The hood of your car protects the engine and other components, and its latch ensures it stays securely closed. If the latch fails, high-speed air pressure can cause the hood to lift, potentially damaging the windshield or obstructing visibility, leading to safety hazards.
In this guide, we’ll cover common reasons for a faulty hood latch, how to fix it, and what it might cost to repair.
Why Won’t the Car Hood Latch Close? – Common Causes
The reasons why the hood latch won’t close can include damaged hood latch, misaligned hood, broken hood release cable, bent or damaged hood, debris or rust issues, and jammed latch mechanism.
Let’s go into detail about the reasons why the hood latch of any vehicle won’t close so that you can check and fix it.
#1. Damaged Hood Latch
Often, the reason why the hood latch of a vehicle won’t close properly is due to a loose or damaged component of the hood latch. Because the hood latch can become loose due to excessive wear and tear and if left unlubricated for a long time, the hood latch can have difficulty closing.
#2. Misaligned Hood
If your vehicle’s hood is misaligned, it can also be difficult to close the hood latch. Since the misalignment of the hood can impede the functionality of the latch, therefore, the latch mechanism becomes unable to lock the hood.
#3. Broken Hood Release Cable
Sometimes the release wire connecting the hood latch to the release handle lever may break, or the wire may get stuck in the open position of the hood. Hence, the hood latch has trouble closing.
#4. Bent or Damaged Hood
If your vehicle’s hood is bent or damaged for some reason, it may also prevent it from properly connecting to the hood latch. Hence, the hood latch may not close completely.
#5. Debris or Rust Problems
The hood latch in vehicles is made of metal. Hence, it is a common occurrence for the hood latch to get worn or rusted. If the hood latch is not lubricated periodically, it may get worn, or the latch mechanism may fail completely due to rust.
#6. Jammed Latch Mechanism
In extremely cold weather, the hood latch mechanism may freeze. Often times, in environments where the weather is extremely cold due to ice accumulation, the hood latch can get stuck and fail to close.
How to Fix a Stuck or Malfunctioning Hood Latch
Lubricate the hood latch and cable to fix the hood latch. If the problem is still not resolved, repair or replace the damaged parts.
#1. Check for Damaged Components
If your vehicle is having trouble closing the hood latch, first inspect the hood latch mechanism and make sure all the components are working properly. If the hood latch and its attached parts are worn or damaged, they will need to be replaced.
#2. Check the Hood Alignment
Sometimes, misalignment of your vehicle’s hood can also cause the hood latch not to close. So check the alignment of the vehicle’s hood, if the hood is misaligned, correct the alignment of the hood so that the hood and latch can be attached easily.
#3. Replace the Hood Release Cable
Sometimes, the hood latch does not close in vehicles due to a broken release wire. If the hood release wire is broken or stuck in the open position, replace the hood release wire.
#4. De-ice the latch mechanism
In extremely cold weather, the hood latch mechanism may freeze. So in such a case, keep pouring warm water on the hood latch. After some time, the ice will melt and the hood latch mechanism will be freed.
Cost of Repairing a Faulty Hood Latch: What to Expect
Several factors can affect the cost of hood latch repair. Because if this problem is fixed by simply repairing it without replacing any parts, then it can be expected to cost around $20 to $50 to repair. But if any part needs to be replaced, then it can become a matter of higher cost.
#1. Hood Latch Replacement Cost
The cost of hood latch replacement in vehicles depends on the make and model of the vehicle and the labor cost of the mechanic. In common cars, the hood latch replacement cost can average between $150 and $200, and this cost can include the labor cost of replacing the hood latch by the mechanic.
Expect the actual cost of hood latch parts to average between $90 and $110, and spend between $60 and $90 to replace it by the mechanic. However, the labor cost can be more or less depending on the location of the mechanic.
#2. Hood Latch Release Cable Replacement Cost
Hood latch release cable replacement in vehicles can be directly affected by the vehicle model, mechanic’s labor cost, and location. In cars, hood latch release cable replacement cost can be expected to range from $65 to $125 on average.
In common vehicles, hood latch release cable cost can range between $40 and $75 on average, and mechanic’s labor cost is expected to range between $25 and $50. However, these costs can be more or less depending on the mechanic’s location.
FAQs
Why won’t my car hood stay closed?
The most common reasons a car hood won’t stay closed are a misaligned latch, debris or dirt in the latch mechanism, or a damaged hood striker. A worn-out or broken release cable can also prevent proper closure.
How do I fix a car hood latch that won’t close?
Start by cleaning the latch and striker to remove any dirt or debris. Lubricate the latch mechanism with silicone-based lubricant. Check for misalignment or damage in the latch and striker, and adjust or replace any worn parts.
Can a broken hood latch be dangerous?
Yes, a broken or malfunctioning hood latch is dangerous. At high speeds, the hood could lift due to air pressure, obstructing the driver’s view or causing the windshield to break, which could lead to an accident.
What causes a car hood latch to malfunction?
The latch may malfunction due to dirt buildup, misalignment, or worn parts such as the striker or latch mechanism. Accidents, rust, or lack of maintenance can also cause the latch to fail.
Banty Paul, owner and founder of Auto Repair Zone, brings over 14 years of hands-on experience in automotive repair and maintenance. This blog was created to share expert troubleshooting guides, repair tips, maintenance advice, and cost estimates for cars and semi-trucks.
