Is my hood latch wonky or am I doing something wrong?

[Blue Ridge]

Just popped the hood to show the engine to a friend and now the driver’s side latch won’t close tightly. I’ve tried doing each side first, opened and closed several times but keeps doing this:

It’s functioning and holds the hood closed, but is not lining up properly.

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[ScottLars]

Mine does the same thing just not quite as bad.

 

[Jay Gatsby]

Did you try and loosen up the bolts to adjust it? Or does it look like something is bent?

 

[Blue Ridge]

Did you try and loosen up the bolts to adjust it? Or does it look like something is bent?

I’m out of town at a wedding but can mess with it when I get home. Nothing appears bent, and I wasn’t looking closely when I unlatched it so can’t say if it was like this before.

 

[Blue Ridge]

So I took it in to the dealership today. After "working on it" for an hour, they said nothing could be done about it. One tech literally joked, "That's Chrysler for ya." So I guess my follow up question is, what's the best aftermarket hood latch?

 

[Professor_Chaos]

Go to another dealer. They just acknowledged something was wrong but they don't know how to fix it. That's how I read it anyhow.

I guess if you just want to diy and avoid the bother, I'd probably look at the locking latches, just to have the option. Some gun metal ss latches would look sweet on yours imo

 

[Blue Ridge]

I don't mind spending some $ on the latches if it is an upgrade from what comes from the factory. Just mind-blowing that something that seems so simple "can't" be fixed. I may hit another dealership but my inclination is to just find another part and replace them myself.

 

[AZJT]

I did the Sukemichi locking hood latches; ordered from Amazon. They look very much like the OEM latches, although they lock. $50, easy install.

 

[Professor_Chaos]

I don't mind spending some $ on the latches if it is an upgrade from what comes from the factory. Just mind-blowing that something that seems so simple "can't" be fixed. I may hit another dealership but my inclination is to just find another part and replace them myself.

I hear ya, personally I probably wouldn't of bothered with the first stop, other than maybe to see if I could score some free latches just to have.

I've thought of upgrading myself as the stock latches, although seemingly sufficient, don't do it for me... though, I've had my hood pinned to my windshield driving 80+ down I95 because of a failed hood latch so my fear is trauma induced more than anything else.

I haven't pulled the trigger on any yet so happy to see what turns up here.

 

[Blue Ridge]

The thought of locking latches has some appeal, but I need another key in my life like I need a hole in my head. Same reason I've never ordered a locking gas cap; I'd feel like I had to keep it in the Jeep console and it it ever got lost or stolen I'd be up the creek. I ordered Rugged Ridge in black stainless steel for $105. Should be here Wednesday and I should get them put on the same day if work isn't too crazy. Will give an update whenever I get them put on.

 

[IamAlan]

You've had the truck what, two months? And the hood latch is broken? And the Dealer laughs, makes a bad joke, and shrugs it off?
Ef that SOB. It's a legit warranty claim. I'd escalate it.

 

[Kevin_D]

I did the Sukemichi locking hood latches; ordered from Amazon. They look very much like the OEM latches, although they lock. $50, easy install.

The manufacturer uses low-grade stainless steel on those, and they rust.

Kevin

 

[Blue Ridge]

You've had the truck what, two months? And the hood latch is broken? And the Dealer laughs, makes a bad joke, and shrugs it off?
Ef that SOB. It's a legit warranty claim. I'd escalate it.

It didn't break, they were both installed crooked from the factory. Not that that's better, just getting the facts out there. I've ordered aftermarket ones and I'm hoping they'll work and I'll never have to think about it again. It's just unacceptable that the dealership couldn't do anything.

 

[Professor_Chaos]

It didn't break, they were both installed crooked from the factory. Not that that's better, just getting the facts out there. I've ordered aftermarket ones and I'm sure they'll work fine, it's just unacceptable that the dealership couldn't do anything.

I have to say, this is confusing. If the latch didn't break... so installed crooked...

Ok... is another latch gonna fix it then? I'm trying to understand installed crooked. This is sounding like a new hood to actually fix. Hope not.

 

[Blue Ridge]

That thought crossed my mind but I won't know until I try to get the new ones on. REALLY hoping it's not an issue where they drilled holes off center and therefore nothing will go on straight. If that's the case, I'll escalate. Though REALLY hoping for a $100 fix.

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