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When you pull on the hood release, what makes the hood pop up. If I pull the release, then hold it, I can pull up on the hood, undo the safety catch and open the hood. but I can not get open by myself, because it does not pop up when released. 

 

Thanks

99 outback wagon

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I think the "pop" is caused by a spring releasing tension in the hood release. Sometimes, there is binding at the release that can be fixed by lubricating the mechanism. I have used spray can of white lithium grease to free up the bind. Give that a try. I bet it fixes your problem.

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Hi, try to see where the cable from the release lever enters the latch mechanism and give that area a good squirt with WD40 or can of your choice. This method worked on an old Impreza that had stood outside unused for 4 years.

Regards,

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I have greased it and adjusted it as much as I can with no success. Guess I will have to pull up on it as well. Took the car in for an alignment today and the subframe is bent. sent it to a frame shop. to see what the damage is....

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you need to get the lubricant worked into the latch mechanism - just spraying is sometimes not enough.

 

to work it in, you will need a helper and a screwdriver to push the latch closed - a #2 Phillips works well - and a GOOD penetrating lubricant. My personal preference is PB Blaster.

 

get the hood open and prop it up

 

Spray the latch mechanism thoroughly, then use the screwdriver to to push the latch closed (it will take a little effort), have your helper pull the release as you pull upward with the screwdriver - do this repeatedly, respraying every 2 or 3 times. You will know when it has loosened up because you wont need to 'pull up' anymore to open the latch, it will pop open on it's own. Spray it again to rinse out any loosened rust/dirt/debris. Once you get it loosened up, hit it with some good white lithium spray and it should last a long time.

Edited by heartless
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There is a spring that rotates a lever that pushes up on the latch part attached to the hood.  When you pull the hood latch the spring is now free to rotate and the lever pushes up on the part of the latch that is on the hood.  As mentioned above the area needs to be cleaned (brake cleaner is good) then use some PB blaster to remove any rust then lube it well with white lithium grease.

 

Check out this page for some photos

 

http://beergarage.com/SubyHoodLatch.aspx

Edited by Mike104
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It's important to make sure the latch is coming together centered, and that it's not binding on either side. Also, it helps to adjust (on some models) the rubber stops on the front corners of the core support, so they compress just slightly when the hood is fully latched. 

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The latch pops on it's own. I put just the part off of the hood in there, and it popped it right out. But not with it on the hood. Maybe alignment? i have not pulled it off of the car like in the link. I will do that. And maybe see if I can get some advice when i pick it up from the frame shop

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