Hood won't open........
 

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’s going to be tough to get open. So let’s 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.

http://www.photochimps.com/gallery/d...32_400x600.jpg

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).


http://www.photochimps.com/gallery/d...35_400x600.jpg

2nd pic shows where to put the screwdriver. There's 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's 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.


http://www.photochimps.com/gallery/d...34_400x600.jpg

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!!!! :D

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!....

Glad to hear you got it open. Did the screwdriver work or did you use another method?

Hi Guys,

I have a 1990 Bonneville with the same situation, hood will not open.
Seems like the cable is broken at the latch.
How do i get the pictures to work on this thread?

Thanks,
Dave

1990 Buick LeSabre Hood
 

[QUOTE=drb930;1352454]Hi Guys,

I have a 1990 Buick LeSabre with the same situation, hood will not open.
Seems like the cable is broken at the latch.
No latch visable from front or under auto.
Thanks for any help??
howieb2ny

[QUOTE=howieb2ny;1353862]Howie,

The way i did it was to get the car up a little, not too much, just enough to get under the car.
I took a 3" inspection mirror and zip tied it to a spark plug wire so i had both hands free.
I then took a regular screw driver about 8" long including the handle in my left hand.
In my right hand a powerful flashlight.
Aim the flashlight at the mirror and use the screw driver to wedge into the latch, "there is a little triangle in the latch" and twist ti and it will pop open.
It is very difficult to see, you can only see about 1/2" of the top of the latch with the mirror, but if you aim the mirror correctly you will be able to see it.

Hope this helps,
Dave