🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Charger

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

LC

Platform:

Chrysler LX platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Sedan

Positioning:

American performance-oriented sedan with a blend of luxury, comfort, and power. Competed against vehicles like the Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, and to some extent, entry-level luxury sedans.

Key Competitors:

Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse

Design Philosophy:

Retro-styling inspired by the classic 1970 Dodge Charger, muscular proportions, rear-wheel-drive platform offering performance.

Powertrain Options:

Availability of powerful V6 and V8 engines, including HEMI variants.

Interior Focus:

Spacious cabin, comfortable seating, driver-focused cockpit.

Trim Levels:

Offered in various trims (e.g., SE, SXT, R/T, SRT8) catering to different levels of performance and luxury.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's Information and Operation

Secondary Coverage:

Basic Maintenance, Specifications, and Customer Assistance

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 350-400 pages (typical for this era and model)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust, Transmission (details on operation, not in-depth repair)

Chassis:

Brakes, Steering, Suspension (operational aspects)

Electrical:

Instrument Cluster, Lighting, Power Accessories, Security System, Entertainment Systems

Body Interior:

Climate Controls, Locks, Seating, Safety Restraints, Interior Trim

Routine Maintenance:

Engine Oil Checks and Refills, Air Filter Replacement (identification), Fuel Information, Battery Maintenance Basics

Operation:

Starting and Driving, Instrument Cluster Interpretation, Climate Control Operation, Light Functions, Lock and Security Features, Seating and Restraint Adjustment

Troubleshooting:

Basic warning light explanations, Customer Assistance contact information

Safety:

Seat Belt Usage, Airbag System Overview, Child Seat Installation Guidance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Specific)

Depth:

Covers essential owner information, operation of vehicle systems, basic fluid checks, and general maintenance advice. Does not cover diagnostic procedures, component-level repair, or in-depth troubleshooting beyond user-level actions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (inherent to digital PDF format)

Print Quality:

Digital, quality dependent on original scan/compilation; typically clear and legible for all text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

3.5L V6 (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm)

Engine Option 2:

5.7L HEMI V8 (350 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) with Multi-Displacement System (MDS)

Engine Option 3:

6.1L HEMI SRT V8 (425 hp @ 6200 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm) - for SRT8 models

Induction Type:

Naturally Aspirated (all engines)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Component Locations:

Manual covers locations for dipsticks (oil), fluid reservoirs (coolant, brake, power steering, washer), battery, air filter housing, fuse box.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 3.5L V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8; 5-speed automatic (W5A580) for SRT8

Optional Transmission:

None for this model year; specific automatics tied to engine choice.

Transmission Features:

Electronic controls, likely with a manual shift mode (AutoStick) on certain trims. 5.7L HEMI features Multi-Displacement System (MDS).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 197.6 inches

Width:

Approx. 74.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 58.4 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 116.0 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 100.7 cubic feet

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 16.0 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,100 lbs (depending on engine and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (for 2008 model year)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good

Braking System:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (ABS standard). Performance trims may have larger, vented rear discs.

Traction Control:

Standard (TCS) on all models. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) available/standard on higher trims.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, available full-length side curtain airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants. Three-point belts for rear passengers.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional upgrades included Boston Acoustics premium sound systems, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and in-dash CD/DVD changer.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on all models.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear park assist system available on some trims.

Phone Integration:

Uconnect Hands-Free Communication system (Bluetooth) became available and increasingly common on this model year, especially on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Tire Rotation:

Recommended every 5,000 - 7,500 miles

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving environment. Manual lists part number for identification.

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-20 for 3.5L V6 and 5.7L HEMI, 0W-40 or 5W-40 for SRT8). SAE 5W-20 is common for V6/5.7L HEMI.

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) type, typically pink or orange.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Chrysler ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is specified for the 42RLE and W5A580 transmissions.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON III/VI type

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.5L V6: ~5 quarts (with filter); 5.7L HEMI: ~7 quarts (with filter)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 11-13 quarts (depending on engine)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 4-5 quarts (for pan drop/filter change)

Common Wear Items:

Suspension components (ball joints, tie rods), brake pads/rotors, exhaust system components, potential for Hemi tick due to lifter noise.

Electrical Gremlins:

Can sometimes experience minor electrical issues, often related to sensors or body control modules, though not widespread across all vehicles.

Air Filter Example:

Specific part numbers for air filters are usually listed for each engine variant in the manual. Example for 3.5L V6 might be a Mopar P/N like MO-8032 or equivalent aftermarket.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Legacy:

Dodge has a long history of performance and muscle cars, with the Charger nameplate being iconic in that lineage.

Second Generation Lc:

The 2008 Charger is part of the second generation (2006-2010) of the revived Charger nameplate, built on the LX platform. This generation brought back rear-wheel drive and a strong emphasis on retro styling and performance.

Manufacturing Location:

Brampton Assembly, Ontario, Canada

Production Years:

2006-2010 (for this generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Achieved top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its class and model year, highlighting its structural integrity.

Consumer Reports:

Generally received mixed to good reviews from automotive publications and consumer reports, often praised for performance and styling but sometimes noted for interior materials or fuel economy on V8 models.

Emissions Standards:

Compliant with U.S. EPA emissions standards for the 2008 model year.