Hood Latch

Before adjusting the hood latch mechanism, ensure that the hood is properly aligned. The hood latch can be moved side-to-side to align it with the opening in the hood inner panel and up and down to obtain a flush fit with the front fenders.

1. Loosen the hood latch retaining bolts until they are just loose enough to move the latch.

2. Move the latch side-to-side to align it with the opening in the hood inner panel.

3. Loosen the locknuts on the two hood bumpers and lower the bumpers.

4. Move the hood latch up or down as required to obtain a flush fit between the top of the hood and fenders when an upward pressure is applied to the front of the hood. Tighten the hood latch retaining screws to 9-14 Nm (7-10 lb-ft).

5. Raise the two hood bumpers to eliminate any looseness at the front of the hood when closed. Secure the hood bumper locknuts.

6. Open and close hood several times to check operation.

7. If correct latch position is not obtainable, remove 2 locating pins from latch assembly by tapping them into the radiator support. (They will eventually fall from the vehicle). Then follow Adjustment procedure for hood setting.

8. If hood closing efforts and inside hood release efforts are too high, adjust the hood latch assembly upwards and/or the hood bumpers downwards.