Engine Cover Pops Open

Nor Cal driver · 12-14-2002, 09:34 AM

Whenever I corner quickly or drive aggresively for a bit - the engine cover pops open - it looks like the latch may be worn out. Has anyone had to replace this? Could my chassis be flexing so much that it is twisting open?

I'll say this - I hate getting out of the car knowing that the engine cover is unlatched.

Thomas Owen · 12-14-2002, 09:39 AM

I doubt that it is coming 'unlatched', more likely it is not latched to begin with. Check the alignment of the pin with the socket. You can extend/retract the pin and shift the socket from side to side to optimize the alignment of the two.
Good luck,

Nor Cal driver · 12-14-2002, 09:50 AM

Thanks for the thought.

While this may elicit some laughs from the more mechanically gifted set - I have checked several times prior to a drive that it was latched. I have checked the operation of the latch a few times by having someone pull the release while I watch the operation, and the release clearly engages and disengages. Also, I check by carefully feeding the pin into the reciever, closing the cover, and then try to get it to release by wiggling it and pulling etc. - no release, then drive - get out - engine cover open.

Visual inspection of the latch shows that the reciever seems very worn, even carved out, where the pin comes down.

Has anyone replaced this part before?

FA-18C · 12-14-2002, 10:36 AM

Nor Cal, I had the same problem, under hard cornering it would pop open. I think you really need to merely adjust the lower latch. If you use your fingers to slide the latch mechanizm back and forth you will find a point where the latch tab (inside the receptacle hole) will have its maximum deflection out to hold the upper latch bolt down. I think if you adjust to this point you'll find that it stays latched. I replaced mine with a used one that looked like new, cleaned my old one up and found out that it is still in very good condition and probably did not need to be swapped out. I'd be depressed, but got the lower latch for about 10.00, still looks good with its original cad coating so I am smiling. Good luck!

Nor Cal driver · 12-14-2002, 10:48 AM

Thanks FA-18 - So if you move the mech back and forth, what's to keep it where you move it once you shut the engine cover?

FA-18C · 12-14-2002, 10:54 AM

The cable that runs from the door jamb that pops the hood holds it into position. The cable goes into the adjustment hole (kind of like bike brake cable adjustments) then gets tightened down with a screw. It was easiest to straighten the adjustment wire/cable, hold it with tension with a pair of pliers, then use your other hand to move the latch adjustment assembly over until you have it fully "closed." If you've got someone to tighten the screw great, OTW bend the wire 90 deg with the pliers, then you can tighten her up... does that make sense?

Nor Cal driver · 12-14-2002, 10:56 AM

Ah-ha. Just like adjusting a clutch cable, or shifters on a bicycle... Thanks.

k9handler · 12-14-2002, 11:15 AM

the navy guy has it correct, that's what I had to do when my deck lid decided it wanted to be a pop-up tail!