Hood Stuck Shut? How to Diagnose Stuck Hood Latch on Your Car / Truck

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@sagewomenscentertwinfallsi4392]

Lynn, you are a great instructor. My 2001 Suburban hood latch was stuck on the same day it had a dead battery. I am a 65-year-old woman fully capable of jumping the battery but unable to get the hood open. Your video showed concise views and specific verbal information. My hood is up and I am good to go. Thank you!

[@1AAuto]

+Sage Women's Center ~ Twin Falls, Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@josemares1968]

Same thing happened to me lol

[@DeathadderOne]

okay, you mentioned the issue a few times then totally skipped over any solution. that little bar still moves to release the hood ( the one the cable attaches to) but the hood doesn't move and stays closed. i can move the hood a tiny bit so the hood isn't the issue. i need to know how to open the hood when the latch won't let go of the hood.

[@taze27]

I use brake cleaner, any degreasing dishwashing fluid, spray some water, clean with a brush, rinse with water, dry it off and lubricate with a dry lube like graphite but lithium and silicone works as well, they just attract more dirt in time. The key is regular maintenance is important to any repair. Good luck and thanks for the video 1A Auto!

[@grantp4022]

Since I have an old beater of a 97 Lumina, I think I'll just cut a hole in the hood so I can pull up on the release mechanism under the hood.I'm not worried if the car looks bad with a small hole in the hood. ( car has lots of rust). I live in Canada, and it's very cold out, just coming out of winter, so I don't know if it's frozen or rusted, and the car is not worth much, so I think I'll do this, rather than have some guy charge me, more than the car is worth.

[@loumenendez7178]

With the help of this video, I was able to understand the hood release mechanism on my 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The hood release mechanism was stuck in the "open" state, not allowing me to close the hood. I was able to take off the large spring that works the piton grabbing mechanism, so that I could see and access the release mechanism and pull cable that comes from the cab. I spayed the pivot pint with WD-40 followed by a spray lithium grease. It works now, and even if it gets fussy again, I know what small part to push to get it to work again. Thanks!

[@btappe1286]

Thanks for the tip! I just helped some guys open their hood after they bumped a pole or something. The metal that was caved in was adding upwards pressure so the hood latch wouldn't move/unlock. I just had him press the hood down while I pulled and held the unlock lever open inside the cab. Boom! We're in! 😂

[@Jdmorris143]

People of 1A Auto, thank you so much. your videos have helped me with my own vehicle repairs over the years. I am about to tackle this on a coworkers Defender. Should be fun.

[@margemacchiarelli832]

Thank you Len!!! I went outside to my car super prepared with everything including WD-40 the long screwdriver. I'm a 75 year old woman but I like to try things myself first. The release always worked the hood went up a little so something was wrong with the latch so I did try first slapping the hood real hard and then I lifted the hood up and down with two hands real quick one two three four five six seven. That worked I guess releasing some heavy duty road dirt and possibly rust starting to build up. So I sprayed it real good WD-40 tried it a few times and it kept working. But thank you very very much at least I was prepared for other methods of looking into the grill with the long screwdriver.

[@felixxculpa]

Followed your demonstration on my Vauxhall Mokka SE (2014) and it worked on the 3rd attempt after spraying all 3 coils with WD40, leaving overnight, spraying a second time just before noon, then finally at 9pm today, after poking away the black gunk from between all 3 spring coils with a small flat blade screwdriver. I then levered the release cable back and forwards where it meets the metal flange using small pliers to grip it. Such a relief when the bonnet finally closed. Thanks.

[@Sun_Henry_Connie]

In case anyone watching this has the same struggle i have, neither this video or the other videos i watched hit my problem and solution precisely so i would like to share how it took 3 people to resolve it for me. One inside to pull the release, one on the driver side of the hood, that side would pop open and the middle latch worked, but the left side had to be pryde open gently with a heavy flat head screwdriver while the right side was lifted, carefully but firmly all three at the same time and the the left side release popped free. I felt utterly alone struggling with this for days but by a miracle, family stopped by and helped. We oiled it but that did not resolve the problem. That piece has to be replaced. I dont know what it is called. I dont know how to share a pic. I posted a pic on my channel in the community section.

