Hi all,

the other day after a good drive I had stopped at a junction to turn and on braking the bonnet popped up onto the secondary latch almost as though I had popped the hood to check the oil (maybe the car was telling me to do so). Luckily the roof was down and I heard it pop.

I immediately pulled over but it got me thinking what could have caused it? Could I have hit my foot against the cable?

Is this a known issue?

I remember thinking that the bonnet is difficult to close unless you slam it as it just bounces off the catch otherwise - again does this sound like the catch is new and very "springy" or likely to be old and out of alignment?


I don't think that the bonnet will come off the secondary latch if it did pop at speed but it is a worry of mine.

Any areas to check lads and ladies?

 

Check the position of the hood latch striker, there's marks on the sides and the marks have to be level with the car, if they're off even a tiny bit it will make the hood hard to close or not close correctly.

You should be able to close the hood by pressing down with two fingers and moderate pressure.

 

I should check this too, since I basically need to either jump on my hood to get it closed, or drop it from halfway up... thanks for the advice!

 

Cheers Slowcrash - I think the two fingers and applying pressure will be tough but I'll let you know.

 

This is the mark on the hood latch striker and on the car. It's a little mark but the striker has to line up with the chassis.

 

Try adjusting the front hood latch higher up to allow it to close easier and tighter. It is held in place with 3 bolts , easy to adjust.

 

You can try adjusting the rubber stoppers as well.

 

After fitting my front brakes last night and bedding them in I greased up the hood latch just incase at the same time. Then after bedding the brakes in I went for a quick spin for 20mins or so. Got on a dual carriageway and all was well although I must admit it was in the back of my mind - but then I thought the secondary latch would hold it at 70mph anyway if it was to pop?

I'll keep you posted

P.S. Slowcrash that image didn't work fella.

 

Right click it and select open in New tab

 

Cheers fella you're a star.