Hood latch

RCHAMBERLIN

MEMBER
2000 HONDA CIVIC
113,000 MILES

Why can't I get my 2000 Honda Civic hood latch closed tight? The top latch will close but it's still loose. Slamming the hood doesn't work either. I played with the lower latch but it seems to be stuck in a position that won't allow it to close tight.

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 AT 4:26 AM

2 Replies

PROTECH1980

MEMBER
901 POSTS

First things first go back in car and pull hood release, just to make sure the latch is not closed. Take some penetrating oil (wd-40) spray entire latch mechanism down, work latch with suitable tool (screwdriver) working oil in. You should be able to actually lock the latch with the screwdriver working the oil in, then go in pull realease again to unlock then shut the hood and see if it is functional. If not get down and visually inspect latch for being broken (spring or latch) let me know. I will be online for a little bit longer.

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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 AT 4:51 AM

F4I_GUY

MECHANIC
3,302 POSTS

The problem is your hood latch cable has been stretched. To permanently fix this problem, replace the hood cable.

In the mean-time, you can pry the little latch where the cable connects (at the hood latch) towards the driver side a tiny bit. This will close the hood.

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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 AT 12:19 PM