Target Audience:
Performance Enthusiasts, DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians
Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima
Vehicle Appeal:
Rear-wheel-drive platform, powerful HEMI V8 engine options, distinctive American muscle car styling
Manual Value Proposition:
Authoritative guide for maintaining and repairing the Dodge Charger, enabling cost savings and informed decision-making.
Powertrain:
Engine (3.5L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.1L HEMI V8, 6.4L HEMI V8), Transmission (5-Speed Auto W5A580, 6-Speed Auto W6A80ENH), Driveline (RWD, AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front Independent, Rear Multi-link), Brakes (ABS, Front Vented Discs, Rear Solid Discs), Steering (Hydraulic Power)
Electrical:
ECU/PCM, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Audio System, Security System
Body:
Exterior Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Body Control Module (BCM)
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Tire Rotation, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Flowcharts, OBD-II Codes, Component Testing, Symptom-based Diagnosis
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Caliper Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Special Procedures:
Timing Belt/Chain Replacement, Fuel Injector Service, DPF Regeneration (if applicable), AWD System Service
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and diagnostics)
Detail Level:
Highly Detailed with Step-by-Step Instructions and Diagrams
Engine 1:
3.5L SOHC V6 (250 hp @ 6000 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)
Engine 2:
5.7L OHV HEMI V8 (350-370 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm, 385-404 lb-ft @ 4000-4200 rpm) with MDS
Engine 3:
6.1L OHV HEMI V8 (425 hp @ 6000 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm) SRT8
Engine 4:
6.4L OHV HEMI V8 (470 hp @ 6000 rpm, 470 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm) SRT8 392 (late model year)
Torque Specifications:
Varies by engine, detailed in manual (e.g., 5.7L HEMI ~395 lb-ft)
Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Octane Rating:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended for HEMI engines)
Transmission 1:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580) - RWD
Transmission 2:
6-Speed Automatic (W6A80ENH) - RWD/AWD
Transmission 3:
6-Speed Manual (Tremec TR6060) - Optional on select SRT8 models
Automatic Modes:
Autostick (manual shifting capability)
Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Chrysler's proprietary fluid, refer to manual for specific application)
AWD System:
Active Full-Time AWD System with front and rear differentials
Wheelbase:
Approximately 120.0 inches
Length:
Approximately 196.1 - 200.0 inches (model dependent)
Width:
Approximately 74.5 inches
Height:
Approximately 58.4 - 59.5 inches (model dependent)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 15.6 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3800 - 4400 lbs (model and engine dependent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for most configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for many configurations)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Standard (Traction Control System - TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard (Electronic Stability Control - ESC)
Airbags:
Front, Side Curtain, Front Side (configuration varies by trim)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Uconnect infotainment system with touchscreen display, AM/FM/CD/MP3, optional navigation, Bluetooth connectivity.
Display Size:
Available in 4.3-inch, 6.5-inch, or 8.4-inch touchscreen sizes depending on trim and year.
Parking Assist:
Available rear parking sensors (ParkSense).
Keyless Entry:
Keyless Enter 'n Go system with push-button start on many models.
Usb Port:
Available USB port for media playback and device charging.
Bluetooth:
Standard or optional Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 - 10,000 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, refer to manual)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (heavy-duty use may require sooner, consult manual)
Spark Plug Replacement:
3.5L V6: ~100,000 miles; HEMI V8: ~100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific types like copper vs. platinum)
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific engine and climate requirements). Chrysler MS-6395 compliant.
Coolant:
OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Extended Life Coolant, HOAT (Hybrid OAT) for some models. Mopar OAT or equivalent (color may vary).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, refer to manual for exact specification.
Electrical:
Water intrusion into the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) can cause various electrical gremlins. Erratic gauge behavior.
Powertrain:
Lifter tick or noise in HEMI engines, especially early models. Camshaft wear can occur if oil is not changed regularly.
Suspension:
Worn ball joints and control arm bushings, particularly on higher mileage vehicles.
Transmission:
Hesitation or harsh shifting in the 5-speed automatic transmission.
Brand Identity:
Dodge, known for its performance-oriented vehicles and American muscle car legacy.
Lx Platform:
The 2006-2011 Charger is part of the first generation of the modern Charger, based on Chrysler's LX platform, which it shared with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum.
Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred for the 2011 model year, introducing updated styling and powertrains.
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
IIHS Rating:
Consistent good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), often earning Top Safety Pick status.
Consumer Reports:
Varied reliability ratings from Consumer Reports over the years, with some model years and powertrains performing better than others.
Emissions Standards:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards applicable to the model year.
