Hood Ajar Switch - Export: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Magnum, 2006 Dodge Charger, and 2006 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The hood ajar switch is a normally closed switch that is held open as the spring-loaded switch plunger is depressed by the inner hood panel reinforcement when the hood panel is closed and latched. When the hood is opened, the spring-loaded switch plunger extends from the switch body and the switch contacts are closed. The switch is connected in series between ground and the hood ajar switch sense input of the Front Control Module (FCM). The FCM uses an internal resistor pull up to monitor the state of the hood ajar switch contacts.

The components of the switch self-adjustment feature include an integral stop on the shaft of the plunger and a ribbed, ratcheting sleeve at the top of the switch body from which the plunger extends. With the switch mounting collar secured in its mounting bracket, the plunger is depressed by the hood inner reinforcement as the hood is closed. As the plunger is depressed, the plunger stop contacts the top of the sleeve and the sleeve is driven downward, ratcheting through the switch mounting collar until the hood is fully closed and latched. The ribs on the sleeve are engaged within the mounting collar to maintain this adjusted position.