'96 Explorer: Unable to release engine hood

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Bob - 24 Jan 2005 21:21 GMT

I went to get an oil change the other day only to discover that the
engine hood would not open. When you pull the latch release inside the
vehicle, nothing happens...it's as if the cable has stretched or
something. A guy at the oil change place was able to finally get the
latch released by pulling very hard on the cable under the dash, but I
have not been able to do it myself since then.

Anyone know what might be wrong? And how to fix it?

TIA!
Bob

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Jim Warman - 25 Jan 2005 02:17 GMT

Have an assistant jounce the hood downwards as you pull on the cable. Once
the hood is open, us some WD40 to clean and lube the latch mechanism.
Inspect the release cable to be sure it isn't stretched or damaged. If it
is, replace it to avoid future concerns. There is no joy in being stranded.

> I went to get an oil change the other day only to discover that the
> engine hood would not open. When you pull the latch release inside the
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> TIA!
> Bob

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Just Surfing - 28 Jan 2005 18:20 GMT

My '91 Explorer had this same issue. My stubborn use of brute force only
resulted in a busted cable and having to open the hood with pliers.

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