Hood can’t stay shut
I was terrified when the hood latch failed on my 2012 Kia Soul with about 36k miles on it. When going up onto a highway, the latch opened and caused the hood to crack my windshield. Luckily there was enough of a shoulder to pull over. How common is this problem? I thought cars would have something to prevent this from happening as it is very dangerous. What parts should I replace?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
As far as I know, all vehicles meant to be used in the United States should have a double latch system. These systems have a primary latch which holds the hood down all the way and is released by the inside latch pull handle. The secondary latch catches and holds the hood about two inches up after the primary latch is released. These latches need to be lubed on a regular basis with a waterproof lithium grease or manufacturer approved lubricant. You can check your latch for sticking and binding if it is not working properly. You can also contact a trained technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to check the hood latch for you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
While there are multiple possible reasons why the hood won`t close, problems with the hood latch are the most likely culprit. Cleaning or replacing the latch should get your hood to close. The most likely issue is that the latch is dirty, rusted, or rotting.
A hood that doesn`t shut all the way is a common occurrence. In this scenario, the most likely cause of the hood not shutting is something being in the way of the closing mechanism, a hood latch assembly failure, or a faulty latch striker.
Step 1 – Locate the hood release, which is usually located near the driver side kick panel. If it isn`t there, we suggest checking just under the dash on the left side, as well. Step 2 – Hold the release and firmly pull outward to activate the hood latch.
The hood latch is prone to wear and tear and can break after a period of time. The secondary hood release may seize up and not release properly because it is exposed to the various weather conditions. If the secondary release seizes, the hood may not close properly, causing it to pop open.
Under the hood of most cars, trucks, vans and even tractors is a latch. Known as a hood latch, it temporarily holds the hood down. Hood latches are connected to a handle.
A hood with a broken latch could be a safety hazard since it is possible it`s not securely closed. And in this condition, it`s possible for the hood to suddenly release while you are driving, obscuring your view of the road.
In general, the hood latch system starts with a release handle located on the left side of the driver`s area. This handle is connected to an insulated cable that runs towards the front of the vehicle. The other side of the cable is connected to a latch under the hood that keeps the hood flush against the car`s body.
Upon lifting the hood, the hood struts extend, assisting you with raising the hood. Also called hood lift supports, the hood struts act as a prop rod to hold the hood up when fully extended.
Although leaving the hood ajar to dissipate heat is good for the engine, having the hood fly up while you`re doing 65 mph is bad for the engine … because the engine is usually the first thing to hit the guardrail.
Although hood latches can last the life of your vehicle, it isn`t uncommon for them to wear out. Around 10% of the vehicles more than 10 years old will have some kind of hood latch malfunction.
This hood lock is a simple one-piece design that secures the hood latch and deters thieves from walking away with valuable under hood parts such as batteries, intakes, superchargers, etc. It installs easily with OEM hardware and does not require drilling.
First, pull the hood release and the hood should normally lift an inch or two while remaining partially engaged to the latch. Next, exit the vehicle, slip your fingers underneath the hood, find the latch and finish disengaging. If the hood doesn`t move after pulling the release, then you have a problem.
First, pull the hood release and the hood should normally lift an inch or two while remaining partially engaged to the latch. Next, exit the vehicle, slip your fingers underneath the hood, find the latch and finish disengaging. If the hood doesn`t move after pulling the release, then you have a problem.
A hood with a broken latch could be a safety hazard since it is possible it`s not securely closed. And in this condition, it`s possible for the hood to suddenly release while you are driving, obscuring your view of the road.
Slow down. Try to look underneath the hood at the road ahead. If that is not possible put your head out the window and look around the hood. Use the painted center line or lane markings as a guide.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
hood latch locked before could. Lose hood and now hood is jammed and can’t get it unjammed
ANSWER : Hi there:
If the hood was having a problem closing and won’t open now, it’s typically an indicator that the hood latch itself is damaged or simply needs to be lubricated. The best way to have this issue repaired or diagnosed is to contact a professional mechanic and have them complete a door will not open inspection. This will allow them to determine why the front hood on your 96 Ford Explorer is locked and recommend the right repairs.
