Buy Chevrolet (Chevy) Equinox Hood Latch

Overview

The hood latch-also called a hood lock, bonnet catch, or hood release latch-keeps the Chevrolet Equinox's hood closed while you drive and lets you open it for service. It works with a safety (secondary) catch that stops the hood from flying up if the main catch slips. Because a loose or rusty latch can let the hood pop up and block your view, automakers and safety groups treat this small part as a big deal. (NHTSA, Popular Mechanics)

How It Works

The latch sits at the front edge of the hood and grabs a metal "striker" bar on the body. When you pull the inside handle, a cable moves the primary catch; a spring then lifts the hood slightly so you can move the secondary catch by hand. (cdn.dealereprocess.org)

Fit & Years

• 2010-2025 Equinox models share the same basic latch layout, but GM updated part numbers after mid-2013 and again for the 2018 redesign. (NHTSA Static, CarComplaints.com)
• Check your build month; GM service bulletins list small bracket and bolt changes that require matching hardware. (NHTSA Static)

Common Problems

• Sticking or rust: Corrosion dries out the mechanism, making the hood hard to open or close. (Popular Mechanics)
• Broken inside cable: GM issued TSB PI-1043 series for 2012-2017 Equinox models when the release cable snapped or detached. (CarComplaints.com, CarComplaints)
• Improper gap: If the hood is mis-aligned, wind pressure can overload the striker wire and snap it-leading to recalls on various GM hoods. (Asbury Automotive Group)
• Latch-open warning light stays on: Often traced to a mis-seated safety catch switch. (CarComplaints.com)

Warning Signs

• Hood sits higher on one side.
• You must slam the hood to make it click.
• A "hood open" message shows on the dash when driving. (, YouTube)
• Rattling or clunk near the grille at highway speed. (Popular Mechanics)

Safety & Rules

U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 113 says every front-opening hood needs either a two-position latch or a separate safety catch. (NHTSA) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also visually checks hood systems during compliance tests. (NHTSA) Recent recalls-including one covering 1.8 million vehicles for unlatched hoods-show why inspections matter. (Reuters)

DIY Replacement

1. Disconnect the battery to avoid accidental fan starts.
2. Remove upper grille trim and bumper fascia screws to reach the latch bolts (usually three 10 mm). (NHTSA Static)
3. Unclip the release cable and switch plug.
4. Install the new latch, centering the striker in the opening; torque bolts to 96 lb-in (GM spec).
5. Test both catches and adjust hood bump-stops until the front edge sits flush. (Popular Mechanics)

Maintenance Tips

• Spray the latch twice a year with penetrating oil, then coat with white lithium grease.
• Keep the drain holes at the hood leading edge clear to reduce rust. (cdn.dealereprocess.org)
• Wipe grime off the safety hook whenever you change oil.

Cost & Time

Mobile-mechanic data show an average Equinox hood-latch job costs about $140 ($45 parts + $95 labor) and takes under one hour. (YourMechanic)

Troubleshooting Steps

← scroll table horizontally →

Glossary

• Primary catch: First lock that holds the hood.
• Secondary/Safety catch: Backup hook you move by hand.
• Striker bar: Metal loop the latch grabs.
• Bonnet catch: Another name for hood latch (common outside the U.S.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I lubricate the hood latch?
A: About every six months or whenever you wash the engine bay to prevent rust and sticking. (Popular Mechanics)

Q: Can I drive if the safety catch works but the main latch is broken?
A: No. Even the safety catch can fail under highway wind loads, risking a sudden hood fly-up. (NHTSA)

Q: My inside release cable snapped-how do I open the hood?
A: Reach through the grille with a long screwdriver to move the latch lever, then replace the cable as covered in GM TSB PI-1043. (CarComplaints.com, CarComplaints.com)

Q: Are there any recalls for Equinox hood latches?
A: GM issued service updates for striker-wire heat-treat issues on certain models; check your VIN at the NHTSA site. (Asbury Automotive Group, NHTSA Static)

Q: What tools do I need to change the latch?
A: 10 mm socket, trim-clip remover, flat screwdriver, and torque wrench capable of 8 ft-lb.

Q: Why does my hood rattle after a front-end repair?
A: The body shop may have set the hood-to-grille gap too wide, over-loading the latch at speed. Realignment fixes the noise. (, Asbury Automotive Group)

Q: Will a faulty latch trigger other warning lights?
A: Yes; the hood-ajar switch often ties into the security and remote-start systems, stopping remote start if the hood seems open. (cdn.dealereprocess.org)

Q: Is a latch failure covered by warranty?
A: Within the basic bumper-to-bumper period, GM covers latch defects but not rust from lack of maintenance. Ask your dealer for specifics. (NHTSA Static)

Q: Can I upgrade to a stainless striker?
A: Aftermarket stainless kits exist, but make sure the striker diameter matches the GM latch spec to ensure proper engagement. (Popular Mechanics)

• Reuters