How are Hood Latches replaced?
To replace a hood latch on most vehicles, a technician will open the hood, detach the latch from its mount, unplug the alarm switch if so equipped, and disconnect the release cable. A new latch is connected and mounted and the technician checks for proper operation and alignment before closing the hood. Once the hood is closed, the technician will verify the hood alignment, and adjust if necessary. On some vehicles, trim components may need to be removed for access. If the release cable needs to be replaced, the procedure is markedly more complicated, since the cable needs to be routed behind mechanical and electrical components, around structural body components, and through the firewall (between the passenger and engine compartments) to the release lever location. This can require a good deal of disassembly, and the new cable can be compromised if the procedure is not performed carefully. In extreme cases, if the hood will not open because of a faulty latch, surrounding parts, such as the grille, may need to be broken in order to gain access to the latch.