MrM3rl1n

Hi there, first post so apologies if it is in the wrong place!
I can't get my hood open! Here's a list of symptoms and what I've tried.
Pull the release inside and I hear a "click" but there is zero movement of the hood, pulling on the hood does nothing after the click. If I press down on the hood, I hear another "click" that seems to be the latch re-egnaging.
I have tried applying anywhere from light to moderate pressure down on the hood near where the latch is while someone else pulls the release inside, same thing.
Have someone hold the release inside while I wiggle the hood
I even bought an 18" screwdriver and threaded it through the tight space next to the turn signal lights while looking through the space on the opposite side to try and push the release.
I suspect the spring that moves the latch out of the way may have failed, that is the only explanation I can think of, but I'm not intimately familiar with the latching mechanism of this specific hood.
I have also looked from underneath and am blocked by an air dam that I don't see an easy way of removing.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

Lightly thump the hood in front of the latch with your hand repeatedly and it will probably pop open. Be careful, the metal will bend easy. After it pops open, grease the mechanism and cycle it a few times by hand until it unlatches properly.

MrM3rl1n

Yeah I did try that, thanks for the suggestion, still no joy. I've been working on it for a couple weeks now, about to take it to a body shop to see if they can take the bumper or something else off without doing any damage...

navy02ws6

Only thing that gets the hood open on my '91 RS is lifting it by the passenger's front corner after pulling the release. Worth trying, at least. No amount of tapping or banging in the center opens mine, and it has the dents to prove it.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

I don't remember if the latch mounting screws can be accessed from under the car? Maybe a small wrench and a lot of patience might get the lower latch unbolted so you can at least lift the hood a few inches to release the hook with your hands.

I have removed it from the top side to grease everything, just can't remember where was the bolt.

Edit: I just looked at my car and you can't get to the bolt head from the bottom side, but you can get to the latch mechanicals and the cable wire. Poke, grab, pull, push.... something might give.

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

Pop the hood with the cable release and then change the way that the car is parked, or even drive it around a little.
Change the way the forces are acting upon it and it will probably pop open by itself.

kestell123

When you do get it open ,it would be a good idea to replace the latch. I had similar problems and tried every thing I could think of ,from lubing to ajusting to shortening the cable. I finally replaced the latch and had no more problems.

QwkTrip

iTrader: (22)

^^^ That's genius.