Chevrolet 2004 Malibu Owner's Manual page 295

4. Release the hood prop
rod from its retainer
and put the hood prop
into the slot marked
with an arrow.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps
are on properly. Lift the hood to relieve pressure on
the hood prop. Then let the hood drop from about
8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) above the vehicle to latch
fully. Do not drop the hood from full prop-rod height.
Check to make sure the hood is closed and repeat the
procedure if necessary.
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