Vehicle Segment:
Full-size sedan, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) focused with available all-wheel-drive (AWD).
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Impala, Ford Five Hundred/Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Buick Lucerne.
Design Philosophy:
Revival of the iconic Charger nameplate, emphasizing muscular styling, powerful engines, and a rear-wheel-drive platform.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians with the essential factory-level information to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 2006-2011 Dodge Charger.
Chassis Design:
Built on the rear-wheel-drive LX platform, shared with other Chrysler Group vehicles of the era, allowing for powerful engine configurations.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, exhaust, ignition, engine management (ECM/PCM), transmission (automatic & manual), driveline, differentials.
Chassis:
Steering system, suspension (front & rear), brake system (hydraulic, ABS, traction control), wheel alignment, chassis lubrication.
Body & Electrical:
Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, HVAC system, lighting, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), audio system, instrument cluster, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, Body Control Module (BCM).
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heater, ventilation, climate controls, refrigerant handling.
Restraint Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics, sensor locations, control module functionality, seatbelt mechanisms.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, scan tool usage, component testing.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including removal, installation, and adjustment.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance items, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, component data.
Component Replacement:
Detailed guides for replacing common wear items like spark plugs, filters, belts, and more complex assemblies.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance and fluid changes to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and body repairs.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including color coding and connector pinouts.
Engine Options:
3.5L V6 (High Output), 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.1L HEMI SRT V8.
Engine Code 5.7L Hemi V8:
EZH
Engine Code 6.1L Srt V8:
ESF
3.5L V6 (2006-2010):
Horsepower: 250 hp @ 6400 rpm, Torque: 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
5.7L Hemi V8 (2006-2011):
Horsepower: 340-370 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm, Torque: 390-410 lb-ft @ 4000-4200 rpm (varies by year and specific model, e.g., R/T, Daytona)
6.1L Hemi Srt8 V8 (2006-2010):
Horsepower: 425 hp @ 6000 rpm, Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
3.5L V6 2007+:
Horsepower: 255 hp @ 6400 rpm, Torque: 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (slight increase)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for HEMI engines)
Induction:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for V6, Multi-Displacement System (MDS) with MPI for 5.7L HEMI, MPI for 6.1L HEMI.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Automatic (W5A580 NAG1 for V6 and 5.7L HEMI, 4-speed 42RLE for base V6 in early models).
Transmission Code 5-Speed Auto:
W5A580 (Mercedes-Benz 5G-TRONIC derivative)
Optional Transmission:
6-speed Manual (Tremec TR-6060) - primarily with 5.7L HEMI R/T models. 5-speed Automatic for SRT8.
Transmission Features:
Autostick (manual shifting mode), Electronic Range Select, Drive Modes (e.g., Sport Mode).
Length:
Approximately 197.7 inches
Width:
Approximately 74.1 inches
Height:
Approximately 58.2 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 116 inches
Front Track:
Approximately 63 inches
Rear Track:
Approximately 63.1 inches
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 100.4 cubic feet
Trunk Capacity:
Approximately 15.1 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Varies by model, typically 3,800 - 4,200 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 5,000 - 5,500 lbs.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-star (for most models and years)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-star (for most models and years)
IIHS Roof Strength:
Good (for most models and years)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC - standard on later models and SRT).
Braking System:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, available rear side-impact airbags, active head restraints, front and rear crumple zones.
Infotainment System:
Available Uconnect infotainment system with CD/MP3 player, navigation, and satellite radio depending on trim level and options.
Driver Assistance Features:
ParkView Rear Backup Camera (available), ParkSense Rear Park Assist System (available).
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input jack, Bluetooth connectivity (available with Uconnect).
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic dual-zone climate control.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges, driver information display (DIM) with trip computer, fuel economy, range, and system warnings.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for exact intervals).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Refer to manual, often around 30,000 - 60,000 miles, especially for heavy-duty use.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20 (for 3.5L V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8), SAE 0W-40 (for 6.1L SRT8 HEMI). Always verify with manual.
Engine Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Old Type) HOAT (Hybrid OAT) Engine Coolant (blue color) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid:
ATF+4 (for 5-speed automatic), Mopar MERCON SP (for W5A580 NAG1).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+4 or Mopar Power Steering Fluid
Differential Fluid Rwd:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (or specified by manual for specific differentials)
Differential Fluid AWD:
Specific Mopar fluid required for AWD transfer case and differentials.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), brake pads and rotors, catalytic converters (especially on higher mileage vehicles), exhaust system components.
Powertrain Issues:
Occasional lifter noise on HEMI engines, water pump leaks, transmission solenoid issues (NAG1).
Electrical Issues:
Window regulators, interior lighting, sensor failures (e.g., ABS sensors).
Transmission Shifting Issues:
Hesitation or rough shifting can occur, often related to transmission fluid condition or solenoid pack issues.
Dodge Legacy:
The Dodge Charger nameplate has a storied history in American muscle car culture, dating back to the 1960s. The 2006 revival aimed to capture this spirit in a modern sedan.
Generation Introduction:
The LX platform Charger was introduced for the 2006 model year, marking a significant departure from previous front-wheel-drive Chargers and returning to a rear-wheel-drive architecture.
Key Updates 2006-2011:
Minor styling tweaks, powertrain updates (e.g., new V6 engine in 2007, increased horsepower for 5.7L HEMI), introduction of the potent SRT8 variant, and addition of AWD option.
Srt8 Introduction:
SRT8 variant introduced for 2006 model year, focusing on performance.
Assembly Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada.
Production Years Range:
2006-2011
