Vehicle Segment:
Full-size station wagon / estate, based on the Chrysler LX platform, shared with sedans like the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.
Competitors:
Competed against other large wagons and some larger SUVs. Key rivals included the Buick LaCrosse (wagon variant), Toyota Avalon, and Ford Five Hundred/Taurus.
Design Philosophy:
Offered a combination of American-style V8 power (optional), rear-wheel-drive dynamics (optional), and practical cargo space, appealing to a niche market seeking performance and utility.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the same depth of technical information as official dealer service manuals, empowering owners and independent shops to perform accurate diagnostics and repairs.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of all engine variants (3.5L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.1L HEMI V8). Includes engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission controls, and performance tuning.
Transmission:
Complete coverage for automatic transmissions (e.g., 5-speed W5A580 NAG1, 4-speed 42RLE). Includes overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service, and control systems.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) systems. Includes axles, driveshafts, differentials, and CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems (independent multi-link). Includes shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, steering rack, and tie rod ends.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, traction control. Includes brake fluid specifications, caliper and rotor replacement, brake line repair, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagnosis and repair. Includes wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, battery, starting, charging, lighting, instrument cluster, and body control modules (BCM).
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Includes refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and climate control modules.
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, windows, locks, latches, mirrors, bumpers, and trim. Includes interior trim, seating, and headliner.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, and passive safety components.
Infotainment And Comfort:
Radio, navigation system, speakers, power seats, and other comfort features.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotations, and spark plug replacement.
Diagnostics:
Systematic troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for identifying and resolving common and complex issues. OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for complete component overhauls, such as engine rebuilds and transmission overhauls.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical technical data.
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete drivetrain and electrical system overhauls.
Engine 1:
3.5L V6 (High Output Pentastar variant in later years, but early ones were SOHC)
Engine 1 Code:
EGV (3.5L SOHC)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3518 cc)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approximately 250-255 hp
Engine 1 Torque:
Approximately 250-255 lb-ft
Engine 2:
5.7L V8 HEMI (R/T models)
Engine 2 Code:
EZH (5.7L HEMI)
Engine 2 Displacement:
5.7 Liters (5654 cc)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approximately 340-350 hp
Engine 2 Torque:
Approximately 375-390 lb-ft
Engine 3:
6.1L V8 HEMI SRT (SRT8 models)
Engine 3 Code:
ESF (6.1L HEMI SRT)
Engine 3 Displacement:
6.1 Liters (6059 cc)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approximately 425 hp
Engine 3 Torque:
Approximately 420 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for all engines. Includes fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, and fuel filter.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for 3.5L, 89 octane recommended for 5.7L, 91 octane recommended for 6.1L)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EVAP system, EGR (on some models).
Length:
Approximately 198.6 inches (5045 mm)
Width:
Approximately 74.1 inches (1882 mm)
Height:
Approximately 58.3 inches (1481 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 120.0 inches (3048 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approximately 29.5 cubic feet (835 Liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approximately 65.7 cubic feet (1860 Liters)
Curb Weight Min:
Approximately 3800 lbs (1724 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
Approximately 4200 lbs (1905 kg) for SRT8
Towing Capacity:
Typically rated around 1000-2000 lbs, depending on configuration and options.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Generally received 4 or 5 stars for frontal and side crash tests (check specific year).
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Good ratings in frontal and side impact tests for many configurations.
Traction Control System:
Standard on most models, often integrated with ABS and stability control.
Electronic Stability Control:
Available, often referred to as Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side curtain airbags, and optional front-seat side airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners in front and rear seating positions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or synthetic blend oil (refer to manual for specific oil type and viscosity).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 3.5L:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Spark Plug Replacement 5.7L/6.1L Hemi:
Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for specific HEMI spark plugs (e.g., Champion Copper Plus or equivalent).
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.5L V6: approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters); 5.7L V8: approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters); 6.1L V8: approx. 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters). Always use specified viscosity and API rating.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or SAE 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic, meeting Chrysler MS-6395 specification.
Coolant Type:
Mopar HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, 50/50 mixture with distilled water. Color: Orange.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Issue 1:
Active headrest deployment: Some models experienced unexpected deployment of active headrests, often related to sensor issues or electrical faults. Covered under recalls or warranty.
Common Issue 2:
Wiper motor failure: Premature failure of the windshield wiper motor is reported on some units.
Common Issue 3:
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) issues: Hesitation or 'limp mode' can occur due to ETC problems, requiring recalibration or component replacement.
Common Issue 4:
Suspension component wear: Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can wear over time, especially on higher-mileage vehicles, leading to clunks or steering looseness.
Common Issue 5:
Transmission solenoid issues (NAG1): Occasional reports of transmission shifting problems may be related to valve body solenoids.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of performance-oriented vehicles, often characterized by strong V8 engines and distinctive styling. The Magnum lineage, while a modern interpretation, drew upon this heritage.
Magnum Introduction:
The Dodge Magnum was reintroduced for the 2005 model year, based on the then-new Chrysler LX platform, offering a rear-wheel-drive wagon body style not seen in the Dodge lineup for many years.
Trim Levels:
Key trims included the base SE (later SXT with 3.5L V6), the R/T with the 5.7L HEMI V8, and the high-performance SRT8 with the 6.1L HEMI V8.
Production Years:
2005-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada