So this is for a 1994 Civic EX coupe. When I shut the hood, no matter if I set it down and push down on it, or try to let it “drop” down to shut it, it doesn’t fully click shut. If I leave the hood down resting on the hood latch sitting still a few days then sometimes I can push it shut.
I’m assuming the hood latch isn’t springing back to place after I pull the hood latch cable. I have no problems pulling the hood cable and opening the hood, but the cable doesn’t seem to have any tension on it that usually should make the hood release handle go back into its position strait up and down. After pulling the hood handle, it stays at a 45degree angle or at 90 degrees, and I have to push it down to the vertical position.
I’ve tried putting grease on the hood latch under the center of the hood, that helped a little but the problem persists.
So I think it’s the hood latch. Where can I buy a new one for a ‘94 Civic EX coupe?

 

Those hood latches can get gummed up quick. Take it out and completely clean it and re-grease it. If it doesn't move freely, then id say it is toast. If it does move freely, go ahead and reinstall and adjust it correctly. I also recommend replacing the hood release cable too. May as well...if the interior lining of the cable gets jacked, it can cause the cable to stick as well.

If you really want to replace the latch, there are aftermarket latches on RockAuto...about $10-12. Or you can source one at a salvage yard or eBay.

Rock Auto --> https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=10747&jsn=840

 

Mine was acting up. Sprayed it with Teflon lube and all was good.

 

I would do as suggested above and try cleaning it with a soak in a solvent to remove the gummed up grease. Then re-grease and reinstall.

If you do decide to buy new, it's part number 74120-SR3-A01 and it looks like there are some available on eBay.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. I’m going to try the Teflon lube first, which is easiest, and see if that clears up the sticking.
If that doesn’t work I’ll try to remove it and soak it in solvent, then re-grease it.
Then, I’ll look to buy one from Ebay or Rock auto if mine doesn’t work.

 

I also had this issue with my 99 Civic - it was the cable from the inside latch that seemed to be sticking but it seems to have resolved itself - either that or I'm just more careful these days when opening the latch. Good luck, hope your issue gets resolved.

 

Thanks for all of the replies.
I found out what the problem was today. The spring that is supposed to provide tension for the hood latch cable is soft/weak, so the hood latch cable was sticking in the “open” position.
I used degreaser on the whole hood latch and rinsed it off with water for about ten minutes, which cleaned up the hood latch real good. Now I can push the hood latch cable to the “closed” position by hand.
The hood latch works like new otherwise.
I’m going to buy a new hood latch, and take the spring from the new hood latch, then replace the old soft spring, then it shouldn’t need me to push it to the “closed” position by hand.
I’m letting the hood latch dry for a few days, and then I’m going to use the Teflon Lube on it.
Thanks again for the advice ya’ll.


Tension spring for hood cable.

Tension spring for hood cable.

 

New springs on hood latch
I replaced both springs with new ones from Rock Auto and the hood latch works just fine now.