Broken hood release cable. How to pop hood?

**SSwt00SS** · 07-23-2011, 01:41 PM

Well, apparently broke the hood release cable on the '99 Formula I just picked up. Currently not able to release the hood latch in order to raise the hood.

I tried pulling the cable, but it doesn't feel like it's still attached to the hood release mechanism, so I pushed it back through the friewall and into the engine compartment.

So the question remains: How do I pop the hood in its current state?

**cammed goat** · 07-23-2011, 03:15 PM

You MIGHT have to crawl up under the front end of the car with a screwdriver depending on what is under the front bumper. Try to pry against the hood release mechanism with the screwdriver. I know on the 93-97 Formies and T/As have a plastic shield that runs behind the foglights(T/A) and that needs to be pulled back.

**SSwt00SS** · 07-23-2011, 05:29 PM

well damn...

i'll see what if anything i can do tomorrow. thanks for the heads up.

**SSwt00SS** · 07-25-2011, 03:29 PM

well, i will have to go from the under the car. i will have to remove a few plastic pieces to gain access and then figure out how to 'pop' it. a flathead might work, but there is a lip that a hooked tool of some sort might to the trick.

now, all i have to do is wait for it to cool down some. its no fun working in 104 heat

**cammed goat** · 07-25-2011, 03:35 PM

Keep us posted. Yeah. It FINALLY cooled down over here.

**pajeff02** · 07-25-2011, 05:39 PM

Ouch! I have no idea how to access that. Once you get it figured out, it wouldn't be a bad idea to post up what worked to open it. With our cars getting older it'll probably happen again to someone else soon.

**SSwt00SS** · 07-25-2011, 06:54 PM

well, the great thing is, i have the SS right next to it, so I don't have to go far to see exactly what i need to be looking for..

**35th-ANV-SS** · 07-25-2011, 08:14 PM

Subscribed. Once you figure out the tool needed (guessing some sort of hooked shape to access the latch mechanism) and have it hooked onto the release mechanism, you may want to try to press down on the hood prior to trying to pull the mechanism.

***SMWS6TA*** · 07-26-2011, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS

Subscribed. Once you figure out the tool needed (guessing some sort of hooked shape to access the latch mechanism) and have it hooked onto the release mechanism, you may want to try to press down on the hood prior to trying to pull the mechanism.

That should release some of the pressure on the latch and make it easier to release.

Since you are going to have to replace the whole cable; If you are able, look for the cable and pull out the excess till you either reach the broke end or have enough to peel back the sheathing and then take vice grips and pull on cable. That should release the latch. This method has worked for me twice on an old truck that I used to have.

**JayTA98** · 07-26-2011, 08:27 AM

I have a tool for it but im a fireman and i will get it open. its just a matter of how pretty it will look.

Im going to look at my car today and see if I can figure out something to help out with minimal damage.

**JayTA98** · 07-26-2011, 09:57 AM

ok i did this small video that hopefully helps you out.

**SSwt00SS** · 07-26-2011, 12:10 PM

awesome!!!

that black plastic shoud is what i will have to remove to gain access from underneath.

yes i will have to pop out from the bottom of the bumper and the side inner fender wells too.

i will have to go from the driverside underneath to hit the release.

if i get pissed enough, i'll dremel right through that crap and call it a day...

**cammed goat** · 07-26-2011, 12:21 PM

Keep us posted.

**pajeff02** · 07-26-2011, 01:17 PM

Nice work Jay!

After watching that vid, I would almost be tempted to run a loop of wire down through a hole drilled in the plastic panel and attached to the latch lever. Kind of a fail safe if the hood latch cable ever did break.

**cammed goat** · 07-26-2011, 02:59 PM

I agree with Jeff.

**SSwt00SS** · 07-26-2011, 03:13 PM

Got the bastard!!!

Lucked out as the cable was not broke right at the releas latch. Loosened the plastic underneath and with the general idea of where it was at, I had to blindly feel around. Found the cable, pulled it out and then pulled on it. No binding at the release point.

Will post pics later. Now it's time to locate the coolant leak.

**JayTA98** · 07-26-2011, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by SSwt00SS

Got the bastard!!!

Lucked out as the cable was not broke right at the releas latch. Loosened the plastic underneath and with the general idea of where it was at, I had to blindly feel around. Found the cable, pulled it out and then pulled on it. No binding at the release point.

Will post pics later. Now it's time to locate the coolant leak.

Im glad you got it open.

**JayTA98** · 07-26-2011, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

Nice work Jay!

After watching that vid, I would almost be tempted to run a loop of wire down through a hole drilled in the plastic panel and attached to the latch lever. Kind of a fail safe if the hood latch cable ever did break.

Thanks Jeff. I like your idea. make sure nobody knows you are doing because it will be an easy to gain access to your engine and steal stuff if the car sits outside.

**JayTA98** · 07-26-2011, 03:30 PM

i hate how I sound on video lol

**SSwt00SS** · 07-26-2011, 03:39 PM

I can smell the coolant on the passenger side but after 20 minutes of running in 100+ dgree weather in the garage, no leaks. Nothing. Before you could see an ever so small puddle...