My hood latch cable was breaking so I replaced the cable and the interior lever assembly (also rerouted the cable inside the area not directly above the fender liner). When I put everything back together, the hood will not lock. When I push the hood down, it only latches onto the first latch but not all the way down so it locks. The cable is on correct from both ends. Could the lock/latch assembly itself be messed up and needs replacing? This is on a 92 hatch.

 

I just figured out the problem. Didn't realize that the hood latch mechanism has some adjustment play when tightening the 3 bolts. I had to loosen them and move the entire latch a little bit higher. Too bad it is pretty much impossible to get to the bottom left bolt without removing the bumper again (I do not feel like removing it after just putting everything back on). After just loosening the one bolt on the right of the assembly, I was able to lift up the right side of the assembly enough for the hood to lock on it.
Does anyone know if I will run into any problems with the latch assembly not completely level?

 

Might cause a little wear on the one side of the hood hook. That is if it is rubbing due to the angle of the latch. Other than that, I don't believe there is much issue.

 

Additionally, the latches need a shot of lubricant about once a year, too.

 

I finally got around to loosening all 3 hood latch bolts again and moving the latch a bit. I tried raising it up to almost its highest point and I realized it has the ability to be moved in all 4 directions.
I can't seem to find the right adjustment. It is latching just fine now, but when it is closed I see a little too much space between the hood and the front bumper, and a little too much play there.

Reading the owners manual, I noticed that they do not give specific instructions. If my hood latch was aligned fine before I replaced the cable, I am reluctant to adjust the black hood edge cushions.

Does anyone know the proper method to find the correct position of the hood latch?

 

There is no method as far as I know. Trial and error.