Dodge’s all-electric Charger Daytona has been a hot topic among muscle car diehards for quite some time, but today we’re skipping the sound vs. silence debate. Instead, we’re focusing on what it’s actually like to service this new electric muscle car, why the process differs so dramatically from a traditional ICE model, and why it’s absolutely NOT a DIY job. High-voltage safety, controlled shutdowns, and strict diagnostic sequences mean even “simple” repairs take time. Certified Mopar technician Jordan Rose from Virginia Beach offers a rare look into this world while servicing a Charger Daytona.
Why the Charger Daytona Needs Special Attention
With a gas-powered car, a technician can roll it into a bay, lift it, disconnect the 12V battery, and start wrenching. The Daytona? Not so much. Even when “off,” its high-voltage battery can store several hundred volts – enough to cause lethal injury. That’s why technicians suit up in full electrical PPE, establish a high-voltage quarantine zone before touching anything orange-cabled, and have another tech on standby with a shepherd’s hook in case the hands-on tech gets electrocuted. They also roll the car slowly, staying under 2 mph, because EV motors can generate electricity if spun too quickly. On the plus side, EV repairs often cost less than ICE repairs in the long run due to fewer moving parts, and most routine items like oil, spark plugs, and filters don’t exist. That said, safety steps add time to each service.
The Power-Down and Testing Procedure
YouTube @ Jordan Rose
YouTube @ Jordan Rose
Before any repair or inspection, the Daytona must be powered down properly. Technicians first verify the system is live by checking the test points. They should see above 200 volts, and in Jordan’s case, the meter shows well over 400 volts. Only then can the system be safely opened. Once the high-voltage loop is disconnected, techs confirm voltage has dropped to near zero. Then comes the Loss of Isolation test, which checks whether any electricity is leaking into the vehicle’s metal chassis – Jordan’s car read a satisfactory 3.1 megaohms. Only after all this can repairs – if needed – begin. If you were wondering, on a gasoline car, this step would be called “disconnect the battery.”
Why Service Takes Longer — And Why It’s Worth It
YouTube @ Jordan Rose
After repairs, the system is reconnected, and the Daytona is turned back on, techs have to clear a tedious list of fault codes generated during shutdown. Once all safeguards confirm the car is safe, only then is the service considered complete. There’s still much the industry is learning about long-term battery lifespan and how to service everything properly. If you’re wondering whether you can perform an EV service at home, the answer is clear: Not if you value your life. There’s a lot of expertise and caution involved in servicing electric cars like these, and it should only be done by professionals, for your car and your own safety.
