Hood Release Problem

I have to call the dealership to schedule an oil change. However, earlier this week my hood bonnet would not release either manually from the front of the hood or from the inside release. Yesterday, I notice the hood look like it was partially open. I have tried to slam the hood down but it still stays a gap about an inch. Is there something that attachs to the inside hook? Coud the hook get rusted and by spraying WD40 it may solve the problem. It looks a bit rusty and seems a little stiff. I just want to know if I can solve this problem without having to pay an arm and a leg for repair.

Originally Posted by marsha

Is there something that attachs to the inside hook? Coud the hook get rusted and by spraying WD40 it may solve the problem. It looks a bit rusty and seems a little stiff. I just want to know if I can solve this problem without having to pay an arm and a leg for repair.

Just had a look at ours.

The hook does not appear to mate with anything much - it just strikes a part of the hi-impact plastic that is everywhere in the engine compartment, and then gets retained in a square slot.

Sounds like you can move that release tab at the front end a bit, but not enough to release it.
The fact that you can neither lock it down nor open it is strange - maybe the hook has come adrift from its base, or the plastic slot has become deformed.

You might need to keep coaxing the hook to move to the right trying various tools - e.g. screwdriver or a piece of wire threaded around it and long enough to give a good pull on it.

You will want to do a good repair on it afterwards, because as you know, hoods flying up at speed can ruin your day.

Mar, when you take it in for the oil change the dealer will fix the hood for you , since that is the only way they can do the service! It is almost certainly something simple that just needs adjustment, cleaning up, etc. Unless of course you have been in a wreck.