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Hood Latch Design Flaw, Increased Drag Bad Fuel Mileage

7.4K views 14 replies 12 participants last post by  SpaceJeep  
#1 ·
I noticed that the hood latch seems to be weak on the Patriot.

When I'm on the highway i notice that the hood seems to flutter at high speeds and this cannot be good for fuel mileage.

It seems as if air is getting under the hood and increasing the drag at highway speeds.

It looks as they need to have latches also by the headlights to keep air from really entering the front sides of the hood.

Can anyone else agree to having this issue???
 
#3 ·
Nope. Mine does it too... I even have a socket and extension in the bowels of my LH fender... I dropped a tool.:doh:
 
#4 ·
I thought part of the problem was the hood gasket not running the entire way around, and heard that was changed?

When you adjust the pillars, use locktite or they come loose.
 
#5 ·
Mine flaps a little. I need to get a longer piece of rubber under the hood. I think 2011's is longer than the previous years, but still not full length
 
#8 ·
When I'm on the highway i notice that the hood seems to flutter at high speeds and this cannot be good for fuel mileage.

It seems as if air is getting under the hood and increasing the drag at highway speeds.
Any impact on fuel economy would be negligible. There is already tons of air flowing under the hood through the radiator opening.
 
#10 ·
TJN,

After I dropped the tool, I had a beer, assessed the situation and buttoned it up. I need to address the hood and tool problem again.
 
#14 ·
Last time I was heading down the freeway from the mountains, my Wipers were flapping. Then I looked at the Hood and said What The $@$!, the Hood is Flapping. Next thing I looked at Speedometer and I was going 85 mph oh S%^!. I adjusted my hood a couple years ago, then again I guess I didn't adjust it right. As long is the Hood don't blow off, I'll leave it alone or maybe remove it ? HEE HAA.
 
#15 ·
I agree the hood stops are part of the problem as they can wind down but its definately the hood gasket and heres why. After I extended the hood gasket to each end I lowered the hood stops all the way down and took it on the highway. The hood should have been flapping but instead it was steady as a rock. Conclusion: Extend the hood gasket boys & girls!!!:)