Caution:  When a hood hold open device is being removed or installed, provide alternate support to avoid the possibility of damage to the vehicle or personal injury.

1. Remove the hood. Refer to Hood Replacement .
2. Remove the rear hood side seal. Refer to Hood Rear Outer Seal Replacement .
3. Remove the hood assist rod. Refer to Hood Open Assist Rod Replacement .



4. Loosen the hood hinge to fender bolts, but do not remove the bolts.



5. Center punch the spot weld



6. Drill out the spot weld using a 9.5 mm (3/8 in) drill bit.
7. Remove the hood hinge to fender bolts.
8. Remove the hood hinge from the fender.
9. Repair the paint on the fender where the hood hinge was removed. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair .

Important: Weld on body side is an assembly plant assembly aid only. Weld is not required when installing a replacement hinge.

1. Install the hood hinge to the fender.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

2. Install the hood hinge to the fender bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the hood hinge to fender bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

3. Install the rear hood side seal. Refer to Hood Rear Outer Seal Replacement .
4. Install the hood assist rod. Refer to Hood Open Assist Rod Replacement .
5. Install the hood. Refer to Hood Replacement .
6. Adjust the hood as required. Refer to Hood Adjustment .