Abstract: A latch assembly for a vehicle hood that includes a housing with a ratchet and pawl mounted to the housing. The ratchet and pawl cooperatively move between a closed position to hold a striker and an open position to release a striker. A secondary catch is pivotally mounted to the same axis as the ratchet and retains the striker in a secondary position upon release of the ratchet. A switch assembly mounted to the housing includes a switch presented towards the ratchet along a common plane. A plug connector for a wiring harness is located on an end of the switch assembly outside of the housing at an angle substantially perpendicular to the striker path on the side of the housing opposite the side adapted to receive the striker. Rotating the ratchet between the open and closed position moves the cam profile, engaging or disengaging the switch assembly.