'97 XLT hood release issue

[konaboy]

Hey Gang,

So for some time now I've been having issues when I pop the hood release I can feel the click for the release but the hood doesn't pop up like it should. I have to really pry to get it to break loose so I can release the inner catch and lift it. I've silicone spraye the crap out of all the moving parts and it's still hanging up. So is it time to start looking at a whole new assembly, new cable or is there something else I'm missing here. Luckily when I've needed to get into it I've been home but don't want to have to fight this on the road if a break down happens.

 

[FIND]

You may need to adjust your latch position or the position of the hood supports. You do not want excessive pressure on the latch up or down because it prevents the latch from opening properly.

 

[konaboy]

You may need to adjust your latch position or the position of the hood supports. You do not want excessive pressure on the latch up or down because it prevents the latch from opening properly.

Is that something that has to be done at some point. Hood and all hardware with the exception of the hood struts are original

 

[konaboy]

So is there a secret trick to releasing the hood to get it open if the release cable isn't doing it? This puppy is really stuck today. found a youtube video of a guy working on a '98 latch assembly where he said to push the latch with the spring on it over to release. I felt around and can't feel a spring or lever to push on with a screw driver.

 

[deweyville65]

Top, left center of grill. Look with a light, find slot at top of latch assembly. Pry to right (as you are looking from the front). You may have to push down on hood slightly to get latch to move. This time before you shut the hood, adjust the latch, lubricate the mechanism. Use something better than silicone. Engine oil would be good. Look in the hood. There should be a flat spring that contacts top of latch to pop hood up when you pull the release cable.

 

[konaboy]

Finally got it open, had to do some prying on the hood to get it there though. Took the latch assembly off and it is frozen up bad. I've soaked it in pb blaster 3 times, hit it with fp-10 (which is a great lube) and I still have to hit the latch with a hammer to get it to move either direction. Decided I'd call it quits for now and see if after letting things soak for a while if it frees up.

My gut tells me I'm making a trip to the parts store for a new one.

Open to any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[konaboy]

Just covered the insides with Mobil 1 5w-30 synthetic. Going to see if that does any good. If it doesn't I'm out of ideas other than a new one unless someone else can suggest something.

Edit: Let it soak for about 20 min. Still wouldn't budge got out a big set of slipjoints and started working it with those and it gradually started freeing up so I could move it by hand. Still wasn't releasing right so I smothered the insides again and now she's working. Going to eat dinner then go put it all back together.

Appreciate all the suggestions. Should have gone the motor oil route from the start.

 

[curt1007]

Good luck with that thing, I have been fighting mine too, lube, adjusting....... Ugh. Stupid Ford!

 

[konaboy]

Good luck with that thing, I have been fighting mine too, lube, adjusting....... Ugh. Stupid Ford!

All I can say is the motor oil must have done the trick. Just put everything back together and it's working smoothly,releasing super easy!