96 hood prop stuck in up position

[Richard F.]

I have changed the hood prop 2x on my 96 because both became stuck in the up position, and would not allow the hood to come down. The props themselves were extended about 1/2" beyond the "resting up" position and were tight, acting as if there was no gas cylinder, but rather a stationary rod holding up the hood. After some unsuccessful but careful jiggling, my only solution was to unbolt the entire prop support and replace it. Any thoughts?

[Jim T.]

Re: 96 hood prop stuck in up position

Being an original owner of a 96 LT4 I have not had any problems with like you. So your original factory installed unit failed and you have experienced two more failed replacements that did not have a warranty?

[Joe L.]

Re: 96 hood prop stuck in up position

I have changed the hood prop 2x on my 96 because both became stuck in the up position, and would not allow the hood to come down. The props themselves were extended about 1/2" beyond the "resting up" position and were tight, acting as if there was no gas cylinder, but rather a stationary rod holding up the hood. After some unsuccessful but careful jiggling, my only solution was to unbolt the entire prop support and replace it. Any thoughts?

Richard------


I have never heard of this problem happening even once, let alone multiple times with two new supports. Are you using the GM #10175784?

[Pat M.]

Re: 96 hood prop stuck in up position

Being an original owner of a 96 LT4 I have not had any problems with like you.

Same here.

[Pat F.]

Re: 96 hood prop stuck in up position

Richard, have the hood props ever worked?

Here is a photo of the hood part number that Joe referenced.

[Joe R.]

Re: 96 hood prop stuck in up position

Richard,

The stock hood prop incorporates a safety device to keep the hood from falling. It locks the hood up if the piston fails and has to be pulled to the lateral side of the car. It has an arrow on it to direct you to pull in that direction. When the safety has been released the hood can be closed.

JR

[Richard F.]

Re: 96 hood prop stuck in up position

Thanks! At the risk of sounding absurd and redundant, my understanding of your reply is that this "safety device" is something in addition to the normal functioning of the prop's ability to hold up the hood with its outer shell or casing. If this is the case, I need to find this arrow on my original prop, release the safety, and hopefully begin using this prop again. I think I would be better served if I did more investigating and less jiggling! Thanks again!

[Kurt G.]

Re: 96 hood prop stuck in up position

Richard. Here's the real simple version. With the hood propped up place your hand on the lower part of the strut and pull it toward you while applying pressure as if you were trying to raise the hood. Once the rod is pulled toward you release the upward pressure on the hood and let it drop slowly. My original '94 prop rod has never failed or even acted up. Good luck.

[Richard F.]

Re: 96 hood prop stuck in up position

In addition to my hood, another of my problems is my inability to clearly communicate. First, thank you for your reply. What you have described is how to lower a hood with a functional hood prop. What happens to mine is that PERIODICALLY, with the hood propped up, when I raise the hood another 1/8" and pull the lower half of the strut rod towards me, the entire assembly stays rigidly in the upright position. Kurt, thank you, and to all that have tried to help with this problem, but I'm beginning to believe that my problem is far from a common one - maybe one for the book of Corvette world records!

[Tom H.]

Re: 96 hood prop stuck in up position

I can't offer much assistance on this one. I have raised and lowered hundreds of these hoods and never, ever seen this. Keep us posted.