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My car shut off while at a stoplight. I got it started only for it to shut off agin. It starts then shuts off.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is stalling due to an electrical issue (typically pertaining to power supply or a sensor), a lack of fuel, or a failure with the ignition (spark) system. You will want to start by scanning the vehicle for diagnostic troubleshooting codes. Use any information found there to help guide you to the system or component that is failing. Without that information, you will want to test the fuel pump, ignition cables, spark plugs, and alternator function. Further testing may need to be done based on those results. For more help with diagnostics, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
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Hood cable broke and hood won’t open
ANSWER : Hello. There is a spring loaded latch that the cable pulls on so you should grab a flashlight and a screwdriver like the one you saw him use and look for where the spring is. The lever needs to be pushed towards the drivers side of the car. If you play with it a little bit, you’ll get it. Keep in mind it’s spring loaded so it will require a little force. There are multiple videos that show the process if you still cannot get it to release.
Read Full Q/A … : Hood can’t stay shut
Hood can’t stay shut
ANSWER : As far as I know, all vehicles meant to be used in the United States should have a double latch system. These systems have a primary latch which holds the hood down all the way and is released by the inside latch pull handle. The secondary latch catches and holds the hood about two inches up after the primary latch is released. These latches need to be lubed on a regular basis with a waterproof lithium grease or manufacturer approved lubricant. You can check your latch for sticking and binding if it is not working properly. You can also contact a trained technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to check the hood latch for you.
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My car shuts off while driving and then turns back on multiple times or shuts off after driving and car turns off.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the alternator and make sure that the wiring it connected tight. Check the battery cables and make sure that they are tight and clean. Look for any loose ground wires to the chassis on the vehicle. If everything checks out to be working correctly, then the PCM may need to be replaced as it may have a battery disconnect condition. If you need further assistance with multiple functions shutting off, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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Car shuts off, tachometer shuts off with car running
ANSWER : Hello – I believe your crankshaft position sensor, your camshaft position sensor, or both – are failing. These 2 sensors provide timing for the ignition – when to fire each spark plug. And, they also provide a trigger for the tachometer, since they are monitoring engine revolutions at the same time as providing ignition timing information. I would recommend a engine inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
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oil light, security light, and battery light stay on after key is off and removed from ignition, whipers also quit working.
ANSWER : Hello. You likely have issue with your ignition switch or fuse box. More than likely it is a problem with your ignition switch. When an ignition switch goes bad internally it may cause other components to be stay on and drain the battery even when the key is turned off. I suggest having the ignition switch tested by a technician such as one from YourMechanic. Possible causes for your windshield wipers not working are a faulty window wiper motor or faulty wiper control switch. I suggest that a technician test wiper motor, wiper control switch, and ignition switch. If all those things turned out good it may be a faulty clock spring causing all of the issues that you have mentioned. The clock spring is located behind the horn inside of the steering wheel and plays a massive role in a wide variety of electrical functions. You’re able to find a technician who is able to diagnose your electrical issue here
https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/electric-problems-inspection
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Car shuts off, won’t stay running
ANSWER : The most common problem on this vehicle is the fuel pump and fuel pump module. If you remove the rear seat that the fuel pump cover is, on the passenger side. Listen to the fuel pump when it is running and when the car stalls your fuel pump will stop running about three to five seconds before the engine dies. Then you’ll know if the fuel pump is the culprit or not.
You can try and replace the fuel pump module first then replace the fuel pump. However, the fuel pump can short the module out, causing both to be bad and would need to be replaced. If you need assistance with this, feel free to contact a certified mechanic who can diagnose your starting issue firsthand and help you fix it accordingly.
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