I took my '02 in for two new tires at the shop named after a hot rock.

Apparently the hood 'dropped' while it was on the lift and will not open.
When the latch is pulled from the inside, the hood partially releases. The driver's side is released but the passenger side is still held down.

I have not seen a suitable way to go through the grill or via the wheel well to release the passenger side.

Can anyone provide any ideas on how to release the hood without getting a can opener from the top?

Thanks.

 

I am going by memory and there is only one [front center catcher point and adjacent to it is the secondary catch. The first one is released by the cable with end inside the cabin marked as hood latch. The second release is finger tip release accessed by sticking your palm in the gap created after first release.

Q? Is the gap created for you after the first release?
Q? Can you access and operate the second release?
Q? Do you observe a play (3/4" approx) in the hood after first release?

If yes to all three then the issue is with the hinge or the strut (gas filled support).

If no, then the problem is most likely with the release cable.

First gen does not have left and right (2points) release mechanism. Members please correct me if I am wrong.

Once the first and the second release have been operated, you might have to forcibly open the hood. Don't go ape as it might wrinkle the hood. Go to a body shop for assistance. Before you take this step, plan what would you do next once you have it forcibly opened .. support/close_again etc.

Q? What was the tire shop doing under the hood? Does not make sense to me. Did they leave a rag or something to bind up the release.

Salim
PS: I have parted with my first gen RX, that us why I am going with memory {some day that might part too]

 

1) A very small gap was created with the first release. The driver's side lifts but the passenger does not.
2) Only with great difficulty can I get my hand in there.
3) Don't know yet.

I was finally able to get the hood open! I land to pull/lift like I was trying to raise the front end. It finally relased to the second release.
There is a single hood latch ring just to the right of the center/second latch.
It was difficult to release the second latch.

I guess they jammed up / got the hood latch out of align when they 'dropped' the hood.

I guess I'll be parts shopping today.

 

Thanks for letting us know how it turned out. I put a little grease on things when the secondary release (the one you have to reach in and slide to the left) started acting odd. eBay has some parts listed, but you might have a salvage yard near you to get what you need.

 

Check into alignment and adjustment of the hood and the latches. Consult a bodyshop. Don't be in a hurry to close shut. I would be furious at the tire shop. They carry insurance for a purpose.

Salim

 

A followup on the hood issues:
1) I replaced the secondary latch. The lever has much less play and releases much better.
2) I lubricated the primary latch. The hood sticks much less but still needs a tug to lift.
The left side still doesn't popup as it should when the hood release is pulled.
I am have been looking to see where it might be binding.
There is no squeaking, rubbing or grinding noise.

 

It could that one lift strut is lot worse than the other.

Salim