[@HEADSUP1347]

Thanks Len, after tryiing forever I still couldn't get my hood open. Your trick about going through the grill worked after just 2-3 tries even though I couldn't see the latch very clearly. My Blazer recently collided with a car whose headlights were out.

[@just.a.simplejoe]

I love Len, his energy is amazing - also, great vid on showing how to do this adjustment. Just got a new aftermarket hood that came with and adjustable latch bar "thingy" that mimicks the oem style but was having trouble getting it to engage and let the hood sit in the lower position when it's engaged in place like an oem hood.......

[@mncoreyj]

In my case, I replaced the starter. When I put the Tee and hood latch back on, the hood wouldn't close. I adjusted the whole mechanism up like you said and it worked! THANK YOU!

[@candma4240]

Thank you SO MUCH for posting this video, particularly the segment showing an up close of how the latch mechanism works. Super helpful!

[@carolynekeeler]

Thank you so much for making this video it’s amazing! It is the most comprehensive video on hood latches that I’ve ever found. It will come in handy in my 1971 Chevy Caprice restoration & my 2001 Mustang repair 🤓

[@jasonbelnap1797]

Thank you for explaining and showing how the mechanism works. Because of that, I was able to troubleshoot and fix my latch issue, figuring-out why my hood wouldn't latch. Thank you!

[@chuckgrenci6404]

Often white lithium grease is spec'd for periodic maintenance for your hood latch switch. I've found that white lithium in a spray can works quite well.

[@Rah_888]

How about silicon spray?

[@egmac100]

If car was recently worked on and the hood release cable sleeve was not seated in the bracket but the cable is still in the leaver you can pull down on the cable to release the hood.

[@michaelbernard9800]

Thank you, Sir. My hood was stuck partially shut and with your guidance, I was able to open it with a piece of rebar long enough to reach the latch.

[@TheRedGameboy]

Really appreciate how thorough ur diagnoses are. LOTS of potential scenarios are covered here and covered all possibilities. This is way better than other videos on the topic . Wish there was a demo of removing the cable, so I could tell if I could buy a cable (if necessary) and replace it myself. my old Hyundai Accent has a metal front casing on the latch, and not enough room to slide it forward, so i can't see the stuff in the back and can't tell if I'm pulling on a solid or movable part. :(

[@gloriabonfy8122]

Thank you for an awesome video. I was stuck on the primary latch being so tight that the cable could not stretch the spring to open it. I'm going home to clean it up and try again.

[@masterasia4175]

How did it go?

[@peaches5712]

Hey Len.....this is off subject of the current video but I need advice from y’all. My cruise control doesn’t engage. I can turn it on, the light shows but it doesn’t engage. I want to troubleshoot before trying to take it in. Being female and all I don’t want to be taken advantage of. You guys helped to replace my heater fan, which saved me tons! 😀

[@1AAuto]

+peaches5712 We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@johnkeleher6908]

Hey guys really appreciate the videos!!! Some of the more simple things people get stuck on which is frustrating! So keep them up and it is great knowledge 👌

[@1AAuto]

+John Keleher Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@zechmanning1630]

What spray did you use for cleaning and lubrication?

[@robertashworth2462]

I have a Peugeot 508 2.0.2013 the bonnet cable works fine but the bonnet catch and hook won't budge I want to know what I have to remove to open it and replace it

[@CptObvious11]

Talk about good timing. Mine seized up as of this past weekend.

[@1AAuto]

+Kole M Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@grayeagleswolves]

Thank you sir You helped me figure out What I need to do to our 1977 Chevy pickup that is stuck shut

[@JJWICKER]

1A auto for the win again. Videos are always helpful

[@janej813]

Thank You You covered this very well, but I found on my 1997 Ford Explorer a piece of a tiny spring but I don't know what its supposed to attach to.Its just the top part dangling.

