The hood on my 1982 XJ6 keeps popping open. I have replaced and adjusted the spring/shaft parts the hang down off the hood to no avail. It is driving me crazy. Do I need to replace the catch or is there an alternative taht anyone knows of?

Submitted by robnorton@att.net on Wed, 02/19/2014 - 11:18

I used John Smith's method for this nagging problem, with the exception of needing to build up pin edges, and it fixed "pop-up" problem on my Series III XJ12

Rob Norton
Sacramento Jaguar Club

Submitted by hardalada@yaho… on Sun, 12/02/2012 - 19:36

I have just been coping with this problem on my 1972 S1 XJ6.
Unbolt both the pins from the bonnet (hood).
Note the length bolted into the hole in the bonnet, this is a ballpark amount to achieve latching later.
Disassemble each pin into it's components, noting the order they assemble in. Examine the pin itself, and you will notice that the edge at the back of the head of that pin will have rounded edges where it has worn.
Get someone capable of using a TIG or Mig welder to build up this edge, then grind it flat to restore the sharp edge. Also grind lightly to make the pin round again.
Now you have a round, sharp-edged pin to reassemble and bolt back into the hood to the depth you noted on unbolting it . Tighten locknut.
DON'T shut the hood yet.
Cover each hole that contains the locking mechanism on the body with a length of duct tape. Dab a good smear of grease all over the head of the nicely contoured pin and collar holding back the spring.
Lower the hood slowly until the pins contacts the duct tape.
Raise the hood,check if the head of the pin is centered in the tape covering the hole as outlined by the grease mark.
If not, take a rubber mallet and belt the pins in the direction required to centre them in the holes.
Check alignment again. when both are aligned you can close the bonnet in the Jaguar approved way.
Then check for tightness of hood against the rubber edges to achieve a rattle free fit.
If you have to tighten things up a bit, loosen the locknut on the pin, screw the bolt in , tighten lock nut and recheck with tape and grease.
If you have belted the pin a reasonable amount, and not screwed it in 360 degrees, there will now be a different "lean' on it and it will need recentring.
Once centred by this method I can guarantee it will not pop up again unless you command it to do so by pulling the release.

Submitted by NE48-24099 on Wed, 11/14/2012 - 11:37

Richard, as the car is 30 years old, I believe that the integrity of the inner fenders are starting to give way due to rust and fatigue. I would suggest that you adjust to lengthen the the centering pins for a start. you will find that the hood although raised will not pop. Then keep adjusting and shortening the pin length adjustment until the hood starts to pop. Then go back to the setting where the hood did not pop. Then consider if you can live with the raised hood misfit if any.
Good luck.

Submitted by SC20-30420CJ on Wed, 11/14/2012 - 10:42

It's a common issue Richard. It helps to take the latch assemblies off the car and dissamble and clean the old grease off of them. Lubricate them to geet them sliding easily again and put them back on the inner fender.