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Took the liberty to enhance Lux’s first photo then I took these pics of my AW C8 which appears to verify that his frunk hood was indeed close.
LUX: “I saw youtube videos and even read articles where youtubers and GM spokesperson blames it on user error. I guarantee you guys this is not user error. I even reviewed the photos I took 15 seconds before it happened. My hood was definitely closed. I did not open the front trunk for the last 100 miles either. It should have blown open at 100mph if that was indeed the case.”
“First 2 are photos taken 15-30 seconds before the hood flies open.”
It would be easy for the button to accidentally be pressed as you sat down in the car with it in your pocket.
The car/computer recognizes the hood is open, it would seem they could release a software update to where the car will not go into drive with it open.
The problem appears to be that the hood is not actually open when users start driving. There are multiple reports, with pictures, showing the hood flush before they started driving.
I don't see why they cannot program the electronic latch to not release if the car is in any gear but park.
I wholeheartedly believe this is user error but at the same time GM needs to do something about this.
I am not aware of any other vehicles that allow the front hood to be popped out with a click of a button, and I know it won't work in drive. Not working in drive doesn't change the fact that you can easily hit the button in your car right before starting it or putting it in gear.
As with most cars, a rear trunk doesn't have this issue.
Like others have mentioned, GM needs to do something before someone dies. Maybe not allowing the car to be put in drive if the frunk is not latched?
If you attribute this to user error you'd have to make the following assumptions (unless you think he isn't telling the truth):
1) The OP accidentally pushed a frunk release button after he took the picture.
2) He didn't see the big warning signal on the DIC.
3) Even with the radio off, he didn't hear the chime.
4) What he thought sounded like the frunk latch releasing at 30 mph was something else.
5) He was so excited after the frunk opened that he still didn't see the warning or hear the chimes after he stopped.
Both Mclaren and Tesla have front opening frunk that open with a single button push and no secondary latch.
Having said that, I do think they need something like Tesla has where it requires you to physically dismiss a warning on the infotainment screen before you can drive the car with the frunk open.
The best solution would be to have an ergonomic safety latch that can easily be found and opened with one hand.
i would install a safety chain w latch, just to be safe. Just enough room for u to unclip it by hand while not opening the hood more than afew inches. I had a hood open on my old mustang, scared the sh*t outta me.
i would install a safety chain w latch, just to be safe. Just enough room for u to unclip it by hand while not opening the hood more than afew inches. I had a hood open on my old mustang, scared the sh*t outta me.
And I bet that Mustang had a secondary safety catch.
My point being that it isn't fail-safe.
There is no separate safety catch. A single push of the button fully releases the latch.
If you want to see body flex look at the body on frame cars (boats) of the sixties. Their latches managed to hold (well, almost all the time).
This is not a body flex issue.
"S4.2 A front opening hood which, in any open position, partially or completely obstructs a driver's forward view through the windshield must be provided with a second latch position on the hood latch system or with a second hood latch system."
It has a second latch position. The problem is a single push of the button releases both positions.
OP, was the hood latch ripped/detached at the front where it locks? This type of thing happens with composite hoods when a lot of air gets under the hood and eventually rips the hood away from the latch. That's why people should use hood pins with aftermarket CF hoods. The air is supposed to be diverted to the 2 sides with the center front bumper covered up and since there is a storage compartment under the hood, air pressure under the hood is supposed to be minimal. But apparently there is still a lot of air getting under.
Most people would expect OEMs to make composite hoods good enough to go without hood pins or don't put it on the car. Some ways to fix it is to completely seal off any air pressure from getting under the hood and make the hood stronger, use hood pins/latches or add vents into the hood. Though vents will not work for storage in the rain and car washes.
"S4.2 A front opening hood which, in any open position, partially or completely obstructs a driver's forward view through the windshield must be provided with a second latch position on the hood latch system or with a second hood latch system."
It has a second latch position. The problem is a single push of the button releases both positions.
I bet the DOT will have an issue with an electrical system for that purpose. It will be recalled for 2021. I was on a first name basis with the chief of the DOT. He complimented me on my thoroughness which was better than Chrysler he said. If you look at my headlamps, I had to be able to over ride the electric motor manually like Corvette pop up head lamps. My headlamps on the mirrors were approved because at the time, there as no law saying how far back you can have the headlamps provided there is no glare on the windshield. You can't have an electrically or hydraulically operated emergency brake. They are very particular with safety critical items. Steering linkage, collapsible steering columns, lighting, etc. is better to purchase certain items from an OEM. A hood latch would fall into that category as doors do.
And fill out a formal complaint. The more complaints, the more they can press GM to figure this out 100%.
Did you have your PDR on? Mine is set to always be recording this would be a good video to help GM figure it out. I bet its a signal issue coming from the fob or the little switch in the front right side, I just don't see its a latch issue other than not having a safety latch. Something is telling the latch solenoid to open, it needs a signal from something unless the solenoid is defective.
Have you ever popped open your frunk using the button under the bumper area? If yes see if that button sticks?
OP, was the hood latch ripped/detached at the front where it locks? This type of thing happens with composite hoods when a lot of air gets under the hood and eventually rips the hood away from the latch. That's why people should use hood pins with aftermarket CF hoods. The air is supposed to be diverted to the 2 sides with the center front bumper covered up and since there is a storage compartment under the hood, air pressure under the hood is supposed to be minimal. But apparently there is still a lot of air getting under.
Most people would expect OEMs to make composite hoods good enough to go without hood pins or don't put it on the car. Some ways to fix it is to completely seal off any air pressure from getting under the hood and make the hood stronger, use hood pins/latches or add vents into the hood. Though vents will not work for storage in the rain and car washes.
Most people seem to have this happen when they are going 30mph or less. I can't imagine that at those speeds there is enough airflow that would result in the hood being ripped from the latch. Otherwise we would see way more reports of this happening and especially on track where people are going well over 100mph+.
Perhaps, but this is the same approach that McLaren and Tesla use so they would need recalls also.
If the DOT deems the latch is unsafe by field and insurance report, they will do it effective immediately and there will be a recall on all vehicles so equipt. They changed the side impact requirement when I built my second roadster. The structure was accepted by my CAD hard files. If an unsatisfactory field report following an impact was submitted, I would have to have an actual crash test. The EPA gives no breaks. The insurance institute, PVT, gives no quarter.
NHTSA, which an agency within DOT, will generally signal they are moving toward a mandatory recall if the manufacturer doesn't do it voluntarily. Most manufacturers then take the voluntary recall route these days.
08-03-2020, 01:01 PM
