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

Is your hood stuck shut? Does it not budge when you pull the release cable? Hood latches are in prime territory for getting rusty and seized. Check out this video, and Len will guide you through diagnosing a stuck or sticky hood latch. He'll show you how to get it unstuck, and show you how to access it if you are having trouble releasing the hood!

Check out our other amazing diagnosis videos here:

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

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[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.

[sagewomenscentertwinfallsi]

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!

[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 🤓

[loumenendez]

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!

[vivian]

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!

[margemacchiarelli]

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.

[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. :(

[garabandal]

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.

[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!

[Jdmorris]

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.

[taze]

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!

[HEADSUP]

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.

[michaelbernard]

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.

[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

[johnkeleher]

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 👌

[egmac]

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.

[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.

[grayeagleswolves]

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

[VINTAGE-AMERICANA]

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