It could be beneficial to have another person there to help you to get the hood open. Use the following steps to loosen the hood and open it. The hood latch is an extremely simple latch. Here are some other possibilities as to why your car's hood won't close properly: - Cable Fraying: Over time, the cables that release and hold the hood of your car in place can fray or break. I couldn't open the hood with the latch so I pulled on the cable with some pliers and got it to open. To hold the hood in place, use the metal prop rod located on the inside of the engine bay, near the front of the car. You will need to check that you can open the hood of your car. Symptoms of a failing Hood Latch. It will make the spring stronger and could very well solve your problem. Step 3: Prop the hood open. This way I can get at the wire inside the sheath and get a longer pull. Sometimes, especially on older Civics, you may have difficulty getting your hood to latch when you close it. This method often works if the latch has rusted or has grime or dirt on it.
Step 2: Operate the exterior latch. Another common symptom of a broken hood latch is if the hood pops open while driving or immediately after closing it. Tried pushing the latch with a screwdriver but it doesn't wrote: ↑ My 2002 Civic had a similar issue. They have the tools and expertise to manage the project in full. Sometimes you don't realize this until you're driving. I have a 91 Civic 3 door std. Make sure the metal rod moves freely after you clean it up. However, if the hood only needs to be lubricated, you can do this yourself. Honda Civic Hood Won't Close (All the Way). When the hood is closed, the latch slides over what is called a catch, and a spring covers the latch to keep it snug. How To Open the Hood of a Honda Civic From the Outside. If you have someone there, try the following steps: - Push down the hood where the latch is found and keep holding it down. It's usually located near the driver's door at the bottom of the dash or the bottom of the dashboard under the steering wheel column.
Step 4: Inspect hood cables. The trim can be removed by pulling up on it with your hands. Put back the corner kick plate, and it's all done! You may be able to solve the problem yourself with some detailed instructions or it could be something you need an expert to repair for you. There are two things you can do to try to open your Honda Civic's hood. Step 1: Look for a release hatch inside the cabin of your vehicle. Once the bolts are out you will have to wrestle with the hood to pop it open. You will need to use penetrating oil to lubricate the hood lock. The behind the grill might work... will wait until need to open hood.
If that didn't do the trick, it's most likely the spring that is the cause. Once the trim is removed you'll see three screws, remove them. 💡 If you've done everything to fix a hood latch that won't close and nothing has worked, it may be time to take your car into a shop and get a professional inspection. And the hood won't open. Honestly, that car doesn't owe you anything, a dremel to through the plastic won't hurt, and you will rarely see your work!
Part 1 of 4: Finding the hood release latch. In some cases, the locking mechanism will need to be replaced if there is damage. Hans Angermeier is an ASE certified Maintenance and Light Repair Technician and has produced over 100, 000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. There is, however, a second hood latch, to keep the hood from flying up if accidentally unlatched. If you can close it now: Congratulations!
If you are not comfortable with this, take it to a professional who can remove the rust. You can use a pair of cutting pliers to nibble down at the plastic. But if the hood is stuck open? If the latch is broken such that it's keeping itself from being able to disengage, then the hood will not be able to open, and you've got a sticky situation on your hands. Step 2: Unscrew the bolts. Honda Civic Hood Latch Replacement. That's why I suggested trying from underneath.
Cable Tension: The cable that releases and holds your hood in place will have a tension adjustment screw on it somewhere. Sometimes the problem is easy to fix, but in other cases, the problem requires a little more work to get fixed. They can make incredible progress when they learn the basics. It just ain't gonna happen. You should have your hood latch repaired as soon as possible. Is this method recommended? Step 2: Get some assistance. But what if you can't open your Honda Civic's hood? The hood latch could malfunction or stop working for various reasons.
Like all great things - the hood latch will eventually wear out. Press down on the hood with open palms. These are the hood lock, hood latch, and cable. When you pull the hood release in your car, it releases the hood. Tip: If you can't find the lever, check your owner's manual to see where it's located or ask a mechanic to show you where it's positioned and how to get it open.
Getting Started - Prepare for the repair. No way you can get it straight on. I opened up the hood grabbed the battery, replaced it, and upon closing the hood it wouldn't close all the way. This will expose the locking screws that you will need to remove. Hit it with some WD-40 or brake cleaner? The driver's manual ought to have plenty of info to read. Proper Way To Close Honda Civic Hood. You'll need to attach the end of a bungee cord to the hood of your car, make sure it's tightly secured. How To Clean & Apply Hood Latch Lubrication. You can try to bend it back yourself or you can take it to a professional. Cheapmeister wrote: ↑ I was able to remove 2 of the 3 bolts by squeezing my arm thru the gap below the bumper and the lower skirt. It keeps your hood closed. How to Lubricate a Hood Lock Mechanism.
The average cost for Honda Civic Hood Latch Replacement is $189. Your hood latch was working perfectly fine before it didn't close, so you know the new latch will work just as well. Check online for approximate placement. When the hood latch is broken, the hood may not be able to latch. The one on the left you can get at fairly easily, for the two on the right you will likely have to take a dremel or a drill to cut through the plastic molding to access the bolts.
However, there is another thing you could try to get your hood unstuck. Step 2: Try tugging on the cable. The auto shop has likely done that kind of work in the past. Drop it off at our shop and pick it up a few hours later, or save time and have our Delivery mechanics come to you. Unless maybe you bust that cover out of the way. This method will work if the cable is attached to the outside latch.
This repair can be completed in a relatively short period of time, and shouldn't require more than a screwdriver to complete. You may have to pull the latch cable through the fender well on the driver's side. Get a quote today for your Honda Civic. You can then use a cotter pin to lubricate the lock as well as the latch mechanism.
Saturday, November 26th, 2011 AT 4:03 PM. Now it won't release. The hood should remain closed when it is in a locked position. Another cause could also be the cable. I've already discussed why your Honda Civic hood won't open or close and how to fix it. Newer models of vehicles have a latch to release the hood somewhere inside the cabin.