01 Prizm hood latch

"---MIKE---" wrote in message

The secondary hood latch on my Prizm was frozen in the open position.
The dealer freed it up somewhat but it is still very sluggish. How can
this be freed up? I have tried WD-40 and Lithium spray.


---MIKE---
>>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire
>> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580')


The pivot for the secondary latch is basically a rivet, and the latch is
pulled closed with a spring. In my experience, WD-40 is not an effective
lubricant, and it was actually designed to displace water ("WD" stands for
water displacing) from electrical components. WD-40 is good for loosening
up brand new Klein pliers and cutters, but I digress.

Try an aerosol penetrating fluid on the pivot to loosen it up, working the
latch back and forth as you do so. After the pivot is loosened, clean with
carburetor or brake cleaner and then try the L-P lubricant that Ph@Boy
suggested. Lithium grease has a tendency to attract dirt in tight spaces
like the inside of the pivot so the L-P or CRC stuff would be better.

If that doesn't work, you can close the hood up to the point where the
secondary latch would catch, then push the secondary catch closed manually,
and then push the hood shut.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: 01 Prizm hood latch 

Thank Ray - I'll try that.


---MIKE---
>>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire
>> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580')
 >> Stay informed about: 01 Prizm hood latch 

"---MIKE---" wrote in message

Thank Ray - I'll try that.


---MIKE---
>>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire
>> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580')
********
You're welcome and good luck!
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: 01 Prizm hood latch