Hood Latch locks open

[Nelsonmd]

So when I pull the hood open latch, the pivoting arm on the latch mechanism gets stuck in place (the arm that the cable connects to in the engine bay). I can release it by taking a screw driver and prying it just slightly towards the engine, but this is really annoying.

Anyone else have this problem? I would rather not replace the whole latch mechanism.

The symptom of this is that when I drop the hood, it locks by the release latch, but doesn't lock all the way down, so it's as if I pulled the release latch (under the steering wheel) but havn't yet unlatched it from under the hood.

 

[cfranck1]

Try lubing it up with some pb blaster or similar. Then work the mechanism a few times to see if you freed it up.

 

[zcruiser]

Yup, same problem on mine, the culprit is a little lever that stays open and doesn't allow the hood to fully latch. The photo shows where to push with a screwdriver for a temporary fix, but also identifies the sticky part.

 

[Nelsonmd]

That's the one! Thanks for the pic ZCruiser.

 

[gofaster]

I have the same problem. I even replaced the entire latch with a new one. I am thinking the culprit is the cable.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I have the same problem. I even replaced the entire latch with a new one. I am thinking the culprit is the cable.

Hmmm, well I guess that means design flaw...

I think the cable can be eliminated. The way mine snaps back down, I am confident it is a mechanical interference and not a cable issue. I will take a closer look when I get a chance. I think I just need to find the spot that the interference occurs. I was hoping someone already found it.

 

[fightman80]

Hmmm, well I guess that means design flaw...

I think the cable can be eliminated. The way mine snaps back down, I am confident it is a mechanical interference and not a cable issue. I will take a closer look when I get a chance. I think I just need to find the spot that the interference occurs. I was hoping someone already found it.

Mine was doing the same thing......ended up being some dirt combined with grease that gunked it up. I sprayed the crap out of it with some aerosol degreaser and worked the mechanism back and forth for a while and it's now like new!

 

[lanbe104]

Latch stuck open 2002 4Runner

zcruiser

I am having what seems to be the same issue with my hood latch. I tried pushing down on the center as shown in your pic, however nothing moves for me. Is there anything else you suggest. I tried using a flat head screwdriver and moving mechnisim on the bottom that is connected to the cable. However it would only move to the right a little but not enough to close the hood completely.

Please sure any suggestions you may have. The cable will not retract and the hood lever inside the vehicle is still in the open position..

 

[zcruiser]

zcruiser

I am having what seems to be the same issue with my hood latch. I tried pushing down on the center as shown in your pic, however nothing moves for me. Is there anything else you suggest. I tried using a flat head screwdriver and moving mechnisim on the bottom that is connected to the cable. However it would only move to the right a little but not enough to close the hood completely.

Please sure any suggestions you may have. The cable will not retract and the hood lever inside the vehicle is still in the open position..

Try pushing more to the right side of the part indicated in the circle.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

If it's the cable, you'll see it inside the cab. The hood release will stay open under the dash. If the hood release is back in the closed position, it's the latch.

 

[Wizzle]

I'm subscribing to this. Mine does the same on occasion. I usually just get irritated and let it shut harder. Probably not the best solution.

 

[zcruiser]

I'm subscribing to this. Mine does the same on occasion. I usually just get irritated and let it shut harder. Probably not the best solution.

That's why I have a small dent in the front center of my hood... :redbrick:

 

[BB2000]

I have this problem. I figure its the cable because I can push down on the latch mechanism in the pic without problem. But, the under-dash handle will not retract from the open position, so the hood will not stay closed. Are there any diagrams or DIYs for routing a new cable?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I have this problem. I figure its the cable because I can push down on the latch mechanism in the pic without problem. But, the under-dash handle will not retract from the open position, so the hood will not stay closed. Are there any diagrams or DIYs for routing a new cable?

It's super easy. Undo it from the release inside the cab and push it through the firewall. Once you do you'll be able to follow it all the way to the latch. It's a 15 minute job.

 

[koulee]

It definitely is the cable. The cable is binding. This was happening on a Cressida that I once owned. After a month or two of this happening on that car, the cable finally snapped and I had to resort to using a flathead to open the hood.

Ghettto. Really ghetto. Same level of ghetto as using a screwdriver to start your car. I would've replaced the cable, but the goddamn thing ran into the left fender on that car. Dunno where the cable runs to on the T4R tho.

 

[BB2000]

Thanks a bunch. Will give it a shot.

 

[wanta4runner]

Yup, same problem on mine, the culprit is a little lever that stays open and doesn't allow the hood to fully latch. The photo shows where to push with a screwdriver for a temporary fix, but also identifies the sticky part.

I broke the spring in this picture (i hope that is all). Is there a diagram that I can follow to fix this?

 

[AC4Runner]

Thanks Zcrisuer.... worked for me too. Cheers

 

[IanKenway]

Hood Latch Fix!

Yup, same problem on mine, the culprit is a little lever that stays open and doesn't allow the hood to fully latch. The photo shows where to push with a screwdriver for a temporary fix, but also identifies the sticky part.

Thanks a bunch, guys! T4R.ORG strikes again. This has been a recurring yet very infrequent problem on my 2000. A mechanic down in Santa Cruz helped free up the mechanism once, but I didn't see how he did it. It's so simple, thanks to the diagram offered up by Zcruiser! Mine popped right back this time, with very little force applied. I sprayed on some degreaser/lube, and am hoping it'll clean it out and fix the problem more permanently. At the very least, I know how to un-stick it next time it happens... Thanks again!

 

[voda48]

My 4Runner is starting to do this although the release inside the car stays out. Looks like I might need to get a new cable but will try cleaning it first. Thanks for posting