1998 Corolla Hood

[GuinevereP]

Hi, the hood on my 1998 Corolla won't close properly. It doesn't fly up or anything but won't snap shut. Any ideas? Is this something that is easily fixed? Mind you, I'm a 61 year old woman so my abilities when it comes to cars is somewhat limited. Unfortunately, my father had always been my mechanic so I am always hesitant to go to someone to get something checked out. Thanks for any info.

[wylee]

I assume this is not a result of a collision???

When you pull the hood release inside the car, is the any resistance? I think the most likely cause would be a stuck cable or latch. Spraying the latch (with WD40, Liquid Wrench, or something similar) where the cable attaches under the hood might solve that problem.

[GuinevereP]

The inside latch doesn't really do anything. And no, there was never a front end collision. It just started happening. I'm not sure. I lived in DC for a while and someone tried to burgle my car but I don't think they opened the hood. The inside latch just seems open and won't stay flush when I push it in - it also doesn't seem to have any relation to opening the hood anymore. I guess the next time I have anything done, I'll ask about it. Thanks.

Originally Posted by wylee

I assume this is not a result of a collision???

When you pull the hood release inside the car, is the any resistance? I think the most likely cause would be a stuck cable or latch. Spraying the latch (with WD40, Liquid Wrench, or something similar) where the cable attaches under the hood might solve that problem.

[PlasticToyotaParts]

I assume that since this post is old, it was taken care of long ago. I am posting in order to (hopefully) help someone else who comes across this.

I had the same problem with my '03 corolla hood. No front end accident, hood just suddenly wouldn't latch shut one day. When I checked my hood release lever inside the car, I found that there was no tension on the cable. This was the problem. I followed the cable until I found the solution.

What I found at the end of the cable (near the latch, under the hood) was surprising. The fitting on the end of this cable (which is necessary to keep tension on the cable and keep the hood latched) is made from plastic. My fitting had over time been subject to wear and was split in two.

Why this fitting is made from plastic and not metal is beyond me. I duct taped the heck out of it, and hopefully it will hold.

[GuinevereP]

No, it hasn't been taken care of. Having been fairly spoiled by my father (long deceased) who took care of my cars, I have yet to get it fixed. But the next time I take my car in for an oil change I will take your post with me. Thank you so much. It is these little things that get you. Lately the gas cover release has decided not to work properly. I know the car is old but it has been so reliable that I an always puzzled when something doesn't work properly.