Ford Ranger Hood Won't Close Properly

[That90'sRanger]

Recently the hood on my truck would not close properly. The first latch hooks on properly but the second doesn't appear to lock onto anything. Am I missing a piece or is something bent out of shape? I have some photos attached for reference. (When I say first latch I mean the first one that the hood hooks on)

 

[4x4junkie]

I see a missing (broken) bolt for the latch on the right-side of your picture, If the latch itself is moving around, good chance that is why it's not catching.


Welcome to TRS.

 

[adsm08]

I see a missing (broken) bolt for the latch on the right-side of your picture, If the latch itself is moving around, good chance that is why it's not catching.


Welcome to TRS.

I see that and the latch looks latched. It won't catch very well if it is already latched when you try to close the hood.

 

[4x4junkie]

That doesn't look latched to me... Mine was the same way when I popped the hood (the notch of the latch should be horizontal, not at a 45°, if it is latched down).

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Is the cable returning all the way when you let off the release handle in the cab? Spray the mechanism good with WD and pull the release handle in the cab and let it snap back a few times and then see if it closes. Could be it needs a new cable.

 

[adsm08]

That doesn't look latched to me... Mine was the same way when I popped the hood (the notch of the latch should be horizontal, not at a 45°, if it is latched down).

The main striker of the hood latch is two stage, just like a door latch. It can be partially engaged, which keeps it from locking onto the hood when you close it.

I think mine sits up a little higher than that when fully open.

It's just a simple matter of pulling the hood release cable, so no reason to not try that anyway before getting in to deep. I usually take a screw driver and cycle the latch fully when I think I bumped it.