Need to replace a hood release cable but first need to open the hood without a hood release lever. Any suggestions? Also may need to adjust the hood mechanism because the hood is so hard to release.

The lever is hooked up to a cable, take pliers when the lever is out and pull the cable out more until the hood releases

There is no need for power to open the hood. Your cable may be streached, or in need of adjustment. Have someone push down and up on hood itself while pulling the hood release lever.

Check out the cable connection between the latch and your internal latch control. Till you locate the problem I would suggest tying down the hood with some sort of strap so it does not pop open at speed.

The metal loop on the hood is probably misaligned from the latch at the bottom. The loop should have a couple of bolts to loosen and adjust.

Might just be stuck. Have someone pull the release as you FIRMLY pound on the front of the hood in the middle with your fist (NOT A HAMMER ! ! ! !).

If that works and it opens, get some WD40 and spray the latch and cable, lever, etc... and then work the release lever before closing it again. If the cable has broken....... it is very difficult to release without some automotive knowledge. I'm betting it is just stuck...


Good Luck.

have someone push down on that part of the hood while you pull the release. Usually that frees it and it should be adjusted up so it will open again

You will need helper for this. Have your helper pull on release lever when you tell them. You will probably have to park car on blocks or car ramps or if you don't have these you will have to jack up front of car. Looking up from under car you should see cable moving when assistant pulls lever inside car. There will be a spring over cable you are looking at. If cable is broken or just not moving all the way you will have to move it with needle nose vice grips towards drivers side to release catch. Before you do this though, try pressing down on hood when assistant pulls lever, this may relaese hood. Once you have hood opened ensure proper operation of release lever and adjust hood pin if necessary.

yes,you have too get the hood up, and replace the cable and lub the latchyou prob have too pull the grill too release the latch by hand

Someone just successfully helped me with a similar problem. IF the cable is Not broken, ie: still taunt when one pulls the hood release lever in the car, then the latch under the hood is simply stuck. Try this. Have someone bounce/press down on the front center of the hood where the latch is located to relieve spring tension. At the same time have someone pull the Hood Release lever inside the car. This may pop open the front hood. Then after the hood opens spray WD40 on the hood latch to rid the rust which likely is the cause of the problem. BTW...don't know what you mean about the Oil Light comes on. You don't need the engine turned on to open up the front hood, at least not on my model (2door sedan).

try getting another person to push hood down whilst you pull the release lever if this does not work locate cable behind puller handle and use pliers to pull just a little more then when opened be sure to adjust cable a little tighter