The hood is heavy and somewhat awkward to remove and install, so at least two people should perform this procedure. Begin by using blankets or pads to cover the cowl area of the body and
Fenders to protect the paint. Have a grease pencil, marking paint, or a scribe handy to make marks or scribe a line around the
Hood Hinge for proper alignment during installation. If equipped, disconnect any cables, wires, or windshield washer hoses that may interfere with the hood's removal, as well as the hood support struts, using a small screwdriver to remove the ball and socket retainer from the strut. With the support struts removed, have an assistant hold the hood open. Support one side of the hood while your assistant supports the other, and simultaneously remove the hinge-to-hood nuts, using your shoulder to support the hood while removing the bolts. Lift off the hood, ensuring to mark the hinge bolts to the fender area if replacing the hood hinge for correct alignment during reinstallation. The installation process is the reverse of removal. The air induction bezels are held in place by plastic clips, which can be released with a flat trim tool to remove the bezel trim plates; to install, line up the bezel with the opening and press it into place. For adjustment, the fore-and-aft and side-to-side positioning of the hood can be modified by moving the hinge plate slot after loosening the bolts or nuts. Mark around each hinge plate to determine the amount of movement, then loosen the bolts or nuts and adjust the hood into the correct alignment, tightening the hinge bolts afterward. If necessary, the
Hood Latch can be adjusted up-and-down and side-to-side on the radiator support to ensure the hood closes securely and flush with the fenders; mark around the latch mounting bolts, loosen them, reposition the latch, and retighten the bolts, checking the fit afterward. Finally, adjust the hood bumpers on the radiator support to ensure the hood is flush with the fenders when closed, and periodically lubricate the hood latch assembly and hinges with white lithium-base grease to prevent binding and wear.