Hey everyone,my hood decided it don't won't to open. The other day I was going to pop the hood to check the oil and when i pull the little lever to pop the hood I pulled it and doesn't do anything just pulls up loosely....soo kinda stumped about it. I was looking to see if I could open it manually but I didn't see a lever.. I can't get the hood up and it won't open and I trying to figure out the cable to see if its loose or crimped or something???Any ideas??Anyone have this problem on a 1989 Bonneville LE..... i can provide better detail if asked....

Thanks,
Matt B.

The latch is probably all gummed up unless you feel no resistance when pulling on the hood release. That would indicate a broken cable in which case you'd be in a tough situation. Recruit a helper, push down on the hood about where the latch is and have the helper pull the hood release. Once the release is pulled out fully, pull up on the hood. Repeat if necessary to loosen up the latch.

Mine can be stubborn at times and occasionally requires a Fonzie like whack to encourage it to open. Once you get it open make sure you give it a good cleaning and lube before closing again.

I went outside & looked at my 89 SE. If the cable is broken at the latch it’* going to be tough to get open. So let’* try something else first. The latch won’t release the hood if the spring underneath is broken or missing. Try lifting up on the hood while someone pulls the release inside the car. If that doesn’t work I think you’re going to have to go fishing with a wire coat hanger. Let me know if you want some pictures to improve your odds.

yea...never had it really happen before! but yea the hood opened just fine feel days ago...a few pics would be nice if you can....I try to get some decent pics if i can....i don't understand why they haven't had a backup lever if it ever got broken cable or something....i aiming at something in the cable soo get my dad to analyze with me the situation better two heads then one.........if it comes down to it I just unbolt the hood and take it off...lol

i wish that was the case i could definately get it open it was gummed open or stubborn to open....but it something with the cable i believe either broken or something....

The car wasn't here this evening so I won't be able to get the pics till tomorrow night or Friday AM.

thats cool....i brought out the service manual for her...trying to find out how the cable runs and all.......

I was able to open the hood using a screwdriver while laying under the car.



1st pic is a view of the latch from the above the engine. You need to move the piece marked in red to the left (towards driver side).




2nd pic shows where to put the screwdriver. There'* a square piece of plastic on the fan shroud (marked in red). You'll be able to see this from under the car. The screwdriver will line up with the left edge of the plastic square. It'* a bit of a stretch getting the screwdriver into position from underneath the car. Once you get the screwdriver into position you need to move it to the left to pop the hood. This is the hardest part because you don't have any leverage. I'm wondering if taping a piece if string near the blade of the screwdriver would help. You could get the scewdriver into position & then pull the string.




3rd pic is just another view of where you want the screwdriver. The one I used is 12 inches long.

I really appreciate the pictures...me and my dad are working on the bonneville right now little bit can't really do to much at night but giving it a try...I'll keep you updated on the news....once again every bit is appreciated!!!!

well....we got my hood open yesterday morning and got it where it will open by pulling on the lever to pop the hood...which thats one more thing off my mind!....