Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Dodge Charger owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge.
Key Competitors 2006:
Ford Five Hundred, Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Impala
Design Philosophy:
Retro-inspired styling, rear-wheel-drive platform, spacious interior, strong V8 engine options.
Ease Of Use:
Easy-to-read text sections, well-organized content, and clear instructional steps.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Ignition, Charging, Starting, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electronics, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks, Belt Inspections, Spark Plug Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Caliper Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Circuit Diagrams, Component Testing
Calibration And Adjustment:
Wheel Alignment, Throttle Body Cleaning/Calibration, ABS Bleeding
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code:
EER (3.5L V6 SOHC 24-valve High Output)
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (214.6 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.66 in x 3.35 in (93 mm x 85 mm)
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Engine Variant 2:
EZB (5.7L V8 HEMI MDS OHV 16-valve)
Displacement Variant 2:
5.7 Liters (345 cubic inches)
Horsepower Variant 2:
340 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque Variant 2:
390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (minimum)
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized Liquid Cooling System
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend (preferred)
Oil Capacity V6:
5.0 Quarts (4.7 Liters) with filter change
Oil Capacity V8:
7.0 Quarts (6.6 Liters) with filter change
Transmission Type V6:
5-Speed Automatic (W5A580)
Transmission Type V8:
5-Speed Automatic (5-45RFE)
Transmission Fluid V6:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Part Number 05013457AA)
Transmission Fluid V8:
ATF+4 (Chrysler Part Number 05013457AA)
Transmission Capacity V6:
8.4 Quarts (7.9 Liters)
Transmission Capacity V8:
11.7 Quarts (11.1 Liters)
Length:
199.2 inches (5059 mm)
Width:
74.1 inches (1882 mm)
Height:
58.2 inches (1478 mm)
Wheelbase:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Front Track:
63.1 inches (1603 mm)
Rear Track:
63.1 inches (1603 mm)
Passenger Volume:
104.7 cubic feet (2.96 cubic meters)
Front Headroom:
38.6 inches (980 mm)
Rear Headroom:
37.7 inches (958 mm)
Front Legroom:
41.8 inches (1062 mm)
Rear Legroom:
38.5 inches (978 mm)
Cargo Volume:
16.0 cubic feet (0.45 cubic meters)
Curb Weight V6:
3,785 lbs (1717 kg)
Curb Weight V8:
4,023 lbs (1825 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 5,150 lbs (2336 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended / Available
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Driver Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Passenger Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good
Traction Control:
Standard on all models
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional on some trims, standard on SRT8
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Standard
Airbags Front:
Advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Front seat-mounted side airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Optional Supplemental Side Curtain Airbags (front and rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 6,000 to 7,500 miles (9,600 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving environment.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km), depending on driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Long-life Platinum or Iridium)
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Long-life Platinum or Iridium)
Power Steering Fluid:
CHRYSLER MS-5916
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Dedicated washer fluid concentrate or water (seasonal considerations)
Interior Rattles:
Common reported issue, often related to door panels, dashboard, or center console.
Power Steering Pump Noise:
Occasional reports of whining or groaning from the power steering pump.
Transmission Harshness:
Some owners report occasional rough shifting, particularly in the earlier production runs.
Water Pump Leaks:
Potential for early water pump failure, especially on the 3.5L V6 engine.
Hemi Lifter Tick:
Some HEMI engines may develop a ticking sound from the valve lifters, often related to oil viscosity or MDS system operation.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of producing powerful and distinctively styled American vehicles, often associated with performance and muscle car heritage.
Charger Return:
The 2006 Charger marked the return of the iconic Charger nameplate, reinvented as a four-door sedan built on the new LX platform.
Platform Origin:
The LX platform was originally developed by Mercedes-Benz (for the W220 S-Class and W211 E-Class) and adapted by Chrysler.
Initial Reception:
The styling was polarizing, with some appreciating the retro cues and others disliking the four-door format for a name historically associated with coupes. Performance and V8 options were generally praised.
Assembly Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Production Years First Gen:
2006-2010