Why is Your Hyundai Hood Not Closing? (5 Warning Signs)
By
Vroomouk
This article will address the “Hyundai hood won’t close” problem. In addition, we will also explain the causes behind the hood not closing. Moreover, going ahead in the article, we will briefly explain warnings that show your car can catch fire and factors that contribute to car fires.
The hood not closing is a problem that might appear to be small. Still, when you think about the damage it can do to the engine components, it is vital to get rid of the issue as soon as possible. With the hood partially open, water can easily pass through the gaps created by the bonnet. As a result, it can damage the major components of the car. Moreover, since the bonnet is not completely closed, there are chances that it might open suddenly while driving. Then the visibility of the driver becomes zero.
Reasons behind the Hyundai hood not closing.
- The latch mechanism is locked.
- The hood seals are too high.
- The Latch Mechanism spring is detached.
Causes of Hyundai Bonnet not Closing
The latch mechanism is locked.
Since the hood latch is open to the water, there are chances of rusting in the latch mechanism of the hood. Thus, in some cases, when you try to close the hood, the latch is already locked, and on pressing the hood down, the hood doesn’t close. Hence, you need to lift the hood release lever present below the car’s steering wheel in this case.
When you lift the hood release lever, the latch is unlocked.
Once the latch is unlocked, it’s now time to spray WD40 lubricant on the latching mechanism to reduce the rusting effect. Moreover, apply silicon grease on the latch mechanism to prevent further corrosion of the metal latch.
The hood seals are too high.
There are hood seals in Hyundai cars on the hood and the car body. Now, these seals ensure that the car hood gap is optimum. But the height of these seals can be adjusted, similar to tightening and loosening screws. Thus, if these seals’ height increases, the hood might not close. So to make the hood lock again, you need to reduce the height of these screw seals.
The Latch Mechanism spring is detached.
There are two springs in the latch mechanism of the car hood. These springs make sure that the hood opens and closes properly. The sizes of the springs are also different. A smaller spring is connected with the help of the latch cable to the hood release lever present inside the car’s cabin.
This smaller spring generally gets disconnected from the latch due to the continuous operation of the hood mechanism. Thus, the latch needs to be detached from the car for attaching the spring back on the latch.
For removing the latch from the car body, you need to remove the plastic protection present on the top of the latch in Hyundai cars. After that, with the help of a torque wrench, you need to open the bolts on the latch and remove the latch from the car’s body. Once the latch is removed, you will see the small spring detached. You need to pull the spring and fit it back on the latch of the hood.
Once the spring is attached to the hood latch, you need to bolt the latch again on the car’s body and test the working of the latch. If the latch is working fine, completely tighten the bolts, put the plastic protection back on top of the latch, and the hood will start to close again.
Warning Signs that your car might catch fire
Identifying these signs can prevent you and your car from catching fire. However, if your car is giving you similar signs, it will be best for you to take the car to a mechanic and get it fixed.
Blown fuses
Fuses in the car blow due to excess heat or some issue with the electrical connections. Thus if you find any blown fuses while driving your car, there might be chances of the car engine catching fire.
Loud Exhaust Sound
When the car catches fire, the exhaust will start making loud noise below the vehicle. Thus this sound shouldn’t be avoided.
Engine temperature
If you see the engine temperature growing uncontrollably, there are chances that the engine might blow away or catch fire. This is mainly caused due to the shortage of coolant in the car engine. Hence in such a case, the car needs to be taken to the mechanic.
Low level of fluids
The fuel, oil, and fluid levels might drop rapidly if there are chances of a fire in the car, hence as a driver, you need to watch out for these sudden drops in the fuel gauge.
Tire failure
When the car catches fire, then the heat generated is absorbed by the tires, and hence there are chances that the tires might burst. Therefore, if the tire burst happens, the car fire should also be checked.
Factors contributing to car fires
Mechanical failure
A car combines several mechanical components that work in harmony with each other. Moreover, when these mechanical components work, they produce heat; hence a failure in the mechanical components can cause a fire.
Electrical Failure
A car consists of several electrical connections for lights, horn, battery, injection system, etc. Thus failure or malfunction of any electrical component can cause a fire in the car.
Use of Substandard Components
Using low-quality or duplicate components in your car might prove fatal because the car’s mechanical components undergo severe stress. Hence, if the components are not genuine, they might fail under stress.
Faulty or loose wiring
A loose or a faulty wire can cause a short circuit in the car’s electrical system. Thus, in that case, the electrical system can catch fire.
Oil Spill
If oil is spilt in the engine bay while changing it, it might catch fire when the engine temperature rises. Thus, make sure that there is no oil spillage in the engine bay.
Fluid Leaks
Leakage of important fluids such as coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, etc., can cause a fire in your vehicle. Thus always check your car for leakages.
Other articles about Hyundai you may be interested in
Hyundai dual clutch transmission problems
Hyundai Santa Fe Rear Suspension Issues Explained
Conclusion
In this article, we have addressed “Hyundai hood won’t close.” Moreover, we have also explained the various reasons behind the Hyundai hood not closing. In addition, we have also explained the warnings and factors which contribute to a car fire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Hyundai hood won’t close
Can you use a fire blanket on a car?
The most efficient way to get rid of the fire is by using a fire blanket if there is no fire extinguisher. Thus buying a fire blanket for the car can help in an emergency.
How do I keep the Car hood down?
Closing the car hood is done in 4 steps
- Check the engine compartment
- Make sure cover and caps are secured
- Unhook the hood and place the rod in place.
- Carefully pull the hood down.
Can I drive with a broken hood latch?
Driving a car with a broken hood latch is completely safe until you need to do something under the hood.
How much does it cost to fix a hood latch?
Fixing the latch of the hood can cost a person around $223. However, the cost can still vary from $94 to $351, depending on the car’s model.
