I have a 2004 model coupe. Today I popped the hood release and when I got through checking the oil level I tried to close the hood. It will catch on the release latch but its not locking in place fully? Is the latch broken? How can I tell?
I wish I knew the proper term for it, but the actual latch will lock in place and release if I pull the cable. But pushing down on the hood will not get the latch to lock as it should.

 

Determine to the best of your ability how that damn thing functions and what could possibly have gone wrong with it to create the problem your seeing. Check the contact surfaces of the mechanisms involved and make sure they are not bent or worn down. Have somebody pull the hood release while you watch it and do all the things I just described. That's how you fix stuff.

Also, don't be afraid to hit it with some wd40, it lubricates America.