The hood is heavy and somewhat awkward to remove and install, so at least two people should perform this procedure. Begin by using blankets or pads to cover the fenders and cowl areas to protect the body and paint during the hood lift. Scribe or draw alignment marks around the bolt heads to ensure proper alignment during installation, and disconnect any cables or wire harnesses that may interfere with removal. Have an assistant support the weight of the hood, and for Legend models, remove the clips and detach the support strut using needle-nose pliers for the lower end. Remove the hinge-to-hood nuts or bolts and shims, then lift off the hood. For installation, reverse the removal steps, ensuring to reinstall any shims in their original locations. For adjustment, move the hood after loosening the hinge-to-body bolts, scribing a line around the hinge plate to judge movement. Loosen the bolts, adjust the hood into correct alignment, and carefully lower it to check. If necessary, adjust the entire
Hood Latch assembly up-and-down or side-to-side on the radiator support or hood strikers to ensure the hood closes securely and is flush with the fenders. Scribe a line around the hood latch mounting bolts for reference, then reposition the latch assembly or strikers as needed and retighten the bolts. Finally, adjust the hood cushions or striker adjusting screws so the hood is flush with the fenders, using shims under the hinge plates if needed, and periodically lubricate the hood latch assembly and hinges with white lithium-base grease to prevent sticking and wear.