What are the reasons why the Volkswagen Tiguan hood cannot be closed?
2 Answers
If the hood cannot be closed, it may be due to the unlocking handle in the cabin being stuck and not returning to its original position, or the lock mechanism being rusted or obstructed by foreign objects. You can spray some rust remover or lubricant on the moving parts of the lock mechanism. If there has been a front-end collision, it might be caused by misalignment of the sheet metal components, resulting in the latch and lock mechanism not aligning properly. Below is some relevant information about the hood: 1. Introduction one: The hood is the most noticeable body component and one of the parts frequently inspected by car buyers. The main requirements for the hood are heat and sound insulation, lightweight, and high rigidity. 2. Introduction two: The hood is generally structured with an outer and inner panel, with heat insulation material sandwiched in between. The inner panel enhances rigidity, and its geometric shape is designed by the manufacturer, typically in a skeleton form. 3. Introduction three: When opened, the hood usually flips backward, though a small portion flips forward. A backward-flipping hood should open to a predetermined angle without contacting the windshield, maintaining a minimum gap of about 10 mm. To prevent the hood from opening unexpectedly due to vibration while driving, the front end of the hood is equipped with a safety lock hook mechanism. The lock mechanism switch is located under the dashboard in the cabin, and the hood should lock simultaneously when the doors are locked.
My Volkswagen Tiguan has been running for five years, and I've encountered the issue of the engine hood not closing several times. Most of the time, it's a problem with the locking mechanism, such as dust accumulation or insufficient lubrication leading to rust. I remember last winter when it was extremely cold, the latch got stuck and wouldn't budge no matter how hard I pushed. It turned out the hinge was misaligned. I managed to adjust the tension nuts on both hinges and sprayed some lubricant to fix it. The hood latch design on Volkswagens is a bit sensitive; when the shock-absorbing rubber pads age, the hood tilts and becomes harder to close. Sometimes, a loose chain cable or interference from a newly added engine guard can also be related. If the hood won't close, don't force driving—especially at high speeds where strong winds can lift the hood, risking injury or damage. I suggest new drivers follow my lead by regularly checking the latch area, cleaning out debris, and applying anti-rust grease as prevention. Wear and tear on older car parts is normal, but timely fixes can save major repair costs. Regular shop adjustments offer a better experience.
