How To Repair The Hood Latch

If you have a automobile with a hood latch stuck, you might non exist able to open or close the hood. Luckily there are solutions, and sometimes information technology's equally unproblematic every bit cleaning the hood latch. This article explains how to set up, open or shut a hood if the hood latch is stuck or broken and won't lock or unlock.

Salve Upwards to fifty% Off Quality Auto Parts

Fix your vehicle yourself with quality auto parts at 1aauto.com

How to Diagnose and Prepare a Hood Latch that Won't Lock or Unlock

Symptoms of a Cleaved or Stuck Hood Latch

Hood won't close
Hood won't open up
For vehicles with multiple hood latches, one side might unlatch while the other doesn't

Causes of a Broken or Stuck Hood Latch

Broken or Stuck Latch Levers

Hood latch stuck from corrosion — Corroded Hood Latch

The hood latch is usually exposed to exterior elements if it sits backside the grille. The grille has openings to let air laissez passer through to cool the radiator, but sometimes elements and debris like dirt, moisture, and road common salt sneak in. This can rust and rot out the hood latch and affect its operation.

Many hood latches on cars today accept two condom release latches—a primary latch that is controlled by a lever that initially unlocks the hood latch and a secondary latch that is also controlled by a lever that is usually unlocked direct past hand at the front of the vehicle to release the hood. If either of these levers are stuck from corrosion, information technology can proceed the hood from opening or endmost.

Broken Latch Release Handle or Cable

Since non all hood latches are designed the same, a hood latch that won't open or close could be caused by a bad lever or cablevision. If the hood latch cable or hood latch handle is broken, it's likely because in that location is a rusted hood latch that isn't functioning properly and is putting extra strain on these parts.

Misadjusted Hood Latch

Hood latch stuck due to misalignment — Misaligned Hood Latch

A misadjusted hoot latch will shift from where information technology's bolted, maybe causing the latch to but partially unlatch.

Broken Hood Stoppers

Stoppers apply lite pressure to the hood in the up position to stabilize the hood when the latch is released. If they are broken or not adapted properly, information technology can cause an outcome with the hood latch non releasing the hood.

How to Fix a Broken or Stuck Hood Latch

How to Open the Hood If the Hood Latch Is Broken

Opening a closed hood with a stuck hood latch with a trim tool and a screwdriver

Ii means to open the hood if the hood latch or hood latch cablevision is broken

Locate the Primary Latch Lever
If the hood is stuck closed, run into if you can see the main latch lever through the grille. If you can't access the primary latch lever through the grille, see if you lot tin can admission it by laying underneath the vehicle.
Utilise Upward Pressure to the Hood
If able, apply upward pressure to the hood with a plastic trim tool to protect the paint.
Shift the Master Lever
Shift the main latch lever with a screwdriver to open the hood. If the latch won't move, rust and rot are probable preventing the hood latch parts from functioning. If the latch does function but however doesn't open, it could be a defective hood latch cable or hood latch release handle, only that is likely from a binding hood latch straining those parts.
Spray the Hood Latch with Rust Penetrant
If the hood latch lever won't move, try spraying the hood latch with rust penetrant to loosen the parts.

How to Fix a Hood Latch that Won't Close or Open up the Hood

The hood latch is usually the issue, and then check that first, which is usually located at the front of the vehicle behind the hood.

Clean the Hood Latch

If the hood latch is rusted or rotted, attempt cleaning information technology with parts cleaner and a brush.
Afterwards you have removed the rust from the hood latch, spray it with rust penetrant to lubricate it.
Use protective blanket to protect information technology from moisture.

Replace the Hood Latch

If cleaning the hood latch doesn't improve its functionality, supplant yours with an affordable and quality replacement at 1aauto.com. Install it yourself with thousands of how-to videos for many makes and models.

Shop Hood Latches at 1aauto.com

Hood & Hatch Lift Supports
Hood Latch & Grab Brackets
Hood Release Cablevision