Segment:
Mid-size station wagon/hatchback
Target Audience:
Families, performance enthusiasts seeking a practical yet powerful vehicle
Competitors:
Ford Five Hundred/Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Pontiac G6
Design:
Distinctive, aggressive styling, often compared to a muscle car in a wagon form factor
Performance Options:
Available with powerful V6 and V8 HEMI engines
Practicality:
Spacious interior and cargo area, combining utility with performance
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission control, turbocharging (if applicable)
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox assembly, shift mechanism
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, gear sets, hydraulic controls, transmission control module (TCM)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD) configurations, axles, differential, CV joints
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (independent multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/gearbox, tie rods
Brakes:
Brake system components (master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, locks, mirrors, horn
Body And Frame:
Chassis, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, weatherstripping
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (A/C) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, climate control module
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, instrument cluster, airbags, seat belts, interior lighting, audio system
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, troubleshooting charts
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical troubleshooting diagrams
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all components, assembly and disassembly procedures, component replacement
Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, headlamp aiming
Component Testing:
Testing procedures for sensors, actuators, relays, and modules
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine 2.7L V6:
2.7L EER V6 (2700cc), approximately 190 hp @ 5600 rpm, 235 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Engine 3.5L V6:
3.5L EGG V6 (3518cc), approximately 250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Engine 5.7L V8 Hemi:
5.7L MDH V8 HEMI (5654cc), approximately 340-350 hp @ 5000-5200 rpm, 375-390 lb-ft @ 4000-4400 rpm (with MDS fuel-saving technology)
Acceleration 0-60:
Varies by engine; SRT8 model capable of mid-4 second 0-60 mph times.
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Misfire Detection:
Crankshaft Position Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Consult owner's manual for specific recommendation.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Recommended replacement every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine. Approximately 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Consult manual. Typically 50,000-100,000 miles for ATF fluid change and filter replacement.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 for most engines. Check owner's manual for specific viscosity and API certification (e.g., API SN or later).
Coolant:
Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) is also often compatible. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mopar part number 68048553AA (for a gallon concentrate).
Transmission Fluid:
For 42RLE: ATF+4 (MS-9602). For 545RFE: ATF+4 (MS-9602). Capacity approx. 3-4 quarts for a fluid change, 8-10 quarts for a complete flush/rebuild.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Suspension Wear:
Premature wear of ball joints, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends, particularly on earlier models and those with heavier engines.
Transmission Slippage:
Some 42RLE transmissions can develop slippage or harsh shifting, often related to torque converter or valve body issues.
Electronic Module Failures:
Occasional failures of the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or transmission control modules.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracking of exhaust manifolds, particularly on V8 HEMI models, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
HVAC Blend Door Actuators:
Failure of HVAC blend door actuators causing incorrect temperature control or airflow direction.
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of performance-oriented vehicles, including muscle cars and performance wagons (e.g., Dodge Colt Wagon, Dodge Omni GLH-S).
Magnum Introduction:
The Dodge Magnum nameplate was revived for the 2005 model year as a distinctive five-door wagon. It was based on the LX platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.
Trims And Engines:
Offered initially with 2.7L V6, 3.5L V6 (with RWD/AWD), and the performance-oriented 5.7L HEMI V8. The SRT8 variant, introduced for 2006, featured the 6.1L HEMI V8.
Production Years:
2005-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada