Is hood flutter a thing?

[Yawnie'sPapa]

The vents and redesigned hood latches were added on the JL to eliminate it and it works well. I've never had flutter even passing at 90 mph or passing a semi truck going the other direction in 40 mph winds. (the two times I always get flutter when driving my Mom's JK.) Stands to reason blocking the vents with the side marker lights would introduce the potential for flutter.

I watched the hood on my wife's JLU Rubicon more than once in strong winds, especially when passing a semi or one passed us. Driving 70 mph into winds of 15+ ,mph and hitting the wake of a semi - I was glad those two side latches were strong! I watched the center front lift a bit.
And yes, the latches pull down on the hood. But it's a big chunk of metal and air is being shoved into the engine bay under the hood resulting in an effect similar to the effect of driving a hatchback with the front windows down.

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[AussieJLOverland]

The side vents were specifically added to the JL by Jeep to minimise/eliminate the hood flutter of previous models. It is designed for purpose so blocking the vents will most likely negate their purpose & increase the likelihood of hood flutter &/or put undue pressure on the hood latches causing damage or failure. The vents are not just there for looks, they actually have a purpose!

I just happened upon someone commenting about hood flutter after altering the side vents. I was going to install the new Morimoto side lights where the vent are, but now I'm not so sure I should. No sense in creating a problem.

What say you?

 

[Patsloft]

@PatsFan91 "no" don't install them or "no" hood flutter or excess engine compartment heat after installation

Oh I’m sorry, JKs we’re famous for hood flutter and aftermarket latches were a thing but JLs hood latch works way better

 

[93civEJ1]

so has anyone with flutter fixed their issue?

 

[Old Dogger]

In JK's yes, in JL's no.

 

[Ratbert]

so has anyone with flutter fixed their issue?

The first dealership I took it to said there was nothing they could do. The next one fixed it. Note this was back in 2022, so I don't remember the details of what they did. The hood would flutter quite a bit when doing 60+ against semis doing 60+ in the opposite direction on 2-lane roads.

 

[2019JLUS]

I just happened upon someone commenting about hood flutter after altering the side vents. I was going to install the new Morimoto side lights where the vent are, but now I'm not so sure I should. No sense in creating a problem.

What say you?

no but i also installed a bolt hood lock since day 1
https://amzn.to/4d7yMSg

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