[@jjmatthews13]

STRAIGHT UP AWESOME STEP BY STEP HANDS ON WITH EXCELLENT EXPLANATIONS. THIS VIDEO DEFINITELY WILL NOT ONLY SAVE U A TRIP 2 THE LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE SHOP! IT ALSO HELPS WHEN IT COMES 2 ACTUALLY SAVING MONEY INSTEAD OF HAVING 2 PAY A RETAILER . SAVING TIME, MONEY AND ACTUALLY BEING ABLE 2 SAY HEY THANKS TO 1A AUTO REPAIR I FIXED MY RIDE . PS HEY IM NOT YELLING I USE CAPS FOR THE SIMPLE REASON !! IT MAKES IT EASIER 2 READ ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO NEED A LITTLE HELP WHEN IT COMES TO READING . ITS A RESPECTFUL GESTURE. BY THE WAY TRUST ME U DON'T WANNNNNNNNNNA HEAR ME YELLING LOL GREAT VIDEO . RESPECT JJ ONTARIO S L E E T ROEKA

[@gerakore8948]

yeah that helps a lot. as the trigger wire was disconnected from the hood latch and i couldnt just pull on the wire to unlatch it anymore

[@genemackowiak9089]

Thanks for the explanation of the latch mechanism... My cable became disconnected and couldn't open the hood! I'm all done...❤

[@genemackowiak9089]

2008 Dodge Ram 3500

[@angelam.6649]

Thank you for the video. However my hood latch will pop the first lock but I cant get the big latch to release the hood. How can I fix that

[@jerryrobinson7856]

Thank you for the excellent visual representation.

[@SalElder]

Much clearer than other videos. Thanks.

[@learnjcbskidsterchickensga7594]

Thank you You led me to getting hood up with crow bar on ford 450 cargo van 2008, out in 30 degrees. THX!!! Bless you!

[@andyridley2236]

On some vw golfs you have to cut part of the grill out and use a spanner to undo the two nuts under the bonnet .

[@vivian416]

What an amazing informative video! I have a Ford-150 1997 and mine has the same issue. Although after watching your video twice, I still couldn't fix it (but I have not given up). Mine does not look like any of them that you have shown in this video but by watching your instructions, I have a much better understanding of how these latches work which is really helpful. I appreciate you more than you know. Thank you!

[@anthonycurcio5018]

you really helped me out opening my hood thanks auto specialist

[@bocabec6744]

My hood would unlatch and only come up a few inches. I tried closing it tight and it would not do so. I drove 25 miles at 65 mph and it was bouncing but not flying up. I tried to lift it again and it unlatched. I soaked it good with WD-40 and it closed down tight. It's a 2000 Chevy Lumina. Thanks for your video.

[@freak8Out]

one time i was supposed to do an oil change for this brand new honda and i coudnt find the hood release. turns out, it left the factory without one

[@TomUrich]

If true, you can SUE Honda.

[@VINTAGE-AMERICANA]

Super helpful on my '06 Tahoe with a broken hood latch. Thank you!

[@tom4342]

I was replacing the the headlights on my 07 rondo I noticed after the fact the light wasn't all the way in so I tried to pop the hood to correct and it would not pop. Is there a way to pop the hood in cases like this?

[@kmsbanr]

Only thing you didn't show is broken springs which is my problem. 😒Otherwise, I learned a lot and will definitely pay attention to my latch now. Thanks

[@tyraempire1983T]

I literally just had this problem too!

[@BklynWarr]

Thank you for this. Having a similar issue with my 2015 jeep Cherokee.

[@glenngray3119]

The latches I have repaired, replaced, cleaned and lubricated many times, my problems have always been what to do about rust frozen hinges.

[@suegates5]

📍 THANKS..BEST VIDEO !! Driving me Crazy. Auto body shops seem to be able to help the most. They have shown me,but I'm just not getting it. Seems simple 🙃 Car needs Oil. Think I'm too stressed. U did a Great job showing The Part. Appreciate it. Hey,At least I have something to show, someone willing to Help🙏

[@ericwuerl3976]

Great video I'm having a problem right now with mine. It won't close all the way which also means my alarm won't engage

[@oliviaontiveros7188]

Your video was very informative.

[@1AAuto]

+Olivia Ontiveros Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@ranger1244]

I have a 2007 Ford Focus. I replaced the hood latch. being removed or installed it doesn't seem like it will fit. Very tight space. It's like threading a needle. I had to just walk away a few times to clear my head. It took time and a lot of patients but it fit.

[@ArmyDog11C4]

Awesome content, really helpful. But my hood latch still won't open 2013 Kia optima SX L turbo. Any and all suggestions would be greatful.

[@brendacombs3599]

Thank U for advise & video I can't seem to get this no matter what U have shown me some other things to try maybe ?

