Front Hood Closure

I have noticed that when I close the front hood of my 03 Cab that I still have to push down the hood with my hand to get it to catch the clasp. The manual says that you may have to use your hand to push it closed... I asked the dealer who advised that it is perfectly normal...is that the case? Thanks in advance...

Yes, that is the proper way to close the front hood on a Porsche. I cringe when I see people try to slam them!

Where should you "push" down to close the hood. I've heard a couple of options. I've also heard if you push down in the WRONG place you could leave a dent. 1. Push down on the hood crest to close the hood 2. Push down right below the hood crest to close the hood. Which one is right? Thanks

1. Push down on the hood crest to close the hood

DO NOT push on the hood crest... it will eventually break the small mounting studs. Press below it (closer to the bumper).

I think the "push on the hood crest" school dates back to the early 911 days with the curved hood and it was a bad idea even then. As Loren sez, on the 996/Boxster the safest place to push to close the front lid is below the crest an inch or so above the end of the lid. This applies pressure directly above the latch.

When I picked up my car the dealer told me that Porsche had just sent them a memo stating that the manual is incorrect and that the correct way to close the hood is by pressing firmly with your thumbs/hand on both ends of the hood. Reason being that eventually the hood will bend inwards where the emblem is as too much pressure is being applied in one location.

If you look at how the hood is secured, you will note that there are two bump stops close to each of the front corners. There is NO bump stop where the latch is. If you dare (I did), you can push down on where the latch is and you will note that the hood will curve inward. Push too hard and I'm sure you will get a dent. Best place to push is close to the front corners. The bump stops will prevent bowing/denting while still getting the latch to catch and lock. Just make sure your hands don't slip or you'll get a paint scratch. I think this is the original reason they wanted you to push on the emblem. Aside from the obvious emblem emphasis, pushing on the emblem will avoid paint scratches. That is, until the emblem snaps off.

I put my thumbs close together under the crest with my fingers spread out toward each side. Spreads the pressure nicely and there is some pressure over the latch area but away from the emblem.

Like Loren says, do not push on the crest or you may break the mounting pins. I have had to solder them back on on 2 different cars. Jeff

The hood crest is slightly convex, and pushing on it can also dent it in flat to the hood surface. A sharp mech from the Brumos Racing Team noticed the crest pushed in on my wife's Boxter and replaced it. He recommended two hands at the forward edge of the trunk evenly spaced out from the middle by about six inches each way. For fun, the dented crest looks nice on the hood of my lawn tractor, which is the same color orange as the orignial Porsche tractors.

Pressing on the outer edges of the hood seems common sense. However, with lapis blue paint, finger prints will result every time. That means a mico shining cloth needs to be handy when entering....

Yes, closign the bonnet is an extremely complex task. I usually go to the factory to have it done as I do not trust the technicians at my dealership. Cheers Uwe

I agree with Steve in FL. For over 10 years, I've had no problems by pushing just below the emblem; over the latch.

Does anyone know why the hood closure is even designed in this way? Is it a safety feature of some sort or just a way to force us to buy lots of cleansers??