Toyota 53510-AC040 Lock Assembly, Hood

First, mark an alignment line around the latch on Avalon cars before starting work. Remove any plastic cover as needed and pull out bolts holding the latch to the radiator support. First loosen the bolts, always taking off the plastic cover above them before getting to the lower bolt. Disengage the hood cable from the latch piece, and installation reverses the removal steps, making sure you adjust the latch to tightly close the hood with just mild pressure from minimal bumper separation. Unplug the hood cable from the latch, then slip a length of thin wire or string into the cable's end hook. Unfasten all retaining clips for the cable at the radiator support. Take off the plastic inner fender well, then in the passenger side, remove the driver's door sill cover and kick panel, then take away the driver's knee bolster panel before disconnecting the hood latch release lever from the panel. From the inside cabin, move the cable and its grommet all the way towards your side, checking that the new wire has a grommet with it. Remove the rope or wire tied to the old cable, then put it on the new cable. Feed the cable down until the new wire or string shows at the latch assembly. Push it back through the firewall until the cable ends up where it belongs. Slide the new cable into the hood release lever. Make sure it settles perfectly into the notch on the handle bracket. Install your part by turning the car around and undoing everything backwards, starting with pushing the grommet through the firewall from inside the passenger area.

For latch removal, start by scribing a line around the latch for alignment reference, then remove the plastic cover secured by plastic pins. Take out the retaining bolts holding the hood latch to the radiator support and remove the latch. Disconnect the hood cable from the latch assembly. When installing, follow the reverse process of removal.For cable removal, disconnect the hood cable from the latch assembly and attach thin wire or string to the cable's end. Unclip all remaining cable retaining clips at the radiator support. Remove the plastic inner fender well, driver's side door sill cover, and kick panel. Detach the hood release lever by removing the two mounting bolts. To install, pull the cable and grommet into the passenger compartment until the wire or string is visible. Ensure the new cable has a grommet attached, then transfer the wire or string to the new cable. Pull the wire or string back through the firewall until the new cable reaches the latch assembly. Reinstall the new cable into the hood release lever in the passenger compartment, making sure the cable housing fits the notch in the handle bracket. Complete the installation by following the reverse process of removal.

Routine maintenance involves applying a few drops of light oil or lock lubricant to the hinges and latch assemblies of doors, hood, and trunk (or liftgate).