with Charger and Magnum) but with a distinct coupe body and rear-wheel-drive architecture.

Manufacturing Plant:

Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reception:

The 2008 Challenger was generally well-received for its retro styling, powerful engine options (especially the HEMI), and sporty handling, recapturing the spirit of its predecessors.