Mopar 55255451AC Hood Latch

This is done by opening the hood, and using the prop rod to hold it in position then drawing marks around the new hood latch assembly to aid in alignment of the new latch. Thirdly, you have to take out the bolts, and then unbolt the latch assembly from the radiator support then, disconnect the release cable from the hood latch assembly. For installation, make sure the hood latch assembly fits into its marked position on the radiator support then put in the nuts and tighten them in order to ensure that the operation of the hood latch is smooth and as required adjust it until it assumes the right position. The cable can be removed by disconnecting it from the hood latch, unhooking it from the clips on the radiator support and taking out the left front kick panel inside the car to get access to the bolts of the handle of the hood release. You can now take out the bolts that connect the hood release handle/cable assembly to the cowl panel, then there is a push-in retainer coupled with a cable grommet that needs to be unclip from the firewall below the dash. Take a piece of heavy string or flexible wire and fix it to the engine compartment end of cables and then pull through the fire wall to the vehicle. For installation, take the string or wire and attach it to the new cable and using the same process reverse it back through the firewall in to the engine compartment then follow the rest of steps in reverse order.

Draw an ink line around the latch for help aligning and reinstalling the latch assembly. Also remove the attaching bolts that connect the latch to the radiator support, so you can use the marks as a reference. To change the hood latch position, first loosen the bolts holding it in place. Slide the latch where needed, and retighten the bolts. Try opening and closing the hood again to make sure it fits well. Start by unscrewing the hood release from its connector on the back of the latch assembly. Installation is just the reverse of these steps. When you remove the hood latch, disconnect the cable from it and pull the sliding connection into the car engine. Keep the loose cable end intact, and attach it later while pulling a long metal rod from the engine bay back through. To replace the cable, first disconnect it from every clamp in the engine area. If needed, you'll have to cut through some clamps. Once you're under the instrument panel, unscrew and remove the hood release handle, pushing the grommet loose as you go. Pull the cable through the firewall opening into the cab space. Unplug the old wiring from the old cable. When connecting the new cable's ends, remember to place a grommet on it. Keep pulling the cable inside the firewall while driving through the engine box. Then, insert the new grommet into the firewall. The final steps match what was done when taking out the curtain (installation: step 1.

Scribe a line around the latch to aid alignment when reinstalling the latch assembly. Remove the latch retaining bolts securing the latch to the radiator support and remove the latch. Disconnect the hood release cable by disengaging the cable from the back of the latch assembly. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Adjust the latch so the hood engages securely when closed and the hood bumpers are slightly compressed. Remove the hood latch, then detach the cable from the latch. Working in the engine compartment, detach the cable from all of its retaining clips. It may be necessary to cut some of the clips to free the cable. Working under the instrument panel, remove the screws and detach the hood release handle. Dislodge the grommet and pull the cable through the firewall and into the cab to remove it. Pull the new cable through the firewall and into the engine compartment. Seat the grommet in the firewall. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal.

Scribe a line around the latch to aid alignment when reinstalling the latch assembly. Remove the latch retaining bolts securing the latch to the radiator support and remove the latch. Disconnect the hood release cable by disengaging the cable from the back of the latch assembly. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Adjust the latch so the hood engages securely when closed and the hood bumpers are slightly compressed. Remove the hood latch, then detach the cable from the latch. Working in the engine compartment, detach the cable from all of its retaining clips. It may be necessary to cut some of the clips to free the cable. Working under the instrument panel, remove the screws and detach the hood release handle. Dislodge the grommet and pull the cable through the firewall and into the cab to remove it. Pull the new cable through the firewall and into the engine compartment. Seat the grommet in the firewall. The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal.