🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Model: Charger Year: 2011 Codes Platform: LX (LD Platform from 2011 onwards for new generation, though 2011 models often retain LX designation for this specific generation facelift) Vin Code: B (for V6 engines), H (for V8 HEMI engines) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size sedan, often marketed as a muscle car alternative with available powerful V8 engines. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Azera, Buick LaCrosse. Key Features Appeal: Rear-wheel-drive platform (with optional AWD), powerful engine options (especially HEMI V8), distinctive American styling, spacious interior. Manual Value: Provides technicians and DIY enthusiasts with factory-level diagnostic and repair data, crucial for maintaining vehicle integrity and performance. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: All U.S. and Canadian models, all trim levels, all engine variants, all drivetrains (RWD/AWD) Page Count Pages: Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF/eBook) or Printed 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, powertrain control module (PCM), automatic transmission (5-speed W5A580/NAG1, optional 8-speed 8HP45 for later models but 2011 primarily 5-speed), manual transmission (if applicable, less common for 2011 Charger), transfer case (for AWD), drive axles, differentials. Chassis: Suspension (front SLA, rear multi-link), steering (power steering system, column, rack and pinion), brakes (ABS, EBD, disc brakes, parking brake), wheels, tires. Electrical: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), power windows, power locks, power seats, wipers, horn, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II), body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, infotainment system, audio system. Body: Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control (HVAC), interior lighting, security system. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, wiring schematic interpretation, component testing procedures, fuel pressure testing, compression testing, electrical system diagnostics. Repair: Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine disassembly/assembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical module diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair/replacement. Installation: Procedures for replacing various components, including sensors, actuators, control modules, accessory components, and body parts. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic trees and specifications. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and embedded images/diagrams. Printable pages. Print Quality Quality: N/A (if digital), if printed: professional binding, clear legible text and diagrams. Binding Type Type: N/A (if digital), if printed: perfect bound or comb binding. Paper Type Type: N/A (if digital), if printed: durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop use. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1: 3.6L V6 'Pentastar' (280-300 hp, 260-270 lb-ft torque) Engine 2: 5.7L V8 HEMI (370 hp, 395 lb-ft torque) with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) Engine 3: SRT8: 6.4L V8 HEMI (470 hp, 470 lb-ft torque) - Introduced later in the generation, but 2011 models may have specific variants. Performance Compression Ratio 3.6L: 10.3:1 Compression Ratio 5.7L: 10.6:1 Fuel System Injection Type: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher octane for optimal performance in HEMI) Fuel Delivery: In-tank electric fuel pump with pressure regulator 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed automatic (W5A580/NAG1 for V8, 545RFE for V6 on some early 2011 models, later Pentastar V6 often paired with 8-speed) Optional Transmission Type: 5-speed automatic with AutoStick (manual shifting mode) Features AWD Option: Available on 3.6L V6 models, utilizing a two-speed transfer case. Fluid Spec Fluid Type 5 Speed Auto: ATF+4 (Mopar Material Standard MS-9602) Fluid Capacity 5 Speed Auto Qt: Approximately 8-9 quarts (dry fill) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length In: 200.1 inches Width In: 76.5 inches Height In: 58.5 inches Wheelbase In: 120.0 inches Track Width Front In: 63.1 inches Track Width Rear In: 63.3 inches Interior Front Headroom In: 38.6 inches Rear Headroom In: 36.5 inches Front Legroom In: 41.8 inches Rear Legroom In: 37.7 inches Cargo Trunk Volume Cu Ft: 16.6 cu ft Weights Curb Weight Lbs 3.6L Rwd: 3950 lbs Curb Weight Lbs 5.7L Rwd: 4178 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs: Approx. 5300-5600 lbs (varies by engine/drivetrain) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 5 Stars NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 5 Stars NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Occupant: 5 Stars NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Occupant: 5 Stars NHTSA Rollover Resistance 0 75 Rating: 4 Stars (5-star rating for stability) Active Features ABS: Standard 4-wheel disc anti-lock braking system (ABS) Traction Control: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with...
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, wiring schematic interpretation, component testing procedures, fuel pressure testing, compression testing, electrical system diagnostics.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine disassembly/assembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical module diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair/replacement.
Installation:
Procedures for replacing various components, including sensors, actuators, control modules, accessory components, and body parts.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic trees and specifications.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Quality:
High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and embedded images/diagrams. Printable pages.
Print Quality
Quality:
N/A (if digital), if printed: professional binding, clear legible text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (if digital), if printed: perfect bound or comb binding.
