Mine was doing this and would fly open at highway speeds which was pretty uncool. I utilized some Teflon lube, Triflow or Tef-lube will work, and sprayed down the latch mechanism and havnt had an issue since. I'm not a fan of WD or PB for lubrication as these will break up gunk but in the end you will end up drier and maybe even stickier than before.
Hood Latch locks open
- Thread starter Nelsonmd
- Start date
BobbyC4Runner
New member
This was really helpful. Just got my first 4runner, could not get the hood to latch. Thanks!
nc-grayson
Member
Funny how these things work with timing.....happened to me this morning. Old thread, same problems! Easy fix
NoVAphotog
New member
I just got mine and the PO and I talked about her little quirks and how to fix them. Left me his "Genuine Toyota Hood Latch Release Tool" that I've been using...works great!
Going to try cleaning it out again...
zcruiser
Senior Member
I just got mine and the PO and I talked about her little quirks and how to fix them. Left me his "Genuine Toyota Hood Latch Release Tool" that I've been using...works great!
Going to try cleaning it out again...
Ha, I've got a couple of those lying around, maybe I should throw one in the truck!
Basically like fightman80, I just cleaned mine out with an aerosol cleaner then a good silicone spray.
Ausumm
New member
I took the cable off of the latch in order to remove the grill and paint it.
I was not very happy with how it felt when I re-attached it.
Sure enough, the cable has now come off the latch and the hood will not open completely.
Any tips on how to properly (permanently) attach the release cable?
PS
this is the secondary/safety latch that you need to release with your fingers under the front of the hood...
not the main hood release cable that is mounted under the dash.
I was not very happy with how it felt when I re-attached it.
Sure enough, the cable has now come off the latch and the hood will not open completely.
Any tips on how to properly (permanently) attach the release cable?
PS
this is the secondary/safety latch that you need to release with your fingers under the front of the hood...
not the main hood release cable that is mounted under the dash.
diverscale
Member
before putting a new cable, try this out.
Had the same problem, no matter how much I lubricated the latch, it would still stick, with interior handle staying open, then sloooowly getting back to closed position. You just need patience.
I first used penetrant oil, a whole lot, and for about 15 minutes, I used the hood release button with hood opened, and kept adding penetrant oil. It took a good 5 minutes of lever action for the oil to begin to make its way into the wire, but it did and the latch lever slowly became free. Took about 15 minutes of lever action to get the oil to do its job. Then sprayed the latch area with real anti-rust oil, since penetrant oil dries out pretty quickly.
Pretty sure I'll have to re-do this every year or so, but still less trouble than changing the cable.
swampy_swimmer
New member
Interesting, having the same issue on mine. Will investigate based on this thread.
swampy_swimmer
New member
And once again a picture worth of a 1000 words. One push of a screwdriver a little of wd40. Problem solved. Thank you all for this thread. And for this forum.
miles.less.traveld
New member
:roll:Just solved my sticky hood latch problem using 1/2 can of break cleaner sprayed on the picture of the part on page 1.
I love this community FYI
I love this community FYI
This same issues happened to me out on our overlanding trip last year. My dad wanted to bend/file, I thought it just needed lube. So we went my method first and it worked till I got home and was able to clean it properly. Now ever since then its been perfect with zero issues.
FNG_4Runner
New member
This has been an issue on mine since I bought it this year.
What would anyone recommend as a lubricant for the cable after the old grease is cleaned? I've been worried about the cable binding and breaking
I've always been against a white lithium or similar lubricant since it becomes more of a dust/dirt collector then anything else
What would anyone recommend as a lubricant for the cable after the old grease is cleaned? I've been worried about the cable binding and breaking
I've always been against a white lithium or similar lubricant since it becomes more of a dust/dirt collector then anything else
zcruiser
Senior Member
Any lubricant will collect dust... If you don't want to use something thick, then you'll just have to sign up to re-apply every 6 months or so.
I have used a silicone lubricant spray like Liquid Wrench, but I also have some Fluid Film that works really well as a lubricant and hangs around for a good long while. I also have some stuff that a guy gave me to lubricate my garage door guides/wheels, but it's a bit on the thick side.
Just don't use WD-40...
cashflow50
New member
Which PO brand is good to use for loosening the latch mechanism?
