If you notice that the hood to your car constantly flaps up and down as you are driving down the road, you may want to take a close look at the latch that keeps the hood from flying up while you are driving. If the latch is not securing the hood properly, it could create a very dangerous situation because the hood could fly up and block your vision, which could lead to an accident. If you notice that the hood is not securing properly because something is wrong with the latch, use the following guide to learn how to replace it quickly and easily.
Get a Replacement Latch
The first thing you will need to do is get a latch to use to replace the latch that is damaged on your vehicle. The best place to get a latch for a very affordable price is a salvage yard. A worker at the yard will be able to get you the latch you need by simply providing him or her with your vehicle's make, model, and year. If a car is on the lot that is the same as your car, he or she can get it for you right away. If they do not have it, you will have to go to an auto parts store to get it.
Prepare to Remove the Latch
Open the hood of your car and use the small rod that runs down the side of your engine to prop the hood open so that it does not fall on you while you are working. Use a rag to wipe the area around the latch assembly and then trace around the entire exterior of the latch. This allows you to position the new latch in the exact place the old latch was located.
Remove the Latch
Use a pair of pliers to remove the screws that hold the latch in place. Pull the latch away from the car gently. You should see a spring and a cable attached to the latch. Pull them loose from the latch and then continue.
Attach the New Latch
Push the cable and the spring into the same spots they were located in the latch you just removed. Place the latch in the area that you traced and use the pliers to tighten the bolts to secure the latch to the car.
You will then want to remove the rod that is propping the hood up and allow the hood to close. Try the latch a few times to make sure that it is working properly. If you feel that this is too difficult of a repair for you to do on your own, you can take your vehicle to a mechanic that can take care of it for you.
If you notice that the hood to your car constantly flaps up and down as you are driving down the road, you may want to take a close look at the latch that keeps the hood from flying up while you are driving. If the latch is not securing the hood properly, it could create a very dangerous situation because the hood could fly up and block your vision, which could lead to an accident. If you notice that the hood is not securing properly because something is wrong with the latch, use the following guide to learn how to replace it quickly and easily.
Get a Replacement Latch
The first thing you will need to do is get a latch to use to replace the latch that is damaged on your vehicle. The best place to get a latch for a very affordable price is a salvage yard. A worker at the yard will be able to get you the latch you need by simply providing him or her with your vehicles make, model, and year. If a car is on the lot that is the same as your car, he or she can get it for you right away. If they do not have it, you will have to go to an auto parts store to get it.
Prepare to Remove the Latch
Open the hood of your car and use the small rod that runs down the side of your engine to prop the hood open so that it does not fall on you while you are working. Use a rag to wipe the area around the latch assembly and then trace around the entire exterior of the latch. This allows you to position the new latch in the exact place the old latch was located.
Remove the Latch
Use a pair of pliers to remove the screws that hold the latch in place. Pull the latch away from the car gently. You should see a spring and a cable attached to the latch. Pull them loose from the latch and then continue.
Attach the New Latch
Push the cable and the spring into the same spots they were located in the latch you just removed. Place the latch in the area that you traced and use the pliers to tighten the bolts to secure the latch to the car.
You will then want to remove the rod that is propping the hood up and allow the hood to close. Try the latch a few times to make sure that it is working properly. If you feel that this is too difficult of a car repair for you to do on your own, you can take your vehicle to a mechanic that can take care of it for you.
Share12 June 2015
Hello. My name’s Samuel Jacobs. I retired from my job as an auto mechanic last year. During my years as a mechanic, I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Some have remained friends to this day. When I was working, there is one thing that I came across at least weekly. That is how uneducated people are when it comes to their vehicle’s tires. Properly cared for tires are crucial to the safety of your vehicle. Without them, your car isn’t going anywhere. If they give out on you while you are driving, there is the potential for serious injury. I’m going to share some tire safety information here. Things like the importance of correct inflation, how to check the tread, when to replace tires, tire rotation, and what to do in case of a blow-out. I hope you find this information to be helpful.