small problem after installing the CAI

[mindpenn]

After installing the CAI last night the hood does not want to close all the way in.Its safe to drive since its not completely unlock but anyone could open it without pulling the release button from inside the car.

I took 2 pictures, maybe it will help.

I think the problem is here

Did I forget to do something?

Thank you.
Modified by mindpenn at 10:20 AM 8/27/2007

[jfanaselle]

It might sound kind of simple, and I'm not trying to insult because I've done it a million times myself - check that you didn't leave a wrench or other tool laying along the fenders under the hood or up against the firewall. Many times I've finished working under my hood only to slam it down and have it not shut all the way because a tool was sitting in there.

[Ever Victorious]

Also, along the same lines, check your hood prop. I've had it come out of its holder as I was closing the hood before, and the hood wouldn't go down as a result.

[mindpenn]

Yes, that was the first thing I did... look for any tool in the way. So far I haven't found the reason for not closing.

I press it down and it pops up.

At the moment I am driving it, but I would feel much more safer if I can get it to lock in place.

Is not going to open while I am driving but anyone can open the hood.





Thank you for the help!
Modified by mindpenn at 10:21 AM 8/27/2007

[Nismo V]

that's interesting first time seeing hood latch malfunction, does the intake have rub marks from the hood, try removing the top portion of the intake behind the battery and see if this solves the issue if it does try adjusting the intake tubing, it could be that your intake may be pushing up the hood you can tell if it shows rub marks on the intake, if not you may have some other problem with the hood latch.

[Clipsed]

WOW I would NOT suggest driving like that. My hood on my sidekick was latched, but not locked, and it came up on me on the freeway. Luckily it did not crack my windshield which surprised me, but it did crack the hinges, and the hood warped. It is not fun if that hood comes up on you while driving, so be VERY careful!

[mindpenn]

Clipsed,

I did check and double check before I drove home (since I was in my brothers garage when I installed the CAI).

As far as I can tell the hood is locked by the release key (you know that little piece of metal that you have to press to open the hood).

But the main one (the one that you have to pull inside the car) does not want to lock.

I need to re-adjust the intake to see if that is the problem, just like Nismo V said.

Thanks for the warning, I ain't going to the freeway like this.

On a good note I like the CAI, I do feel the difference. But the main reason why I bought it was for fuel economy.

[Clipsed]

yes I know what you mean, that was how mine was, and it is now costing me a lot of money to fix the damage, I am just suggesting to you to fix it before driving it, but it is ultimately up to you. GL.

[CodeRed]

Clipsed, your sig is too big. Thanks.

[versaspeed.com]

This happened to me once also and to be honest I forgot how I fixed it BUT you might try having somebody pull the hood release and keep it pulled as you close the hood....just maybe that will reset it.

[mindpenn]

We also tried doing this, but I will try again tomorrow.

I re-adjusted the CAI just in case that was the problem but is not.I will keep trying tomorrow.

Thank you all for the help.

[jfanaselle]

might be time to throw the stock air box back in and take it to the dealer. It could just be an unrelated (or even related) malfunction of the hood latch mechanisim. However, I'm with Clipsed - I certainly wouldn't drive the vehicle with the hood like that. The piece that is holding your hood down now is only a safety latch - it's meant to keep your hood in place for a short period of time if your main latch malfunctions. Every time you hit a bump in the road, the hood is rattling up and down, putting too much pressure on the latch itself and the piece it hooks to on the hood. It'll only be matter of time before you hit a bump big enough to either bend or break enough metal and it'll fly up on you. Sounds like Clipsed was lucky - this is actually a very serious thing and can kill you or someone else if you're traveling at highway speeds. I used to be a firefighter and one time I rolled up on a traffic collision that was a single vehicle roll-over as a result of the hood flying up. All 3 occupants in the vehilce were killed.

[mindpenn]

I agree its dangerous and I am driving on 40mile/hr (or less) roads. I "secured" the latch with some hooks just to make sure if it does pop open it has another layer of "security".

hhhmm, so if I take the car to the dealer with the CAI it would like bad on their eyes?

Another thing I tried doing:

I also removed that spring you see in the first pic and the latch did close.

[Clipsed]

well my last suggestion would be to remove the CAI and isolate your problem. Maybe it is something else, that happened during installation of the CAI.

[mindpenn]

Done.

I took the CAI and the hood still won't close.

Can I just leave the CAI installed when I do to the dealer?Do I have to put back the old parts every time I go to the dealer for maintenance ?

Also, I don't know if you noticed but the instructions in the CAI are wrong.If you have the instructions look at page #3

Mount, Rubber 1'' x 6mm Part# 1228599Mount, Rubber 5/8'' x 6mm Part# 1228598

The the graph on page #3 it shows Part# 1228598 attached to the lower inlet pipe (the arm that holds the filter) and Part# 1228599 on the top holding the Upper inlet pipe.

Now go to page #7 step H, it says Attach the 1'' rubber mount in the fender well. Step J, insert the lower inlet pipe. Align the lower bracket to the 1'' rubber mount.

[Clipsed]

my suggestion would be put it back to stock under the hood before taking it to the dealer. But that is just my suggestion.

[mindpenn]

I'll take your suggestion!Don't want any trouble with the dealer.Thank you!

[Clipsed]

np mp haha I like that 1!