Genuine Dodge Neon Hood

Dodge Neon Hood Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Hood Panel
  5012442AD
  Q: How do you properly remove and install a hood on Dodge Neon?

  A: Use blankets or pads to cover the cowl area of the body and both Fenders to protect the body and paint when lifting off the hood. Open the hood and support it on the prop rod. Scribe alignment marks around the bolt heads to ensure proper alignment during installation, using a permanent-type felt-tip marker or a marking pen to outline the hinge plate and bolt heads. Disconnect any hoses or electrical wire harnesses that may interfere with removal, detaching the washer hose before proceeding. Have an assistant support one side of the hood while you support the other, and simultaneously remove the hood-to-hinge bolts before lifting off the hood. Installation follows the reverse order of removal. Adjust the hood by moving it in relation to the hinge plate after loosening the bolts, ensuring a 5/32-inch gap to the front fenders and that it is flush with the top surface. Scribe or trace a line around the entire hinge plate to judge the amount of movement, then loosen the bolts and make small adjustments to achieve correct alignment, tightening the hinge bolts and carefully lowering the hood to check the alignment. Adjust the hood bumpers on the radiator supports so the hood is flush with the fenders when closed by screwing the bumpers in or out. The latch assembly can also be adjusted up and down and side to side after loosening the bolts. Periodically lubricate the hood latch assembly and hinges with white lithium-based grease to prevent sticking and wear.