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (if digital), if printed: durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop use.
5.7L V8 HEMI (370 hp, 395 lb-ft torque) with Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
Engine 3:
SRT8: 6.4L V8 HEMI (470 hp, 470 lb-ft torque) - Introduced later in the generation, but 2011 models may have specific variants.
Performance
Compression Ratio 3.6L:
10.3:1
Compression Ratio 5.7L:
10.6:1
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher octane for optimal performance in HEMI)
Fuel Delivery:
In-tank electric fuel pump with pressure regulator
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic (W5A580/NAG1 for V8, 545RFE for V6 on some early 2011 models, later Pentastar V6 often paired with 8-speed)
Optional
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic with AutoStick (manual shifting mode)
Features
AWD Option:
Available on 3.6L V6 models, utilizing a two-speed transfer case.
Fluid Spec
Fluid Type 5 Speed Auto:
ATF+4 (Mopar Material Standard MS-9602)
Fluid Capacity 5 Speed Auto Qt:
Approximately 8-9 quarts (dry fill)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length In:
200.1 inches
Width In:
76.5 inches
Height In:
58.5 inches
Wheelbase In:
120.0 inches
Track Width Front In:
63.1 inches
Track Width Rear In:
63.3 inches
Interior
Front Headroom In:
38.6 inches
Rear Headroom In:
36.5 inches
Front Legroom In:
41.8 inches
Rear Legroom In:
37.7 inches
Cargo
Trunk Volume Cu Ft:
16.6 cu ft
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs 3.6L Rwd:
3950 lbs
Curb Weight Lbs 5.7L Rwd:
4178 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Approx. 5300-5600 lbs (varies by engine/drivetrain)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Occupant:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Occupant:
5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover Resistance 0 75 Rating:
4 Stars (5-star rating for stability)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel disc anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Traction Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control
Brake Assist:
Yes
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard (TPMS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front advanced multi-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for front and rear.
Seatbelts:
3-point active head restraints, pretensioners, load limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Uconnect System:
Available Uconnect infotainment system with touchscreens (e.g., 4.3-inch, 8.4-inch), navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, voice commands.
Audio Options:
Various audio systems including Alpine and Boston Acoustics premium sound options.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assistance:
Available ParkSense rear park assist system and ParkView rear backup camera.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available on some higher trims/packages.
Connectivity
Usb Ports:
Available USB ports for media playback and device charging.
Remote Start:
Available remote start system.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Miles:
Every 8,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement Miles:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Cabin Filter Replacement Miles:
Every 20,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles 3.6L:
100,000 miles (long-life iridium plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement Miles 5.7L:
100,000 miles (long-life iridium plugs)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type 3.6L:
SAE 0W-20, API SN certified, MS-6395 compliant (e.g., Mobil 1, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum)
Engine Oil Type 5.7L:
SAE 5W-20, API SN certified, MS-6395 compliant (e.g., Mobil 1, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.6L Qt:
5.3 quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 5.7L Qt:
7.0 quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (OAT) 5-Year/100,000 Mile Formula (MS-9769), typically purple or pink.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Pentastar Throttle Body:
Early Pentastar engines could sometimes exhibit issues with the throttle body causing rough idling or stalling, often addressed by software updates or component replacement.
Hemi Mds Lifter Noise:
Some HEMI engines could develop lifter noise associated with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), particularly if oil changes are neglected.
Transmission Shifting Harshness:
Some owners reported occasional harsh shifting with the 5-speed automatic transmission, often resolvable with software updates or internal adjustments.
Suspension Noise:
Front suspension components, especially ball joints and control arm bushings, can wear over time, leading to clunking or rattling noises.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Dodge Legacy:
Dodge has a long history of performance vehicles, including the original Charger, a 1960s icon of American muscle cars.
Model Evolution
Generation 2011:
The 2011 model year marked a significant facelift and update for the LX platform Charger, with a new exterior design, improved interior, and the introduction of the Pentastar V6 engine.
Production
Assembly Plant:
Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada
Production Years:
The second generation Charger (LC) ran from 2006-2010. The 2011 model year represents the start of the third generation (LD) with significant updates. This manual covers the 2011 model year specifically within this generation.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
Consistently received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS during this generation.
Performance Awards:
Charger R/T and SRT8 models were often praised for their V8 performance and handling capabilities in their segment.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Rating:
Variable, often rated average to above average depending on the specific trim and year, with reliability scores fluctuating.