Want to damage your Dodge Charger Daytona? Give its hood a hard slam | Carscoops

      The mechanism of the EV's hood has shown to be rather delicate, prompting Dodge to provide specific closing instructions for owners.

      The electric Dodge Charger Daytona has defined guidelines for correctly shutting the hood.

      A certified mechanic has elaborated on why the muscle car's frunk mechanism is susceptible to potential damage.

      It is still unknown if the upcoming versions with internal combustion engines will exhibit similar hood sensitivity.

      The rollout of the new Charger Daytona hasn't unfolded as Dodge intended. It appears that many customers are still waiting for the internal combustion engine models. However, for those who have already purchased the EV, extra caution is advised when shutting the hood to avoid costly visits to the service center.

      According to Dodge's official service manual, the hood shouldn't be forcefully slammed shut. Instead, the manufacturer recommends a gentle closing. They specifically warn against closing it too hard, recognizing that this could lead to damage. This creates a somewhat paradoxical scenario for a vehicle that is designed to be robust enough for general consumers (despite its premium price).

      Technician Identifies the Problem

      Jordan Rose, a certified Mopar technician at Hall Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Virginia, recently posted a video highlighting two Chargers that encountered similar hood issues. Rose, who is well-versed in the idiosyncrasies of early-production models, frequently engages with a fleet of Chargers and shares his insights on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

      In one instance, the frunk of a red Charger failed to open with the dashboard button, although the manual release was functional. Upon examining the latch, Rose discovered it was bent. While he can’t definitively state how this occurred, he suspects the owner may have slammed the hood a bit too forcefully.

      After taking off the plastic covers and replacing the damaged latch with a new one, the repair was successfully completed. The button functioned perfectly once the muscle car was reassembled.

      Potential Issues with a Damaged Latch

      As noted by Mopar Insiders, a misaligned or broken latch can lead to more than just inconvenience. It may result in the hood getting stuck in an open position or rattling while driving, which is not ideal for a brand-new vehicle. Thankfully, Dodge has provided clear guidance to help owners prevent such complications.

      So, it's now evident: handle the hood like a fragile antique, and you may avoid the mishaps that result in steep repair costs. If not, the service center is always an option.

      It will be interesting to see whether the hood of the ICE Charger Six Pack withstands rough handling better, considering its different design compared to the electric model. Notably, the gas version features a bulging hood to accommodate its six-cylinder engine, lacking the R-Wing front aero pass-through found in the EV.

      Here are the official instructions from the Mopar Service Library on how to correctly close the hood of your Charger Daytona:

      INSTRUCTIONS