What it means
The hood switch is electrically intact, but its state is implausible — for example reporting hood-open while vehicle speed is rising, or rapid toggles. Usually a worn switch with high contact bounce or a misaligned hood actuator.
How it works
The engine hood switch tells the vehicle controller whether the hood is open or closed. This code sets when the switch circuit is electrically present but its reported state behaves implausibly, such as changing rapidly or indicating an open hood while vehicle conditions suggest otherwise.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Worn switch with contact bounce
- Misaligned hood actuator
- Sensor element aged beyond calibration window
Symptoms
- Check-engine light or hood warning, if equipped
- Hood-open status may display incorrectly
- Alarm or remote-start operation may be affected, depending on vehicle
How to diagnose it
- Check scan-tool hood-status data while opening and closing the hood slowly to see whether the state changes cleanly.
- Inspect the hood switch and striker alignment for wear, looseness, contamination, or poor contact.
- Check the switch connector and nearby wiring for corrosion, damaged insulation, or intermittent pin contact.
- Operate the hood and gently move the harness while monitoring live status to expose contact bounce or a vibration-sensitive fault.
- Test the switch signal and its transitions against the manufacturer’s specification before replacing the switch.
Common fixes
- Adjust the hood striker or switch alignment so the switch changes state consistently.
- Clean and secure the hood switch connector.
- Repair damaged or loose wiring at the switch.
- Replace the worn hood switch if its signal remains erratic.
Can I keep driving?
The code alone does not usually affect engine operation, but an unreliable hood status can interfere with the hood warning, alarm, or remote-start functions. Confirm the hood is fully latched before driving, and avoid relying on remote start until the switch is repaired.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.