For some reason the hood on the passenger side of my 96 VDP won’t latch and remains open.

I found that the spring had been disconnected (probably came untreated due to age). I tightened it back to onto the hood but it still won’t latch into its safe position.

Anyone ever come across this before?

 

possibly out of adjustment.
needs to be aligned properly in place and the spring/striker needs to be tightened the correct amount.

other option is the catch isn't catching and needs to be cleaned and greased or replaced.

 

G’day Ashton,

I’d start by comparing closely the functional latch and plunger with the dodgy one to see whether there is any obvious difference such as broken or missing bits and then adjust the spring loaded plunger to be the same as the good one.

Next stick some masking tape over the suspect latch an gently lower the bonnet/hood until the plunger starts to contact the masking tape and you will be able to see whether the plunger is centered over the latch opening. If it isn’t you should be able to slightly loosen the latch securing bolts and reposition the latch so that the plunger is centered over the latch opening. The plunger can also be loosened and repositioned to centre it.

Try the masking tape trick again and hope for the best.

I had a problem with both my latches releasing on really bumpy roads and I tried all the above procedure and eventually achieved success.

Cheers,
Jeff.

 

Wanted to thank you for your help with this one. I was able to readjust the plunger - I suspect it was as a result as what you mentioned, "bumpy roads".

I was able to get it sorted in my driveway, and thus far, it's been fine.