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[SOLVED] Hood lock cable failed, how to open hood?
My hood lock cable started failing about 2 years ago. It would not pop the hood when I pulled on the release unless I fiddled with the release lever and/or pulled up on the hood while trying to open it.
Then it got worse over the past few months, so I used pliers from the inside to get enough force to release the latch whenever I needed.
Now the cable is dead. The collar on the latch side of the cable snapped off (see attached pic). I haven't driven the car in a full month now (been cycling a lot) and want to plug in my intelligent charger so the car starts the next time I really need to drive.
What's my best bet to get the hood open? I'm thinking I should buy long reach pliers and pull on the steel cable through the grille.
I should have removed the L emblem while I had the hood open the other day - it is now impossible to get at the 1 screw at the top, and the tools I have can't reach far enough through the L to grab the cable.
I looped a wire clothes hanger around the cable and pulled with pliers and a lot of force, but it didn't do anything.. not enough leverage and/or the angle is wrong.
Does anyone have any better ideas? (and yes I searched all of the LS, GS, and SC forums, those solutions didn't seem to apply and/or I didn't want to drill the latch)
You may have to come up from under the engine. I have not seen this problem before on the 430. I would call a few service managers and see what they suggest too.
Yikes that is a tough one. If all else fails the plastic grill can be chopped/sawn out to gain access. hopefully it does not come to that because replacement grills have become more expensive on ebay.
You may have to come up from under the engine. I have not seen this problem before on the 430. I would call a few service managers and see what they suggest too.
It seems that you may be able to reach up and get to the lock mechanism. Attached are some diagrams that show details of the latch. Perhaps you can try making a hook out of a wire coat hanger and try to "pick" this lock. Good luck to you!
I went with Plan A and bought 11" long pliers with a 90degree head. I was able to grab the cable and pull with enough force in the correct direction to pop the hood.
If I hadn't removed the hood control cable cover, this would have been impossible and I would have had to break the grille. There is no way up from underneath (I tried). So if your cable is acting up, I highly suggest removing the cable cover right now.
06-18-15, 05:57 PM
[SOLVED] Hood lock cable failed, how to open hood?
