G'day,

I have a Series 8 ('01), though I don't think the bonnet (hood) latch mechanism is any different from earlier year models...

I've searched and found many posts about not being able to open the bonnet - my issue is with not being able to close the bonnet.

For some time (before I did my own variation of the fan mod) I had been opening my bonnet after driving to cool down the engine bay, and it seems I wore out or broke the latch mechanism. Its progressively got worse, but what happens now is that when I push down the bonnet (dropping it doesn't get it to lock), it doesn't really lock properly... there also remains a gap (mostly on drivers left) between the bonnet and the front guard/bumper (this gap isn't as pronounced on drivers right side).

After going over a couple of bumps, the bonnet will pop open and rattle there against the safety latch. This happened the other night while going about 140 km/h... not fun.

After closing it, if I try to open it with the bonnet release lever inside the car, what often happens is that the bonnet doesn't spring up, it just unlocks and sits there. Its only because of the gap that I can get my fingers in there to lift it up.

So is my latch mechanism likely busted? Or does it just need adjusting? How do I adjust it and/or service it?

The queer thing is that gap... I don't get why it would cause the bonnet to be raised slightly on one side only... I'm hoping the bonnet isn't warped out of shape.

Any advice appreciated. Cheers.

 

Sounds like the latch might be loose and misaligned. When it is misaligned it can actually pull the hood towards the side of the car, warping it slightly and creating a gap.

There are two bolts on the side of the latch. If one wasn't tight the latch might have slipped down on one side. See if you can adjust it higher and it might solve your problem.

It also may be as simple as cleaning the mechanism and lubing it back up.

 

Thanks ObliqueFD. I had a look at the FSM, this is all it has:



Not particularly helpful! Is there any trick to this, like is there anything else I need to remove to get access? Seems like it will be a bit of trial and error to get it aligned.

How would you recommend cleaning and lubing it? WD40?


Cheers

 

This morning I loosened the bolts of the lock assembly and lifted up the drivers-left side of it, leaving the drivers-right side in the original spot. Tightened the bolts and put the hood down.

Unfortunately it had no effect The gap is still there, and it won't go down all the way or make the nice "click" locking sound.

 

Can you post a picture of your 7 so I can see what your hood alignment is like? It is also possible the hood came loose at the hinge and moved back.

If you want to test the latch take a rod or small pipe and stick it in to the latch to see if it properly closes. If it latches then your problem is the alignment, if it doesn't latch then you need a new latch or you need to repair/clean yours.

 

OK, thanks. I'll get some pictures.

 

LOL I used to do this with my rotary. Sounds like your latch mech may be busted.

No WD40..that will just evaporate over time. Use silicon grease or just regular grease.

 

I have attached some photos. See what you think.

Cheers

 

Here are a couple more.

 

It looks like the latch just needs to be adjusted. It takes a little bit of trial and error, but start with the latch at the highest point and slowly lower it to the proper position. Should be a quick fix at a body shop if you aren't sure about it.

 

Well I already tried adjusting it by lifting up the latch on driver's left, which didn't have any effect at all. I can try adjusting it downwards on the other side, but its not like the latch could have miraculously gone out of alignment by shifting itself *upwards*. Well I wouldn't think so anyway.

 

In the pictures you posted nothing looks mechanically wrong with the latch assembly although there may be something that I'm not seeing.

A simple test:

Get a flathead screwdriver and push down on the spot that I marked using your picture. If it moves down and clicks/locks, pull the hood release under the dash in the car.

If it returned to normal like in the picture, the hood assembly is working fine, and just needs to be adjusted so the hood latch can come in at the correct angle.

Hope this helps.

 

An update:

I took the bonnet lock off last night and pushed down the latch to see what happens. It turns out that the locking cam (top yellow circle in attached image) is overlapping with the latch (bottom yellow circle). The nylon bushing under the locking cam seems worn and there is alot of movement. Theres no repairing it so I need to get a new part (likely from Japan - a rigmarole in itself!).

Its seems a very poor design for something so critical, and I don't know how it isn't a bigger problem for others' cars. It makes me think though that dropping the bonnet to lock it down isn't actually a good idea for the life of the lock.

Thanks for your help.

 

Fixed all these issues tonight with a new bonnet lock. Turns out someone hit the old lock with a hammer (and, less significantly, drilled out the bolt holes) in a stupid attempt to make it fit. This explains why the thing wouldn't stay locked. I could see once I compared it to the new part that it was bowed.

The part I got from Mazda is from the series 6/7 (Australian-spec) and this is compatible with the later Series 8 locks (which I'd have had to wait to get from Japan). The only difference is the earlier part has a microswitch for the theft-deterrent system. This part wasn't cheap (retail is $308), but I believe the Mazda B-series ute/pick-up ("Bravo" in australia) part may also be compatible ($60).

Now to fix the next problem that the previous owner fucked up.