[@markcarnes666]

If you hood will not stay latched check the springs on back side. Mine was the cable spring.

[@benjirinec1554]

how do you align the latch if the hood is in line or the latch it self ? great vid by the way

[@pamelafunderburk7706]

Omg mine is popping sometimes a loud thump at times No thump but in either case i do get the two inch release But no luck at the metal lever at the outside grill I slammed the hood yesterday and when this horror began I do notice the outside lever at the grill is kinds loose never noticed that before As I often have to open my hood that’s another issue( long story) This Is driving me mad and if I get it open again I’m never closing all the way again till can get fixed properly it does sometime release the hood those 2 inches without the loud thump ( crazy ) but pulling upon the Metal release does nothing this just started I did slam the hood and that when all this issue started . I had someone hold the inside latch while I pulled up on the outside latch worked a couple times then back to square one

[@angelgrma]

All the fix it vids on KZbin are dealing with the latches. No one addresses the problem of not being able to actually open the hood after releasing the latch. One night in a big wind storm my hood was fast & furiously blown open after I had left it cracked. After that the darn thing only partially opens (like about 8” or so). You can forcefully open it, but it takes a lot of effort & it makes a loud thud when you do so like something is catching. So it must have somehow screwed the hinges up, bent something on the hinges or whatever. So help! I need some advice on how to fix this. Thank you.

[@louiseparris5688]

Hey my Ford focus hood latch cable is tore how much would it cost to get a new one

[@hmongkid12]

So I just bought a camaro and the hood wont prop uo that 1-2 inches for my fingers to get in. Would this be the same thing? I can still pop it, I just have to dig my fingers in to pop that 1-2 inch gap for my fingers

[@MrVegasTube]

UPDATE fixed it. Ok so the pop up latch works ok; it was the second latch that didnt open fully the hood. The fix. On you tube I found a vid that shows the direction the second latch must be directed to open. Ok I tried. No luck. I have on the shelf PB Blaster catalyst spray and PB Blaster silicone spray. IN the dark mind you I pop the hood and used my flashlight to open the widest gap and held it there. I then flooded the lock unit (limited view) with PB Blaster. Waited about 5 minutes and then flooded it with PB Blaster silicone spray. Then I proceded to wiggle the latch up and down until eventually voila it unlocked. I opened the hood and shot PB silicone spray at every area of the assembly where movement, friction,... that can be reached. I even shot the Hood hinges at the pivot. Alert!!! the lever is weak, so when you open the latch pushing up, the latch will push backward simulteanously and rub against itself, Evidence the friction marks, and may prevent itself, that way, from opening. When opening up the latch push up while trying to move the lever toward you instead, thereby preventing the friction that can prevent the lever from fully disengageing. Blessings to all.

[@MiguelRuiz-py8ew]

it will be nice if you could name what kind of lubricant you're using

[@mindblowingsleep9458]

I accidentally pushed my hood latches down before I put my hood down. Now I can’t put my hood down. Can you help?

[@stashagarcia101]

What cleaner and lubricant were you using. I couldn't see any labels on the cans

[@steelrideproductions371]

What about on something like a 94 suburban where the housing has a protective casing that covers it?

[@ceejayc6502]

Nice job, now i know where to start!

[@1AAuto]

+CeeJay B Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@madmanmcintire5360]

I have a 2018 ford edge and can not get the hood to pop the cable is broken, is there any way I can release the latch from the outside?

[@tonymendes9702]

After I replaced the broken cable I realized that was not the only issue because the problem persisted. Afer a few open and closing the hood shut and it's worse now. I went under the car and although I can swing the latch with long prybar I can't get to that "click" sound that tells you that the latch was released. Nothing happens and the hood remains closed. Any ideas?

[@darrelsmith4549]

This dude is the real deal absolutely 💪 videos and 8nfo plus knowledgeable dude leading , absolutely explains everything perfectly 💪

[@kayleedamon5491]

I have a 03 Toyota Avalon with the hood latch completely rusted stuck,I unbolted everything, the latch is free I even busted the bottom open to access to stuff easier no matter what I do it won't open..I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut the hood open at this point idk what else to do if I had a die cutter I would've at this point. Any ideas besides getting a grinder or plasma cutter and cut something off..

