98' 4runner - my hood will not shut correctly - it does not lock down (as matter of fact I failed NJ inspection because of it) I have to stick a screwdriver in there an pop the latch over.

I removed the hood latch assembly and degreased it but still have the problem.

I think my hood release cable may be the problem, when I pull the latch release under the dash it sticks "out" (I dont think that is right I am pretty sure it is supposed to snap closed) I guess there may be too much slack in the cable.

I see no way to adjust the slack out of the cable though?

 

No adjustment. I would say the cable has rusted (being in NJ) and will either need lubed, or replaced.

 

Yep,you need a cable.

 

btw i would check the latch to make sure its not rusted as well. If the latch doesn't spring back, it wont pull the cable back.

If fact, on second reading of your problem, i would suspect the latch being rusted is actually the culprit.

 

Yeah, I did'nt think of it that way, thanks all!

 

My 98 4runner has the same problem and has been like that for a couple of years. I have used tons of lube and penetrating oil on it and had some one help me keep resetting it as I worked it in, only to have it sieze up again in a couple of days. I just keep a large screwdriver beside the drivers seat now and have taught everyone in the family where to push the latch if they ever have to open it.

 

I have the same issue with my '02. Lubing doesn't seem to help, and I have to stick a screw driver in there to snap the latch back. It would be nice if there was an easy fix for this.