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When a 1997 Ford F-150 hood won't latch closed is it the latch mechanism or the hood release cable?
The hood latch spring is probably broken. I'm having the same problem with my 99 F 150. The lower spring is the one that broke on me. Good luck. Well, maybe not. I just had the same thing with my '03 F150. Popped the hood open (hard to pull the release), and then the hood wouldn't latch closed. It just banged off the latch mechanism. I thought the cable had broken, since I pulled the release lever and there was no tension in it, no friction. Good news, though. I hadn't had to raise the hood in a few months, and it turns out the latch mechanism had just rusted in place; the spring wasn't resetting it. Lube it generously and work that lever till it loosens up. Better than buying a new cable from the dealership (nobody else carries them) for $38.00. I semi lucked out. I tried the lube approach first but that did not work. The bottom spring pulls a latch the hooks into the latch that closes over the hood bracket. On mine these bracket was frozen. I had to remove the shroud (only 1/3 of the releases worked properly after 10 years) and then get penetrant oil to the bracket from underneath. Manually tested it a few times and then replaced the bracket. It needed a minor adjustment but now it is off to the auto parts store to get some replacement shroud holders. Here's another reply, not for the F-150, but for a 1997 Escort: My hood got stuck open in cold weather; I'm guessing the cold contributed to the problem. The cause turned out to be binding of the cable in its sleeve, apparently at the end entering the latch mechanism. The latching part of the mechanism also was stiff in its motion. To fix it, I used long-nose pliers to remove the inside end of the top spring from the top cam of the latch, giving me access to the lower part of the latch. I could then use a large screwdriver to work the lever and spring that control the lower, latching cam; this is where the cable is attached. Some WD-40 on the cam and lots of back-and-forth motion on the lever where the (lower) spring attaches to it eventually got it moving freely. But this wasn't enough---the hood would latch once, but when opened, it would stick open again. The further step was to spray some WD-40 on the bare cable, just inside the bottom of the latch mechanism, right where the cable leaves its collar. I then worked the latch release (inside the car) a lot, and sprayed a bit more WD-40 on the bare cable in both open and closed positions so it would get worked into the sleeve end. Finally, I put some 3-in-1 oil on the bare cable (transfering it there by putting it on the end of the screwdriver), worked the latch release a few times to get the oil in the cable sleeve, and also put some 3-in-1 on the latching cam. (WD-40 is more of a solvent than a lubricant, hence the 3-in-1 oil.) It is now working fine. It was not fun doing this in single-digit (Fahrenheit) temperatures, but it beat paying for such a straightforward fix!
What else can I help you with?
How do I fix a Toyota MR2 2000 hood latch release cable?
To fix a Toyota MR2 2000 hood latch release cable, first, check for any visible damage or fraying along the cable. If it's stuck or not functioning, you may need to access the latch mechanism, which typically involves removing the interior panel near the driver's side. Once exposed, you can either lubricate the latch or replace the cable if it's broken. Reinstall everything securely and test the release mechanism to ensure it's working properly.
How do you pop the hood on a 2001 mercury cougar when the hood latch cable snaps?
To open the hood on a 2001 mercury cougar when the hood latch cable snaps you will need to release the mechanism from the underside. You will need a mechanics prybar and look up from underneath the car, place the screwdriver tip in the release mechanism and turn.
What are the key features and functions of a vintage door lock mechanism?
A vintage door lock mechanism typically includes a key-operated lock cylinder, a latch mechanism, and a strike plate. The key is inserted into the lock cylinder to engage or disengage the latch, allowing the door to be opened or closed. The latch mechanism secures the door in place when closed, while the strike plate provides a surface for the latch to engage with when the door is closed.
What is a hood latch?
A hood latch is the mechanism that holds your vehicles hood in the closed position while in operation.
Why is the door latch stuck closed?
The door latch may be stuck closed due to a mechanical issue, such as a misalignment of the latch mechanism or a buildup of debris preventing it from moving properly.
How do you replace the bonnet release cable on a 97 VW Sharan?
To replace the bonnet release cable on a 1997 VW Sharan, first, open the bonnet and locate the release mechanism. Disconnect the old cable by unscrewing any fasteners holding it in place and then removing it from the latch. Feed the new cable through the same path, ensuring it is routed correctly, and reattach it to the latch and the release lever inside the vehicle. Finally, test the release mechanism to ensure it functions properly.
How do you release hood latch when cable is broke on 2005 Malibu?
reach in from underneath grille area and pull on latch mechanism, use a stiff piece of wire with end bent into a hook(coat hanger) if you look you will see where cable attaches to latch pull on this area
How do you open the latch on a 1996 buick park avenue if there is no cable to get to when you takeoff the front grill because it is broken behind the mechanism?
To open the hood latch on a 1996 Buick Park Avenue, the car needs to be put up on a hoist or jacked up. Then a long pole is needed to trip the hood latch. The cable can then be repaired for the hood latch before it is closed again.
How do you open hood on 1997 Suzuki Sidekick when hood release is broken?
Remove carefully front grill with thin flat screwdriver to release tabs around it and you will access to the latch and pull cable end mechanism. Open it by pushing down on the hood while releasing the latch mechanism.
How do you fix the door of a 1997 Dodge Neon?
I had the same problem try getting a new latch mechanism from the junkyard(about $12). Latch mechanism is the thing that holds the door closed.
How do you open a Ford Expedition hood with broken latch?
I had to do this on my 97 Ford Explorer a month ago or so. It's easy. You should be able to go through the grill from the outside and unscrew the four bolts or so on the hood release mechanism (reassuring huh?) From there, lift the hood and the latch mechanism should come out with the hood. Detach the cable from the latch mechanism(if your cable is fine, you're in great luck) Take the latch to a junkyard and find one that looks similar(same position of bolt holes, and latch) Attach the cable to the new latch, attach the new latch to your car, it might take a while positioning it so it lines up right but I did it myself for only fifteen bucks.(cost of latch at junkyard from a different pickup).
My 1994 s10 truck hood latch stuck or jammed?
You can get your 1994 Chevy S 10 pickup truck hood latch unstuck by spraying a lubricant on the latching mechanism. You can also remove the hood latch retaining bolts to bypass the stock release cable.
