🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Charger

Model Year Start:

2005

Model Year End:

2006

Platform:

LX Platform

Chassis Code:

LD (for Charger)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Dodge Charger in the 2005-2006 model years represented a significant revival of the iconic nameplate, targeting the full-size sedan market with a focus on performance, style, and American muscle heritage.

Competitors:

Competed against other American full-size sedans such as the Ford Five Hundred/Taurus, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Impala, and imported sedans with performance variants like the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP.

Key Features Vehicle:

Rear-wheel drive platform, aggressive styling, spacious interior, and a range of powerful V6 and V8 engine options.

Key Features Manual:

Unrivaled detail, factory accuracy, comprehensive coverage, and essential for DIY mechanics and professional technicians alike, ensuring correct repairs and maintenance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair

Page Count Estimate:

Over 2000 pages (typical for this era and vehicle complexity)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual (WSRM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

All aspects of engine operation, disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and repair for all applicable engine variants.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, diagnostics (OBD-II), sensor data, and ECU calibration.

Transmission Automatic:

Detailed procedures for the 5-speed automatic transmission (W5A580/NAG1), including overhaul, torque converter, valve body, and electronic controls.

Transmission Manual:

Coverage for the 6-speed manual transmission (e.g., Tremec TR-6060) if applicable to specific trims.

Drivetrain Rearwheel Drive:

Rear axle, driveshaft, CV joints, differential, and related components.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shocks, and alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, and electronic power steering (EPS) if equipped.

Brakes Hydraulic:

Brake system components, including master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, rotors, and bleeding procedures.

Brakes Electronic:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA) system diagnosis and repair.

Body Structure:

Chassis and body construction, structural integrity, repair procedures for body panels and frame components.

Body Interior:

Interior trim panels, seating systems, dashboard, console, and associated components.

Body Exterior:

Doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, fenders, glass, and related hardware.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, diagnosis, and repair.

Electrical System Basic:

Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting systems, horn, and wipers.

Electrical System Advanced:

Body Control Module (BCM), comfort and convenience features, power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats.

Infotainment Audio:

Radio, CD player, speaker systems, and amplifier integration.

Safety Airbags:

Airbag system components, SRS module, sensors, and replacement procedures.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Extensive troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, and wiring diagrams.

Preventive Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, tire rotations, brake inspections.

Corrective Maintenance:

Component replacement, adjustments, and repairs for all covered systems.

Component Disassembly Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and reinstalling all major and minor vehicle components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, crucial for electrical diagnostics.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all fasteners to ensure proper assembly and prevent damage.

Special Tools:

Identification of any special tools required for specific repair procedures.

Diagnostic Tree Charts:

Flowcharts and decision trees to systematically diagnose common problems.

Depth Level:

Factory-level technical information, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, and advanced electrical system troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution for clear diagrams, illustrations, and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Completeness Statement:

Guaranteed complete with no missing pages, covering all factory-specified procedures and data.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 2005 2006 Base:

3.5L (3497cc) High Output V6 SOHC (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm)

Engine Hemi 5.7L:

5.7L (5654cc) HEMI V8 OHV with MDS (Multiple Displacement System) (340 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)

Engine Performance 3.5L:

0-60 mph in approximately 7.0-7.5 seconds

Engine Performance 5.7L Hemi:

0-60 mph in approximately 5.0-5.5 seconds

Fuel System Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (91 octane recommended for HEMI for optimal performance)

Engine Code 3.5L:

EGG

Engine Code 5.7L Hemi:

EZD

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard 2005 2006 Base:

5-Speed Automatic (W5A580 / NAG1)

Transmission Optional Srt8:

5-Speed Automatic (W5A580 / NAG1) was standard on SRT8; a 6-speed manual (TR-6060) was available on some performance variants.

Transmission Fluid Spec W5A580:

Chrysler ATF+4 (MS-9602) or equivalent (MB 236.10 spec is also relevant for the NAG1)

Transmission Fluid Capacity W5A580:

Approximately 9.1 quarts (8.6 liters) (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 197.6 inches (5017 mm)

Width:

Approximately 74.1 inches (1882 mm)

Height:

Approximately 58.4 inches (1483 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 116.0 inches (2946 mm)

Curb Weight Base:

Approximately 3750-3900 lbs (1700-1770 kg)

Curb Weight Hemi:

Approximately 3950-4150 lbs (1790-1880 kg)

Cargo Volume:

Approximately 15.2 cubic feet (430 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:

5-Star (for 2005 models)

NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:

5-Star (for 2005 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5-Star (for 2005 models)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

5-Star (for 2005 models)

IIHS Front Offset Rating:

Good (for 2005 models)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS).

Passive Safety Features:

Advanced front airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (optional/standard depending on trim), front seat-mounted side airbags (optional/standard depending on trim), front and rear crumple zones, LATCH child seat anchors.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Options:

Optional Boston Acoustics premium sound system, Uconnect hands-free communication (available on later 2006 models), Sirius Satellite Radio.

Infotainment Controls:

Dashboard-mounted audio controls, climate controls, and optional navigation system.

Driver Assistance Features:

ParkSense (rear parking assist) was available as an option.

Connectivity Options:

Optional Sirius Satellite Radio, and the introduction of Uconnect for Bluetooth connectivity on some trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

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:

Replace every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km) or annually.

Coolant Flush:

Replace engine coolant every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years (using HOAT coolant).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual or oil cap for exact specification based on engine and climate). Full synthetic recommended.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (MS-5901) or equivalent.

Known Issues Electrical:

Various electrical gremlins including issues with window regulators, power door locks, instrument cluster failures, and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) problems can occur.

Known Issues Powertrain:

Early models of the 5-speed automatic transmission (NAG1/W5A580) could experience issues like torque converter shudder or electronic solenoid failures. HEMI engines can sometimes develop exhaust manifold leaks.

Known Issues Suspension:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and suspension bushings are common with higher mileage due to the vehicle's weight and performance orientation.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage Dodge:

Dodge has a long-standing reputation for performance and American muscle cars, with the Charger nameplate evoking powerful, stylish vehicles from previous generations.

Model Evolution Charger Lx:

The 2005-2006 Charger was the first generation of the modern Charger, based on the rear-wheel-drive LX platform shared with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. It marked a return to a sedan body style with rear-wheel drive for the Charger name.

Production Location:

Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada

Production Years Generation:

2006-2010 (for the LX platform Charger, with updates in subsequent years)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award Mention 2005:

Named one of Car and Driver's '10Best' for 2006.

Award Mention Safety:

Achieved top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, demonstrating robust engineering and safety design.