Ford 4C3Z-16612-AA Hood Assembly

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. Make marks or scribe a line around the hood hinge for proper alignment during installation. Disconnect any cables or wires that may interfere with removal. Have an assistant support one side of the hood while you support the other, and simultaneously remove the hinge-to-hood bolts before lifting off the hood. Installation is the reverse of removal. For adjustment, fore-and-aft and side-to-side alignment of the hood can be achieved by moving the hinge plate slot after loosening the bolts or nuts. Scribe a line around the hinge plate to determine the amount of movement, then loosen the bolts or nuts and adjust the hood into the correct position, tightening the hinge bolts afterward to check the fit. If necessary, the entire hood latch assembly 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 hood latch mounting bolts for reference, loosen them, reposition the latch assembly, and retighten the bolts before checking the fit. 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.

You need at least two people to gently lift the hood or rear gate from the outside due to their great weight. Unscrew the clips on both ends of the support strut using a tiny screwdriver. Pull the strut free when you pry or pull hard. Your assistant should watch while you pull and remove the clip from the hood or liftgate's locking slot. Installation is the reverse of removal.