Hood Panel - Difficult To Latch
76-96DATE: 11/94
MODEL: XJS Range 1994 - 1995 MY
From: VIN 190528
To: VIN 196254
SUBJECT:
Hood Panel - Difficult To Latch - Revised Latch and Hood Release Lever Guard Introduced - Service Action S448
ISSUE:
Difficulty in latching the "slam shut" hood on XJS vehicles from VIN 190528 to 196254. This condition is caused by friction in the latch pawl pivots.
Latches are now lubricated and revised latch back plates (cable end retaining brackets) are installed in production beginning with VIN 196255.
The revised latch back plate accomplishes the following:
^ Prevents the latch pawl from going over center
^ Increases the pawl return spring pressure to aid hood "pop-up" when the hood is released.
To prevent inadvertent operation of the hood release, a release lever guard was introduced in production at VIN 194776.
NOTE:
This Service Action is to be implemented with Service Action S447 described in Service Bulletin 84-11.
ACTION:
At the next service opportunity on all 1994 - 1995 MY XJS vehicles, perform the service action procedures as described below.
VIN 190528 - 194775
^ Fit hood release lever guard
^ Fit revised latch back plates and lubricate hood latch pawl pivots
^ Perform Service Action S447 as described in Service Bulletin 84-11
VIN 194776 - 196046
^ Fit revised hood latch back plates and lubricate hood latch pawl pivots
^ Perform Service Action S447 as described in Service Bulletin 84-11
VIN 196048 - 196254
^ Fit revised hood latch back plates and lubricate hood latch pawl pivots
IMPORTANT:
VIN 186000 - 194774 (4.0L) - Ensure that the automatic transmission tie strap securing the upper and lower transmission hoses behind the radiator has been removed as described in Technical Bulletin 44-22.
FITTING HOOD RELEASE LEVER GUARD:
1. Remove the lower bolt of the hood release lever.
Illustration 1:
2. Align the guard as shown in Illustration 1 and replace the lower bolt
FITTING LATCH BACK PLATES:
1. Mark the position of both hood latches on the engine compartment bulkhead.
Illustration 2:
2. Remove the two bolts holding the left side latch assembly to the bulkhead (Illustration 2).
3. Free the release cable from the latch back plate, then remove and discard the back plate.
Illustration 3:
4. Place the new latch back plate behind the latch in the position shown in Illustration 3. Insert the left side bolt through the back plate to use as a pivot
5. Rotate the right side of the latch down to "wind up" the latch spring and insert the right side bolt
6. Insert the hood release cables into the slots in the latch back plate.
7. Align the latch assembly to the marks on the bulkhead and tighten the mounting bolts.
8. Repeat steps number 2 through 7 for the right side latch assembly.
9. Grease the latch pawl springs and the pivot points on both latches with multipurpose grease.
10. Loosen the release cable clamp bolts on both latches. Pull the cable end of the right latch to remove any cable slack, release the cable. Tighten the right side cable clamp bolt first then tighten the left hand cable clamp bolt
11. Place body putty or "dumdum" on both latches as shown in Illustration 4.
Illustration 4:
12. Move the hood down until both hood pins make impressions in the putty. The hood pin impressions must be in the center of the latch cutouts (Illustration 4). If necessary, move the latch assembly left or right to center the latch cutout to the hood pin.
13. Close the hood. The comers of the hood must be flush with the adjoining bodywork Move the latch assemblies up or down to align the hood.
14. Open and close the hood to confirm latch adjustment and operation.
PARTS INFORMATION
CLAIM SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
Warranty summary codes have been assigned to this service action in order to simplify claim submission. The dealership will be reimbursed the labor time allowance and parts as indicated.
DCS Dealers
Submit claims using the appropriate summary code for the vehicle model and work performed. Follow standard campaign submission procedures.
Non-DCS Dealers
Submit claims on the Recall Campaign Summary form W-25. Enter the appropriate summary code for the vehicle model and work performed in the Repair Code column. Do not use the W-1 warranty claim form.