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Help My Hood Release Is Broken

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Old 04-26-2008, 02:09 AM
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Default Help My Hood Release Is Broken

It is broken from inside the car.

So i would have to get it from under the hood

I know i got to remove my grille.
but how would i do it from there ?
or do i just start pulling on the latch ?
(If I Can Get To It)

I Just Need Some Advice.
Because It Doesn't Like To Start
And I Need To Get To The Engine
Old 04-26-2008, 09:17 AM
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First, just try to grab the cable inside the car with a pair of vise grips and pull. You may have to remove some interior panels or components to do it. But that should be easier than plan B.

Plan B. Went out to look at my '95 for you. It appears that you can access the latch mechanism from underneath the car, by going straight up between the radiator and the condenser. You may have to remove the plastic splash panel to do this. And, although this path is blocked on my vehicle because of a parking lot bend that came with the car, it looks like before it was bent there would have been access. Anyway, you will need a long, thin tool and a bright flashlight. You will be able to see where the cable attaches on the driver'* side of the latch to lock it. You will need to pull that piece back with the long tool. You may need to have someone pushing down and up on the hood while you trip the lock, and you must be careful not to damage the fragile radiator or condenser. Hopefully, someone with an undamaged underbody can verify this method for you.

Once you have the hood open, you can remove the cable release from the latch and replace it with a stiff piece of wire that is routed in a way that you can release the latch from outside. This (or the vise grips) will work until you can replace the cable/handle properly.
Old 04-27-2008, 06:33 PM
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I Tried Vice Grips
Before i posted this and the wire broke

can someone give me pictures ?
Detailed instructions ?
Because i really can not find this
i've tried for about an hour straight
now with nothing. . I'm lost and confused
Old 04-28-2008, 12:13 PM
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From under the front of the car:

Remove the plastic splash shield. You should see something that looks like this, except not bent like mine from a minor collision. The arrow shows a slot between the A/C condenser and the radiator that should provide you a straight shot up to the latch.

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With a long, tool and a flashlight, you need to push the pawl where the cable attaches to the left (see arrow on latch). It will help a lot to have a second person pushing up and down on the hood as you are attempting this.

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Old 04-28-2008, 08:51 PM
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Did you get it open? A yardstick might be the ideal tool.
Old 04-28-2008, 08:58 PM
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No I didn't i got a long thin metal rod
but when i look in that little slot the i think
its the radiator is RIGHT There and
there really is NO room for anything to go up there ?
Old 04-28-2008, 10:08 PM
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The part of the latch that you need to access on my '95 sits directly above the space (about an inch or so wide) between the condenser and the radiator. Get a bright flashlight and shine it up in that slot. You should be able to see where the cable attaches to the pawl (release lever) . The tool you use needs to be pretty stiff and strong in order to push the lever sideways (think how hard you have to pull on the cable). I wouldn't think there would be any difference between '92 and '95, but I am not positive.
Old 04-29-2008, 10:12 PM
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i'M NOW DETERMINED THIS HOOD IS GETTING OPENED TONIGHT !!!!!!!

there is no gap in that space my radiator it RIGHT There so i'm
attempting to go up between the engine and radator
(Tight squeeze)
i found the latch and the broken wire
i'm trying to pry it up with a screw driver i'm not
sure if this will work or what way to push it
i'm going to be out there all night someone please help !
Old 04-29-2008, 10:47 PM
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I'll post a picture shortly of another way to try it.
Old 04-29-2008, 11:18 PM
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Here'* a pic of where to place a screwdriver. You can use the filler cap & the mounting bracket for the fan to line the screwdriver up. You'll have to feel around with the screwdriver & it'll move in about a 1/4" when in the correct location. In the picture the blade of the screwdriver is very close to the pivot point of the lever. Lift the screwdirver handle as high as possible so the blade moves down and gives you more leverage. Move the screwdiver towards the driver'* side to release the catch. As Bill already stated the lever is very easy to move if someone pushes down on the hood. When the lever moves they have to stop pushing on the hood so it can release. Good luck!

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