New To Volvo's and looking to fix my hood latches

jboncher01 · Post by **jboncher01** » 26 Sep 2021, 15:10

Picked up a 97 850 GLT and the hood only closes with the safety latches. It won't actually close all the way and was wondering if anyone had any clue how to get it to cooperate.

Post by **Sveedy** » 26 Sep 2021, 15:34

Welcome jboncher - So is the inside release handle, the cables and latches all there ? If so what happens when you pull the lever ?
If it all seems to be working, then does it feel like the latches just don't engage when you push on the hood to close it ?

Post by **Sveedy** » 26 Sep 2021, 15:51

It looks like there is a bolt that you can loosen and then adjust the latches up or down. Seems kind of weird that both latches are not engaging at all.

jboncher01 · Post by **jboncher01** » 27 Sep 2021, 11:13

All the stuff under the dash is there. I need to check it out more thoroughly though. And yes pushing down on the hood doesn't make it latch. I think the release inside might not be retracting.

Post by **scot850** » 27 Sep 2021, 11:44

Be careful when adjusting the latches. Get it wrong and you have a stuck hood you will have difficulty opening.

There are adjustments on the latched to allow you to move the height of the latch up and down.

I would recommend removing the headlights and sidelights to allow access to manually release the latches if you over adjust them and the won't release.

Headlights are easy to remove although on the 850 you have to remove the plastic trim under them first which is a challenge to not break them.

As Sveedy mentioned, check everything works first. Lube the latches and then you can press the latches down without closing the hood and see if pulling the release leaver allows them to pop loose before trying to latch the hood down or adjust.

Good Luck!

Neil.

Post by **foggydogg** » 27 Sep 2021, 15:50

Neil just said what I would do; with the hood safely in the air, use a small screwdriver or some such to push the latches into the closed position, then try the cable release inside.
I agree with sveedy, it's odd neither latch is engaging.
Have a helper pull the handle while you watch the drivers side to see what, if anything, moves. That cable is well known for stretching through old age. It is adjustable at the handle but if all else fails it's still available from Mother Volvo.
And welcome to our little Tribe.

Post by **Clemens** » 28 Sep 2021, 11:52

Here is a link on how to make an emergency release. Do this first, it should come in handy if you end up with the possible stuck hood situation during adjustment mentioned earlier.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=92045&p=572497#p572497