If the latch is not properly adjusted it will work hard. With the hood closed, take one hand and press the hood down (more closed) and at the same time pull the hood release with the other hand. Does this make the opening of the hood easier? You need to adjust. When you close the hood, just before the striker engages the latch, look at the hood/ body gaps on either side of hood. Now fully close hood watching those gaps. Do the gaps change on either side when latched? If they change , you need to adjust. Improper adjustment puts the latch in a bind.
