Volkswagen Repair: hood latch, crash sensors, hood latch


Question
Where is the hood latch on a 2005 volkswagon convertible?

Answer
The hood release is next to the "kick panel" on the drivers' side of the car, under the steering wheel, and the cable from there goes up to the front of the hood, immediately beneath the VW symbol.  If the hood release is stuck, have some one hold the hood down while you pull the release inside the car.  Then, there is a "second/safety release that is a little "finger" made of plastic that normally pops out when the hood release inside is actuated.  If that little finger doesn't pop out on its' own then it is stuck between the bumper cover (all plastic, painted body color) and the radiator core support/"lock carrier."  If you lift the hood with your fingers, and use a flashlight to find the safety release, then push down slightly on the hood to release the pressure on the safety release you should be able to push it back, and pry it up past the opening it seems to be stuck in between the lock carrier, and the body colored bumper cover.  This has happened to me when inspecting a brand new car before, but once it is pryed out of the space there, it usually is fixed for a good long time, and doesn't happen again.  If it does happen all the time, I'd have to say that the bumper cover has been removed, and not replaced correctly.  The bumper cover has to come off to access the front crash sensors for the airbag system, and once removed, needs several people with flashlights, and patience to reorient the cover so this problem you are having doesn't happen.  I certainly hope this helps you get your hood open, and there are no further concerns.  Thank you for your patience.