Hood Alignment: Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Adjust the hood without the hood latch.

Remove the hood latch. For additional information, refer to HOOD LATCH .

NOTE: It is not possible to adjust the rear of the hood to the height of the fender.

Fig 1: Loosening Screws Of Hood Hinge Approximately Half A Turn

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Loosen the screws of the hood hinge approximately half a turn.
Adjust the hood in the longitudinal direction.
1. Adjust the hood so that the rear edges of the fender and the edge of the hood line up.
2. Check that the clearances with the left and right-hand fenders run parallel and correct them if necessary.
  
  Fig 2: Adjusting Hood In Longitudinal Direction
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Adjust the clearances with the left and right-hand fenders.
- The clearances with the fenders must be the same width on the left and right-hand sides. The clearances can be equalized by opening the hood on the hood support rod and correcting by pressing it to the left or right.
Fig 3: Adjusting Clearances With Left And Right-Hand Fenders
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the screws.

Fig 4: Tightening Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The hood must rest uniformly on both bump stop rubbers.

Adjust the front of the hood to the height of the fenders.
- Adjust the hood to the height of the fenders with the bump stop rubbers.
  
  Fig 5: Adjusting Hood To Height Of Fenders With Bump Stop Rubbers
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The clearances and edge alignment must be correct before the hood latch is installed.

Install the hood latch. For additional information, refer to HOOD LATCH
- The hood latch must be installed so that the hood engages without stress and the clearances on the left and right-hand sides are not changed.