HELP!!! hood won't close

[sumadaz]

The title basically tells it all but I'll explain. I was heading out this morning and my friend needed a jumpstart. Being the good guy that I am I went by to help. It's like 18 deg. outside and I popped the hood just fine however, after we got his car started I went to shut my hood and now it won't shut all the way. The manual latch that you pull up holds but the hood latches don't seem to grab. I don't think the cable is snapped but maybe the latches are done for. Please help me.

[tdwyatt]

have your buddy pull the hood release while you look down into the opening for the hood pins. Make sure they are moving, if not, get a new release cable

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...48&hg=41&fg=35

Sometimes the cold will make the metal of the fasteners shrink enough to break loose, it may just be a loose cable, or that the latch itself (when the latching pin connects) is locked in place due to lack of lube or simply the cold. Try a little PB blaster and the hot setting of a hairdryer (not while spraying the lube!) before replacing the cable or latch.

HTH

[dcroghan]

I would try taking out the quart of oil that you left in it..




j/k the guy above me has a good idea.

[Casebrius]

mine has been doing this for a while. you'll probably have to look for the catch wire in the hole that the hood pins set into and pull it to the left some with a sharp object. (I've been using a cork screw) Try some penetrating oil and hopefully it will start moving back on its own. If not, see xjeeper's DIY on replacement.

[sumadaz]

Thanks guys, I'll have to try this tomorrow.

[sumadaz]

mine has been doing this for a while. you'll probably have to look for the catch wire in the hole that the hood pins set into and pull it to the left some with a sharp object. (I've been using a cork screw) Try some penetrating oil and hopefully it will start moving back on its own. If not, see xjeeper's DIY on replacement.

could you explain this a little more because i cant seem to find that catchwire?

[Balthazarr]

could you explain this a little more because i cant seem to find that catchwire?

There is a center cable that connects both lower hood catches together.
Look inside the holes where the hood pins fit and there should be a horizontal slide/guillotine-like thing on both that closes on the pins.
They should move when you pull the cable from inside the car.
That's what holds the hood closed.