Hood won't release - HELP!

[Green96]

Dad's 2004 GM hood won't release. Is there something that he can push or pull on with a screw driver to get it open?

When I pull his hood release, there is no resistance until the last little bit. Like maybe slack in the cable. Is there an adjustment?

[DOOM]

My worst nightmare!!!!! :eek:

[Green96]

Update. It popped open on his way home. He thinks it will be OK if he lubes it really well. I looked at mine and cannot find ant way to adjust...

[SC Cheesehead]

I've had the same issue in the past. Try getting someone to help, you can pull on the hood release and at the same time the other person can push down on one of the front corners of the hood and then quickly release pressure, that may get the latch to disengage.

[MM2004]

This has happened to my MM a couple times now in the past 8 years.

Get a T-shirt, or a micro fiber cloth (preferably dampened with water), and gently feed it under the corner of the hood.

Once enough of the cloth is under the hood, and with a firm grip on the towel or T-shirt, push towards the center of the hood while leaning into it and pull upwards.

This should raise the hood enough to get to the latch.

Once the hood is open, oil the lock mechanism, then work the hood release many times before closing the hood.

I also recommend raising the hood stops as well.

Good luck!

Mike.

[Marauderjack]

A flat wooden paint stirrer works great and won't hurt your paint!!:beer:

Lube the latch periodically and it will be OK!!;)

[MyO4Rawdur]

I previously used a mini pry bar.

[fastblackmerc]

I've used some nylon trim removal tools.

[martyo]

I've used some nylon trim removal tools.

That was what I was going to say!

[fastblackmerc]

That was what I was going to say!

Great minds think alike!

[tbone]

Steal your wife's spatula, but don't tell her what you're using it for! Ask me how I know.....

http://ab.wsimgs.com/wsimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/201246/0053/img60b.jpg

[Marauderjack]

My worst nightmare!!!!! :eek:

Mine too....but for a different reason "Blingster" !!:cool:

My intercooler would prevent going up behind the front bumper if the hood release cable broke so I fastened another cable to the latch and ran it past the outside temp sensor and down beside the DS frame just behind the radiator!! A loop on the end provides a finger hold and a sharp tug does the job!!:beer:

Cheap insurance!!!:bandit:

[Green96]

Thanks everyone. I will pass it along, and I think it is time to take a look at the condition of mine also.

[myrodr]

dont for get to lube the hood hinges

[Blown3.8]

I have found that banging on the driver rear corner of the hood while holding the release out will get it to vibrate enough to come up enough to get a hold at the latch.

This works if you are alone.

[lifespeed]

If you've never replaced the gas struts, do so.

[fastblackmerc]

If you've never replaced the gas struts, do so.

That "might" be the problem, but most likely it's a poorly lubed latch. Clean with brake cleaner and re-lube it.

[lifespeed]

That "might" be the problem, but most likely it's a poorly lubed latch. Clean with brake cleaner and re-lube it.

Both issues are worth addressing. No gas strut lasts forever, and the hood latches do stick.

Another trick worth mentioning is to install the proper rubber bumpers in the fenders to distribute the load and stop squeaks.

[Green96]

I think it was a combination of both. It is opening again now that it has been cleaned and lubed, but I have to help lift the hood up. Gas lifts are shot.