Lincoln TownCar Hood Latch

[TurboTim]

I've got a 97 TownCar with a problematic hood latch. I have greased the mechanism and have been able to get it latched in the past. However no matter how much I fight with it I can no longer get the hood to latch shut. This has happened before but with some patience and trying again and again I can get it to shut. But in the 17 degree weather this morning and 24 degree weather tonight I could not get it to shut. Could it just be the cold? Or is there an adjustment I can make to get this thing to shut?

[Mr_Roboto]

It probably has some thick grease mixed with dust that created a gummy mixture, making the mechanism stick.

Brake cleaner will dissolve the old stuff, and penetrating oil will help free things up.

[TurboTim]

That did the trick, hood closes nicely now. Thanks for the great info.