Times may be tough, but life always looks that bit better when you have a Dodge Charger Mk6 parked outside.
And what better way to enhance that feeling than to save hundreds of dollars on running your Charger –by repairing it yourself. And that’s where Haynes comes in.
Not only can we warn you of potential issues your Charger might throw up, but we can also show you how to diagnose them, and then help you to fix them.
It’s easy! Just follow the step-by-step guides in your Haynes manual and you’ll be back on the highway before long.
What recalls has the Dodge Charger been subject to?
Airbags have been a weak spot in the sixth-generation Dodge Charger: it has been recalled for faults with both the driver and passenger airbag inflators.
In addition, a number of Chargers were recalled because the mini-catalytic converter could fail and damage the main catalytic converter, and also exceeding emissions regulations.
Some versions of the Charger were also recalled to have a power steering pressure hose replaced. Then some examples were recalled for faulty front wheel hubs.
Some models were also built without a front wheel spindle nut being installed, which could have significant consequences.
Then 433,000 Chargers were recalled to have faulty alternators replaced.
What common problems does the Dodge Charger have?
The Dodge Charger appears to be afflicted by an issue with its audio system, which suffers poor reception when the rear window defroster is activated.
Another issue known to affect the Dodge Charger is that its instrument cluster can sometimes reset itself if the driver gets out of the car with the engine running.
A clunk from the rear of the car is another source of concern for owner.
Never mind a clunk, some Chargers emit a pinging sound when the transmission is moved from Drive to Reverse, and vice-versa.
A number of Dodge Chargers have also experienced an issue in which the engine stalls and refuses to start after the fuel tank is refilled, and some other examples have suffered weeping front shock absorbers.
Does the Dodge Charger have audio problems?
Yes, the Charger does have an audio issue – in winter. Yes, the Charger has a problem that causes the radio to act up when the rear window defroster is switched on.
Dodge has released a repair kit for the rear defroster which should sort the issues (part no: 04549275), and Haynes can guide you through how to disconnect the battery and/or remove and replace relevant fuses.
Just follow the wiring diagrams in your Haynes Charger manual and you’ll be good to go.
Does the Dodge Charger have instrument problems?
On occasion, the instrument cluster in the Dodge Charger can reset itself if the driver gets out of the vehicle with the engine still running. The problem is caused by a static discharge when the driver slides across the seat, and manifests itself by the gauges dropping to the off position momentarily, and the digital display changing the information it displays. Irritating.
However, the solution is easy, and simply involves the installation of an earth strap between the seat cushion support frame and the seat track rail. The part number for the earth strap is 04469334AC.
Your Haynes Charger manual will show you how to get underneath the seat (or how to remove it if you feel it’s necessary), after which attaching the new earth strap will be simple.
Does the Dodge Charger have clunking problems?
No, we’re not describing the Dodge Charger as a clunker, but some of them have been known to emit a clunking noise from the back end. The noise has also been described as a rattle, or a pop. Whatever the noise, it sounds very much ungood.
The problem lies with the bushings for the rear cradle, because the center core can become detached from the bushings.
There’s no denying that this is a big job, but if you’re confident and competent (and have the time) there’s no reason why you can’t do this yourself. You’ll need to remove the exhaust pipes and muffler, drain and remove the fuel tank, remove the fuel filler neck, detach the propeller shaft, and remove the rear brakes.
However, every single one of these procedures is covered in your Haynes Charger manual, so take a deep breath, dig out the penetrating spray, and off you go. You will save yourself potentially thousands of dollars in labor alone.
Does the Dodge Charger have transmission problems?
Picture the scene, you pull up by a parking space, then put the car in reverse. ‘Ping’. What was that? You back into the space then want to edge forward, so engage Drive. ‘Ping’. Doesn’t exactly conjure up a feeling of mechanical robustness, does it.
The problem lies with the transmission output flange, to which the propeller shaft is bolted.
The solution is to replace the flange, so you’ll need to jack up the car, get underneath, unbolt the forward end of the propeller shaft, then remove the flange with a suitable puller (special tools C-3281 and 8992), before replacing it with a new one.
As ever, we’ve carried out this sort of work and listed it in the Haynes Charger manual, so follow our guide and you’ll be fine.
Does the Dodge Charger have fuelling problems?
All combustion-engined cars use fuel, but it’s even more annoying when your car decides not to use fuel. Especially if you’ve just filled the tank. However, the Charger can sometimes have this kind of tantrum.
The problem afflicts Chargers with the 19-gallon fuel tank, and it occurs when the integral multi-functional control valve allows fuel to enter the evaporative emissions system.
The only option is to replace the tank, which will entail draining the tank then removing the exhausts and the fuel tank neck, all of which we’ve covered in some detail in the Haynes Charger manual.
Does the Dodge Charger have suspension problems?
You may feel the need to weep every time you fill your Charger’s tank, but the last thing you want is for other parts of the car to weep in sympathy.
But that’s what can happen with the front shocks, which are known to weep oil after a while. The blame can be laid at the door of the piston rod oil seal, which is meant to seal the oil inside, stop dust and dirt getting into the shock, and also provide a self-lubricating layer of oil for the piston rod. If the seal fails, all of these bad things can occur.
However, the good news is that it’s fairly straightforward to replace the shock. Just study the procedure in the ‘Suspension and Steering’ section of your Haynes Charger manual, and all will soon be right in your world once more.
