How to Fix a Car Hood Which Won’t Close? (3+ Main Causes)
By
Vroomouk
This article will explain “hood won’t close after the accident” and their fixes. In addition, we will also explain a few drills which you should do if, unfortunately, you meet with a car accident.
Reasons behind the hood not closing after the accident.
- Misalignment
- Latch Failure
- Cable problem
- Faulty latch striker
Misalignment
One of the major reasons behind the Hood not closing after the accident is the denting of the car hood. When your car collides, a huge amount of impulsive force is transferred, due to which many components at the front of the car shear. Thus, the Hood and the parts at the front of the vehicle get bent during an accident if the collision is head-on.
These bends can cause a misalignment that will stop the Hood from closing. A bent will not close because the Hood is not aligned with the latching mechanism.
For getting these bends fixed, you first need to identify the degree of misalignment. Then, to get the Hood back to normal condition, you need to remove the bend and place the Hood back on the car. If the bend is deep, you need to take the car to the nearest mechanic to get the fixes done.
Latch Failure
The hood latch can wear and tear over some time. However, even if the latch is new during the accident, it won’t make much difference. Similar to bonnet misalignment, the latch can also get misaligned. During an accident, the latch can shift, which will cause the hook to lose its grip. Moreover, the accident can cause the release latch to not return to the closing position. This can make the Hood hard because the striker is hindered from entering the slot. The hinges might also get loose.
A lithium-based lubricant will be best to solve this problem. First, apply the grease around the latch and leave it for some time. After this, the pull handle needs to be drawn, which will make the latch return to its place. Moreover, tighten the hinges as well as the bonnet. If the latch doesn’t work, you need to replace it.
Cable problem
A release cable is attached to the release lever present on the inside of the car. A cable can sustain some force that might damage it during an accident. Moreover, the cable can also get disconnected from the latch during the accident. Also, the spring present in the latch might get fully stretched and get out of place.
If the cable is detached from the latch, you need to fix it by threading it back into the latch. Moreover, lubricate the cable and spring to maintain the good condition of the latch. If the cable is heavily damaged, you need to replace the cable.
Faulty latch striker
The latch striker is the rare source of concern when the Hood fails to close due to an accident because it is attached to the Hood. However, during an accident, the bolts which hold the latch striker in place might get loosened, which can cause misalignment.
Hence, if you find any loosened bolt around the latch striker, you need to support and tighten them. If the problem is due to the bonnet’s dent, try straightening the bonnet. Also, adding lubricating grease to the latch striker can slide in the latch.
Things to do if you meet with an accident
Remain Calm
The accident is a mishap that no one wants but if you meet one, then remain calm because your heart rate will increase if you get hyper during the accident. Also, if you have bruises on your body, then blood loss will increase. So remaining calm will be best in that scenario.
Check the injuries
Even if the accident is minor, there are chances that you might have some bruises on your body. So thoroughly check your body. Moreover, if you feel dizzy after the accident, there are chances that you have a head injury. Therefore, immediately call the ambulance and go to the hospital.
Move your vehicle out of the road.
According to the Insurance Institute, you should clear the roadway if possible. So try to pull your car over to the shoulder of the road so that any other car doesn’t get hit by the accident vehicle. Moreover, if you cannot get the car to the side of the road, turn the hazard lights on. Also, you, along with your friend or relatives, go to the side of the road.
Check the damage in another vehicle.
If you have got into an accident with another vehicle and haven’t suffered any injuries, be generous and go to the other vehicle and check the passengers in the car. Then, if they need any help, immediately call the emergency services to evacuate the affected people.
Report accident to the law enforcement
If the accident is serious, then it is recommended that you report the accident to law enforcement. Because reporting the accident to law enforcement will ensure that your rights after an accident are protected.
Exchange information with another driver
State law allows you to share information with another driver after an accident. The state law states that you should share names and insurance information. However, you can also get some other information from the driver, such as the make and model of the car, the name and contact number of the witness, etc.
Conclusion
In this article, we have addressed “hood won’t close after the accident.” In addition, we have also explained the ways to fix the faulty Hood. Moreover, we have also explained the different things you should do after meeting with an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Hood won’t close after an accident
Can I drive with a broken hood latch?
If your Hood is open, then driving the car with a broken hood latch might prove dangerous as the Hood might open suddenly while driving the car, which can lead to a severe accident.
How to know if the car hood has bent?
If the Hood has bent, then the gap present between the Hood and the fender will increase, and if the gap is more than the usual, the Hood has bent.
Where is the hood latch sensor present?
The hood latch sensor is present under the hood latch. You will see the latch with the wires coming up between the fan and going to the switch on the left side of the latch.
Is a car totalled if the Hood is bent?
If the car has a bent or damaged frame due to an accident, the car has likely been totalled. However, if the bonnet is repairable, you can claim the repair cost on a personal injury claim.
