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Thank you, Klaus, for answering. It is hard to describe and sorry for the confusion. When I open the hood, the driver's side metal "catch" that sits inside the U-shape of the latch mechanism is pushed down. On the passenger side, it is up, waiting to receive the metal bar on the upper hood. With the hood open, I can take a screwdriver (or even a hard stick!) and push the catch up. However, when I close the hood again, the driver's side still does not catch; I can easily lift the closed hood on that side with my hands. A couple of weeks ago, on the same windy, open highway drive of nearly 200 miles, the passenger side of the hood kept raising up. A couple of stops and hard slams later, it finally caught. At any given moment in windy, highway conditions, the hood will raise to the safety catch; more often, the weakness seems to be at the center! This car was salvage and is not straight and true body wise. I am wondering if there's a connection, but will also investigate the cables, as you suggest. Really appreaciate your input.