2003 AN 226 Engine Compartment Latch issue

[scottwilk]

I read the DIY post about the latch not opening. Mine will not close when I shut it, BUT when I maunally close the latch with my finger it locks in place and then I can push the silver button by the driver seat and it opens? The catch on the platform that closes seems to line up. Any ideas on what i am missing?? i have tried angling the Platform every way and slamming it but it wont lock in place

[obd666]

if you close the latch by hand and it locks into place but does not when you shut the hatch, then the striker on the hatch is probably not contacting the latch where it should to push it down into locking position. it only has to be off a very small amount to not work properly. i would suggest getting into a position where you can visually observe the striker when it contacts the latch to check. the striker may very well be bent out of position ...