I've seen other threads on this but they don't address my exact issue. The release lever inside the vehicle has no "pop" to it when you pull on it. The "J" shaped mechanism inside the top of the grill near the latch is released but it still won't allow the hood to open when the release lever inside the bottom of the grill is pushed. There is a cable (not a rod) going from the bottom release lever up to the latch. The hood won't raise more than a quarter of an inch. Anyone have an answer?

 

Perhaps grime or rust around the hood latch or cable is not allowing the spring on the latch to swing open. I would try to work it by pressing the hood down a couple of times and also see if I can spray some WD-40 on it. Does the cable pull smoothly from the inside? Did you try prying the hood lightly with something that won't scratch the paint. (some sort of plastic sheet/tool) It would probably help if someone is pulling on the release lever when when you do this.

 

The cable release has been pulled and pulling it now has no effect. In other words, the locking mechanism has been released and the cable release lever moves freely back and forth with no result. I've pushed rapidly on the hood where the locking mechanism is and still nothing. It will only raise about 1/4" so it would be hard to get something in there but I'll try it. You can see the "J" hook that holds the hood down has been released and is not engaged. You can push the release lever at the bottom of the grill but that has no effect. Perhaps a cable has come off? I don't know what else to do except take it to a body shop and let them look at it.

 

I took it to a local body shop and they wrestled with the hood until they got it to pop open and then they adjusted the latch and lubed it up really well. Good to go again! Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.