Hood latch won't catch....

[borislav]

Chevy optra [ Suzuki forenza in U.S] hood latch is really bothering me , if anyone has any idea please let me know...
Driving with the hood half open ....not relaxing at all!

 

[Donald]

I would squirt some door hinge lube on the various moving parts. Normally (maybe required by law) there is a primary and a secondary hood latch. Chain lube is good stuff for that application.

 

[4x4chevydude]

Definitely lubricate it with a good silicone lube and work it in there by moving all moving parts...should be a good fix

 

[Texan4Life]

lol reminds me of an old car my bro had. he was rocking just the saftey catch for a long time. the hood would flop around when it caught air or hit a bump.

 

[mechtech2]

They are a pretty reliable device, in most cars.
But keeping them lubed is important.
NOT just wiping some grease on the external pats, but use a good spray lube to penetrate.
If yours won't shut, of course lube it. And check that the lever/latch is not already in the closed position! You may have to manually open it up
Unless there was an accident, they don't go out of adjustment enough to not work. Maybe the bolts are not tight enough?

 

[Kira]

Hello, EVERY hood latch I've ever seen which wouldn't catch all the way was due to a broken (rusted away) spring which pulled the "second catch" into its locked position. The spring HAS ALWAYS been 3/8" diameter and about 1" long. Pull some windings to get the length of hook you need. Kira