[@antonioalvarez9291]

I have a 79 el camino that has the hood stuck. I can see the safety latch but that won't do anything, I can't seem to find the 1st one to release it

[@deltaferreira8949]

can you do a video on where is a Charcoal canister is located at?, for a Buick lacrosse cxl 2005

[@craigyeargin5332]

Okay I've got a 2007 Kia Sorento with the hood stuck shut. The release cable came loose at the latch under the hood. The hood front and grill is all one piece that stop's on top of the bumper cover. Impossible to get it from the bottom even after pulling off the skid plate. Tried and removed 2 exposed bolt's that appears to hold the latch on thinking I could raise the hood and the latch as one piece. WRONG!!!! Short of taking the grill out with a hammer, do you have any suggestions? P. S. Can find no video anywhere online that shows how to get this hood open for this year and model.

[@vernardking8067]

I have 2006 Acura MDX I have tried to unleash my hood not working any suggestions

[@lucymelendez5087]

Thank you I fix my own mirror on my right side of my 2008 pontiac torrent Thank you

[@solmixtv3201]

Tnx Bro, cuz i 'd learned a lot from u Bro. New Subscriber from Italy,, Good Luck!

[@ColinAdventures]

What do you do if the catch on the hood itself is broken? On my e-350 schoolbus the latch mechanism is fine but the piece of sheetmetal on the hood that’s supposed to engage the latch looks like it cracked and there is now a hole where the latch is supposed to engage with the hood. How do you fix that?

[@jaydenswafford5639]

I have a 2008 silverado 1500 and my hood won’t latch shut unless I slam it shut hard. Any recommendations?

[@jessegunn2033]

I have a 2000 celica gt hood closes and opens fine but when closes doesn’t lock or stay shut any advice thx!

[@travismorgan9326]

Thank you so much brother! Good Karma & blessings coming your way

[@johnvoshall9245]

This guy is very good..

[@Will_B_Fit]

Love the info, my safety latch doesnt work properly on a 2015 mustang, any idea what could be causing it to not open or if you have the part i need

[@sanitysucks666]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 it works . I just open my hood 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@Linyouking]

Good explanation thank u

[@allenbuyes8844]

Can you do the same video on a 2001 marage ?????

[@scorpioreign1115]

4:20 If your hood cannot open

[@jonimarines6931]

Awesome explanation thanks

[@zachariahlloyd6043]

Thanks for information, but your hood is already open, but I cannot get my hood to lift at all.... I can pop the hood from inside the vehicle, but the the secondar latch in the middle of the hood is frozen in place, and so will not budge. As such there is no way to even open the hood at all, thus not able to even look at the latch. *Can I just break the secondary latch safely??* Since you have to release the hood initially from inside the vehicle, the *secondary latch is mostly just an unecessary extra step!!*

[@jimmynelson9315]

I have a 2006 Saab 97x and I can't find a hood latch for it. I would like to know what other truck vehicle could I use?

[@modracer55]

Our promaster hood is stuck down I can't see the latch ,the cable feels like it not attached any ideas?

[@lvhao5105]

well done sir. your video is informative.

[@nilsontavares5536]

Can you do it in a ford focus ?

[@dkkatara8861]

How to try this in Skoda rapid ? Wire lever is working properly but Bonnet is not opening. Would be grateful to get guidance on how to open bonnet of skoda rapid car?

[@michaeldunagan8268]

Vintage Toyota Hood latches are encapsulated. I'm going to grab a stick of dynamite to open mine since all my other attempts are failing....

[@kellycress75]

Excellent video it was really helpful .

[@WendiRasner]

Great info . Thanks

[@brandonjacoby7034]

What is the name of the hood stoppers I am trying to find them for my 2002 mercury grand marquis ls

[@MrVegasTube]

My first pop up latch works, but the second Latch dosent budge to fully open the hood. Any ideas? PB blaster? silicone spray, wd40? right now its winter and battery died. Hood wont open to access it. It pops up but wont budge the second latch to fully open the hood. 2017 Camry. Help!

[@seshachary5580]

very educative. Thank you regards

[@maxparsa1655]

Lynn you are excellent

[@larrywade6594]

Wife and I just got a Jeep Liberty and the hood will not stay close on it when you go to close it all the way it stops what do you think it could be