Hood Latch

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the hood latch assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including release cable disconnection and alignment verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hood latch assembly × 1 — Mopar 55077881AA or equivalent
• Hood release cable (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Open the hood fully and verify it is securely supported by the hood prop or struts.
2. Inspect the existing latch for damage, alignment issues, or cable condition to confirm the repair scope.
3. Have a helper available for final hood alignment verification after installation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the hood latch assembly
   Locate the hood latch assembly mounted to the radiator support at the front center of the vehicle. The latch is positioned behind the front grille area and is visible when the hood is open. Clear any debris or dirt from the mounting area for better access.
2. 2

   Disconnect the hood release cable
   Locate the hood release cable connection at the back of the latch mechanism. Compress the cable housing retainer clip and slide the cable housing out of its mounting bracket. Use needle nose pliers if necessary to reach the cable end. Disconnect the cable end from the latch lever by unhooking it from the slot. Note the cable routing for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove the latch mounting fasteners
   Remove the 2 bolts securing the hood latch assembly to the radiator support using a 10mm socket. The bolts are accessed from the top of the latch assembly. Support the latch as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from dropping.
4. 4

   Remove the hood latch assembly
   Lift the hood latch assembly up and away from the radiator support. Inspect the mounting surface on the radiator support for damage, corrosion, or bent metal that may affect latch alignment. Clean the mounting surface if necessary.
5. 5

   Inspect the hood striker and alignment
   With the latch removed, examine the hood striker (the loop attached to the underside of the hood) for wear, damage, or bending. The striker should be centered and aligned with the latch mounting location. If the striker is damaged or misaligned, it should be adjusted or replaced before installing the new latch.
6. 6

   Prepare the new hood latch
   Remove the new hood latch from packaging and compare it to the old unit to verify correct replacement part. Apply a small amount of white grease or lithium grease to the moving parts of the latch mechanism and the cable connection point to ensure smooth operation.
7. 7

   Install the new hood latch assembly
   Position the new hood latch onto the radiator support, aligning the mounting holes. Hand-thread both 10mm mounting bolts to hold the latch in position, but do not fully tighten yet to allow for alignment adjustment.
8. 8

   Reconnect the hood release cable
   Hook the hood release cable end onto the latch lever mechanism, ensuring it seats fully in the connection slot. Push the cable housing into the retainer bracket on the latch until the retainer clip clicks into place. Verify the cable moves freely and operates the latch mechanism smoothly by pulling on the cable.
9. 9

   Perform initial latch alignment
   Slowly lower the hood to check alignment between the hood striker and the latch. The striker should enter the latch opening centrally without binding. If misalignment is observed, loosen the latch mounting bolts and shift the latch position as needed. Repeat the test fit until proper alignment is achieved.
10. 10

    Tighten the latch mounting bolts
    Once alignment is confirmed, fully tighten both latch mounting bolts to approximately 7 ft-lbs if M6 (verify factory torque spec). Tighten them securely but avoid over-torquing to prevent cracking the mounting tabs. Test the latch operation by opening and closing the hood several times.
11. 11

    Verify hood release operation
    From inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle to verify it properly releases the latch. The hood should pop up slightly when released. If the release feels stiff or does not fully disengage the latch, check for cable binding or improper cable routing.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is completed during the installation steps above.
2. Ensure all mounting bolts are tight and the hood release cable is properly secured with no kinks or binding.
3. Apply additional lubrication to the latch mechanism after several open/close cycles if needed for smooth operation.

Verification

• Close the hood firmly and verify it latches securely without excessive force or misalignment.
• Pull the hood release from inside the vehicle and confirm the hood releases immediately without sticking.
• Lift the hood slightly after latching and attempt to open it without using the release to verify the latch is holding securely.
• Inspect the hood gaps and alignment with the front fenders to ensure the latch adjustment has not affected body panel fit.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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