Hi all.

Opened my hood/bonnet all the way, pulled the oil dipstick, turned around to wipe it off and my hood fell down closed with a big bang.

Luckily no tools on top of engine so no damage done. Counted my fingers and ordered new spring/gas struts as the old ones almost worn out after 20 years.

 

When opening, I let the force of the struts lift the bonnet/hood out of my hand. Silicone grease (Antenna grease) works wonders when applied to the strut rods. When closing, I really try to check for interference and drop the bonnet/hood from only about 6".
Yes, I understand that having said this, it is only a matter of time.

 

You can always put the hood in the 90-degree vertical service position to keep that from happening. Just be sure to run a couple of long bolts through the hinge holes so the hood cannot slam even in a high wind....

 

I'm with Jon. Don't laugh but it took me at least a year to find out the service position.

 

And... how does one do this?

 

Unclip the hydraulic struts at the bottom raise the bonnet and put a bolt through the hole in the hinges.

 

Gatorino, to add to Nori's excellent instructions, use a small flat head screwdriver to pull the silver clip back, releasing the strut. I've read countless stories of this clip flying off never to be found again so treat it carefully. I always press it back into secured position as soon as release occurs.

IMPORTANT: a single strut cannot hold hoods weight and you can't insert the securing bolt until both sides released. The the hood will close and the released strut is in the way. Have a basketball, an empty 5 gallon plastic gas tank or something to place on top of engine while you move to other side.
John