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Hood latch or hood latch cable?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Taco Phil, Jun 2, 2024.

  1. Jun 2, 2024 at 10:22 AM
    #1
    Taco Phil

    Taco Phil [OP] Taco Phil

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    Beautifully stock
    Apparently, hood doesn't stay engaged all the time. How can I determine if it’s the latch or the cable that needs replacement?

    thanks in advance.
     
  2. Jun 2, 2024 at 1:12 PM
    #2
    Clucky

    Clucky Well-Known Member

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    I think typically as the cable goes out with age, you'll have a hard time opening the hood, in other words it won't unlatch vs. won't stay latched.
     
    Taco Phil[OP] likes this.
  3. Jun 2, 2024 at 1:24 PM
    #3
    treyus30

    treyus30 70% complete 70% of the time

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    Probably just adjustment...
     
    Taco Phil[OP] likes this.
  4. Jun 2, 2024 at 1:34 PM
    #4
    Robnik

    Robnik Disciplined Maniac

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    Spray the latch with lubricant. Cable is for unlatching. Do not use WD-40 (water displacement).
     
  5. Jun 4, 2024 at 10:27 AM
    #5
    Taco Phil

    Taco Phil [OP] Taco Phil

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    Beautifully stock
    I guess I should clarify it more.
    It can shut after trying to slam it a few times, but on the freeway after about five or 10 minutes at high speeds, it’ll pop open, but stay engaged with the safety latch. Scares the crap out of me. i’m done with the freeway until it’s fixed. I’m not sure if it’s the latch or the cable or both. Thanks guys.
     
    Black97v6MT likes this.
  6. Jun 4, 2024 at 10:53 AM
    #6
    Digiratus

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    It's neither. The latching mechanism is dirty and dry. I would clean it with some brake Kleen and follow that with a teflon dry lube. It is certainly worth a try and an inexpensive fix.
     
    Taco Phil[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  7. Jun 4, 2024 at 11:01 AM
    #7
    Taco Phil

    Taco Phil [OP] Taco Phil

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    I certainly would be. Thank you for your wisdom!
     
  8. Jun 4, 2024 at 11:17 AM
    #8
    rocknbil

    rocknbil Well-Known Member

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    I found the latch itself was sticky, but while monkeying around in there, there is a spring that holds it closed when released. Dig around in your junk box to see if you can find a stronger spring, not so strong so you can't pull it with the hood release but strong enough to hold it better, the stock one is kinda weak. I had to trim the spring I found. Then grease all parts in the latch real well so it moves smoothly.

    If you do find the culprit to be the cable you can try WD-40 sprayed down in it but that is likely to attract more dirt and dust over time, plan on replacing it.
     
    Taco Phil[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  9. Jun 4, 2024 at 5:18 PM
    #9
    ControlCar

    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

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    There are some screw in/adjustable grommets on each front corner
    Usually on upper tie bar of radiator core

    lube cable
    Adjust/lube latch
    Final adjustment are those grommets

    once hood shuts firmly AND hood to fender gaps are leveled…..you done!
     
    Taco Phil[OP] likes this.
  10. Jun 4, 2024 at 5:26 PM
    #10
    ControlCar

    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

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    Here:

    IMG_4230.jpg
    The circle is the one that adjusts
    The square helps with hood vibration/hood flex (not adjustable)
    Have to buy
    Too much from dealer for my blood, I just lubed/adjusted cable/latch
    Working fine…..no noise/up and down movement of hood
     
  11. Jun 6, 2024 at 4:04 AM
    #11
    Pbfender15

    Pbfender15 Well-Known Member

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    I replaced both cable and latch mechanism on my 2000 when it wouldn't stay closed. Super cheap -- like $25 for both parts. Wife and I did the work pretty short order. maybe 30-45 min or something. I tried cleaning it and messing with it first, but for $15 for a new one hardly worth the effort to fix.
     
    Taco Phil[OP] likes this.
  12. Jul 20, 2024 at 2:56 PM
    #12
    Taco Phil

    Taco Phil [OP] Taco Phil

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    I ended up replacing both. Solid, no issues.
    Thanks to everybody again.
     
    ControlCar and Rusty66 like this.
  13. Jul 20, 2024 at 3:03 PM
    #13
    Rusty66

    Rusty66 Ain’t Afraid

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    Both of my 1st gens had hood cables that would stick and the hood wouldn’t stay latched. My bet is on the hood cable, one can be had (with the lever) on Rock Auto pretty cheap.
     
    Taco Phil[OP] likes this.
  14. Apr 26, 2025 at 11:45 AM
    #14
    crawdad

    crawdad Member

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    I got my hood latch cable adjusted, but to do so, I had to detach the cable from the plastic handle in the dashboard. Having a hard time getting it back in place, even though I could see in a mirror that there is a little slot that the cable has to go through (on the steering wheel side of the plastic handle) (2021 taco).

    Anybody have any tips on how to get that cable end back in place?
     
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2025
  15. May 6, 2025 at 10:58 AM
    #15
    Taco Phil

    Taco Phil [OP] Taco Phil

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    Beautifully stock
    Not for a 2021 no. This thread was for a first gen.
     
  16. May 6, 2025 at 1:11 PM
    #16
    rish57

    rish57 Well-Known Member

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    That cable latch on the interior is a mofo to mess with...I'm assuming they can't be much different than older models, but I had to disconnect that thing once and it was an absolute pita...anyway, gl. :oops:
     
  17. May 7, 2025 at 8:07 AM
    #17
    Youreekaa

    Youreekaa Active Member

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    All running and driving, mostly stock, all in various states of rust rehab from Michigan winters
    I had the whole kick panel unscrewed to reattach my hood release cable. get the round "anchor' pin into the plastic hole first, then secure the cable sheath anchor point inside the bracket. having the kick panel free to move in every way possible will give you the slack you need to get this done. it's still tricky and took multiple attempts to get it together blindly.
     

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