Hood resistance when closing

[atekido]

My hood seems extra hard to latch shut. Basically I can't get it to latch down if I slowly lower it then just try to press down. I could probably press hard but i didnt want to somehow dent it ect. I basically have to give it about a foot and push it down with its momentum. Is this normal? my past GM cars and my 370z were a lot easier to close.

I'm Still trying to learn all the nuances of a Ford/Mustang

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[redline727]

You can adjust the stops on it. But if you make them too short you can have a little play in the latch. I never read it in the Ford user manual but at work on BMW'S it actually tells you to lower the hood till the struts are at the position of no more resistance (like 20in or some shit) then just let go. I have Redline tuning hood struts and I use this method on my mustang and works everytime. I do not recommend pushing down over the latch for the same reason you are worried about. Especially since there is the creased line down the center of the hood. If you push that area in it will make for a nasty dent.

 

[GTP]

My 2016 latches fine from a 18" to 2' drop.
Trunk latches well, too.
(Read about trouble with both on this forum.)

The rubber stops help align the side seams. So if those are fine, then see if the latch itself is adjustable.

[Edit] Works fine from a 12" drop.

 

[ATLalien]

In my experience, most mustangs and a lot of Fords are just like this, and have been for years. Just drop from 15"-20" and it'll latch just fine. Sounds loud and excessive, but does no damage, assuming all the stops and alignment are correct.

 

[AR306]

I initially tried to drop it like 6'' or so and it didn't close correctly.. so I just remove the rod and let it fall Lol.. I sincerely doubt it'll get damaged.. if it does, bumper to bumper warranty baby..

 

[atekido]

ok thanks. Learning something new everyday with the Stangs lol

 

[TripleshotMcC]

The drop is harder to do when you have struts installed. Mine is quite tough to latch and when latched, it is slightly below grade on the front fascia. I think I read somewhere that the latch can be adjusted, but that it should be done by the body shop at Ford to make sure it's done right. I may have them look at it the next time I do an oil change. For now, I push down firm and steady on either side of the center ridge with a soft towel to close it.

 

[CommyO]

My hood is pretty heavy so I just drop it like a foot or 2 and let gravity do the work

 

[P4RKER]

i actually had to move my hood latch up as even with the stops all the way down i still had a very visible bow in the center. i moved it up about an eighth inch and realigned the stops and no issues since. I have since installed redline hood struts and have no issues with the hood closing still. max 8-12" drop is all thats needed.

 

[908ssp]

i actually had to move my hood latch up as even with the stops all the way down i still had a very visible bow in the center. i moved it up about an eighth inch and realigned the stops and no issues since. I have since installed redline hood struts and have no issues with the hood closing still. max 8-12" drop is all thats needed.

Same here. Took a couple tries to get it aligned right but now I just drop it with struts in place and it closes every time.

 

[Ultrakla$$ic]

Normal. I was just checking mine the other night about this same subject when I put my strut tower brace on since I didn't want to crease my hood.

 

[Socalmustang]

I had that same issue before, extremely hard to close.

Bought FR hood struts, no problem anymore and it looks way better than the cheap pop rod on there.

 

[jaxbusa]

I felt like I had to jump from the top ropes to slam mine down. I could also see the center of the hood around the latch was lower than the sides. The manual says to drop the hood from 12 inches. I ended up adjusting the latch. Mine was all the way down. I could barely slide my hand under the hood to release the safety latch. It's fine now.

 

[TripleshotMcC]

For you guys who adjusted your hood latch, how tough was it? How do you even access the fasteners to adjust it? I need to do this for sure, mine is just as you describe jaxbusa

 

[P4RKER]

For you guys who adjusted your hood latch, how tough was it? How do you even access the fasteners to adjust it? I need to do this for sure, mine is just as you describe jaxbusa

10 mm deep socket and about 10 minutes is all you need. Just make sure you don't drop anything down in because it is nearly impossible to get out.

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