Bug Deflector & Closing the hood?

I just installed the Mazda bug deflector. Simple job, went perfectly. But the instructions are pretty clear in indicating not to slam the hood shut with the deflector on.<br><br>Problem is that is the only way I have found to shut the darned thing. Has nothing to do with the deflector, I have always had to drop the hood from about 10 inches high. Is there some trick to the hood latch? If I close it carefully and press down on the hood it does not latch. What's the catch?<br><br>-Brett-

Same here w/ having to drop-close the hood for it to close securely. I asked my service technician and he said that's the way the Tribute hoods close. Being that they say one thing and I come back and prove them wrong (more than 2x now), I don't believe we need to drop-close our hoods. Perhaps someone out there can close their hoods w/o dropping them close. Anyone?

same thing here. after installing the bug deflector and saving $200 (if mazda did it), i had to drop to close the hood.<br><br>there might be an adjustment on the hood latch. haven't go the chance to look at it yet.

I have encountered the same problem--and same lack of a solution.

I found that by applying significant downward force right above the latch, the hood closes without any problems. Basically all I do is close the hood, put both palms right about the latch (on the hood, as close to the deflector as possible), and apply as much of my body weight in one quick push. This works 9 out of 10 times.<br><br>DMH

Mine closes with about a 3-inch drop. You should not have to drop the hood from way up to get it to close. Can't the latch be adjusted ?

The dealer adjusted my hood and it closes now just fine.They said a few tribs have that problem so they fixed it easily.

Thanks for this post, k62067. I'll be talking w/ the service guys about this during my next visit. 'Guess the service guys at my dealer don't get too many complaints since they *always* tell me initially that "it's normal."