Hood won't stay closed (RRC)

[itdnwiwbp]

So, my hood has popped open a couple times on bumpy roads but today I can barely get out of my driveway before the hood pops open. I think its a combination of the two little bolts that are supposed to keep the hood from twisting and wobbling not being anywhere close to touching the wheel arch assembly (which I tried to temporarily remedy by folding up some cardboard and putting it in between) and perhaps a gummed up hood release (since the cardboard spacers didn't quite do the trick, though they did hold the hood level and prevent any wobbling). I WD-40d the release mechanism. That may have helped a little but when I close the hood it still isn't quite catching enough to stay closed. Also, the end of the release in the cabin isn't attached properly, its just kind of hanging. Couldn't find the proper way to assemble this in the RAVE so I've been unable to fix it. So..

1. Can anyone tell me where the hood release mechanism is covered in RAVE cause I can't find it?

2. Are there supposed to be rubber bushings or something on the end of the "spacer bolts"?

3. Is it possible that my release cable has stretched and should I get a new one or can I just pull it out and clean it?

Thanks.

 

[BentAxel]

The bumpers on the end of the bolts on the hood corners provide stability as you suspected. They are worthless on my truck and after the hood popped open on the freeway it's never been the same. My hood is slightly bent or warped because of it and there are no visible marks. The problem is the latch mech and it's probably best to get a new one. Orrrrrr, you can buy Jeep Wrangler hood tie-downs (Specifically 2002 or newer I believe) and mount them to your fenders. You have to get a certain style because both of your mounting surfaces are vertical.

Are you jamming the release handle back into the cable housing after you pop the hood? When I pull my hood latch the cable tends to stay out and I have to push it back in. Grab your cable and force the handle back into the nylon sleeve.

Geez, that was long winded, sorry.

 

[BentAxel]

I just realized your location. I was just in Chugiak for 5 days and returned yesterday. We hit Girdwood, "Mat Glacier" and rode quads on a trail spotting goats. My sister and her husband lives in Chugiak.

 

[itdnwiwbp]

I took the mechanism apart and cleaned it as much as possible. Everything seemed to be working fine. I also pulled the cable, which was partly broken inside the car, out to make sure it wasn't gummed up...it wasn't but it wouldn't go back in so I temporarily reattached it through a small hole I drilled near the mechanism. After all this it still doesn't quite want to stay closed so I'll be trying to order a new mechanism and cable.

 

[az_max]

Get an new cable and handle, but check the tube it rides in for kinks, breaks or rusty spots. It could be keeping the cable from fully retracting. Use lithium grease or silicone spray instead of wd40 for the latch. There should be rubber bumpers on the end of the bolt on either side of the hood. Make sure the bolts aren't adjusted too high to keep the hood latch from operating properly. the HELP section of checker/shucks might have suitible replacement rubber bumpers. And from experience with other cars: attach a coat hanger or bailing wire to where the cable release goes if you have the cable out and are testing the latch. I locked myself out of the engine compartment on my girlfriend's Audi when I closed the hood without the cable release in place.