The Case of the Dangling Hood Latch Rod

sport2004 · Apr 16, 2023

Greetings 4th Gen Guys - I went to replace the air filter, cracked the hood from inside, and the exterior latch release to get the hood up didn't work. Got down on my knees and peered in there and saw the little latch rod hanging loose.

I thought something good would happen if I pulled down on the rod (like ringing church bells?), lo and behold this opened the latch and the hood raised normally.

The first picture shows the hook end of the latch rod correctly engaging the latch release lever. However, it doesn't want to stay there. The second shows it loose, as I found it.

Does anyone have a suggestion to make sure it stays in the correct position? Thanks.

shiftmx · Apr 16, 2023

You will need to replace that little plastic clip to fix it. There is a small arm on yours that is broken off, as was mine. Once you put the new piece on, you will see how it twists on and locks that dangling rod into place.

sport2004 · Apr 16, 2023

shiftmx said:
You will need to replace that little plastic clip to fix it. There is a small arm on yours that is broken off, as was mine. Once you put the new piece on, you will see how it twists on and locks that dangling rod into place.

Thank you, now I have to find that part. I was afraid someone would chime in and say the entire apparatus needs to be replaced.

AuSeeker · Apr 16, 2023

As mentioned the retaining clip is broken.

That being said being creative with a Zip Tie could hold you over until you get the replacement clip.

sport2004 · Apr 16, 2023

AuSeeker said:
As mentioned the retaining clip is broken.

That being said being creative with a Zip Tie could hold you over until you get the replacement clip.

Thanks. I was thinking of using a twist tie from a loaf of bread...LOL

In the meantime, by total accident I found this thread from 2016:

WTB Hood latch clip - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

csedman · Apr 17, 2023

I just wired mine together. The heat here would destroy a zip tie in no time. I thought to replacement cost at the time was ridiculous. Four plus years and still works just fine.

Sent from my motorola one 5G UW using Tapatalk

Hi-desertT4R · Apr 18, 2023

I found an assortment pack of those clips at NAPA to replace mine that broke. Only one clip in the whole pack works and it’s still a bit loose. Some creative wiring and you’ll probably be good to go.

analog · Apr 18, 2023

I 'fixed' this with two zip ties looped around each other, survived a very cold winter so far easy to redo if it fails lol.

The Case of the Dangling Hood Latch Rod

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