Ford 8L8Z-16700-A Hood Latch Assembly

Mark the position of the latch to aid in alignment on installation by drawing alignment marks around the hood hinges to ensure proper alignment of the hood when it's reinstalled. On 2004 models, remove the mounting nut. On 2005 and later models, loosen the nut but don't remove it. Remove the hood latch mounting bolts. Release the Hood Cable outer sleeve, then unhook the end of the Hood Cable. Remove the latch. Installation is the reverse of removal. Adjust the latch so that the hood engages securely when closed and the hood bumpers are slightly compressed. Working in the passenger compartment, remove the driver's side kick panel. Lift the hood release handle lever upward, then rotate the Hood Cable housing end and disengage the Hood Cable from the hood release handle. If the handle lever needs to be replaced, remove the handle mounting bolts to release it from the instrument panel. Attach a piece of thin wire or string to the end of the cable. Working in the engine compartment, disconnect the Hood Cable from the latch assembly. Unclip all the cable retaining clips on the radiator support and the inner fender well.

After every 3000 miles or three months, the hinges and latch assemblies of the doors, bonnet and boot (boot) need to be lubricated with a few drops of light oil or lock lubricant. For the latch strikers, they must also contain a little grease in order to prevent wear and tear and also provide smooth movements. The door locks as well as trunk (or liftgate likewise) can be sprayed with graphite lubricant to ease movement.

To install new hood latches for vehicles 2005 or newer, draw lines around the hood hinges before you start, so you can exactly place the latch back later. Only undo, but do not remove, the nut, then remove the bolts that hold the hood latch in place. Pull the insulating plastic tube off the latch cable, disconnect its end, and take out the latch. To install the hood, line everything up again, push down on the bumper until the hood latches stay in place when you shut it. Inside the passenger cabin, take off the driver kick panel, lift the hood release handle lever, turn the cable housing end, and pull the cable out from the handle. Pull off the mounting bolts if needed, first from the dashboard, to take off the hood release handle completely. Before starting, attach a wire or string to the end of the cable. Inside the engine area, take out the Hood Cable from the latch on its holder. Also detach every small wire holding the cable in place on the radiator support's back and fender well.