Hood Problem

[jls99expo]

Hey guys. This morning I was driving to school and my damn windshield wiper fluid ran out. So, I got to school and had a bottle of fluid in the back of the expo and planned on filling the reservoir (sp?) back up. So, I pulled on the hood release and..... no hood movement. So, I pulled it a couple more times and nothing. Then I called a friend over to pull the latch while I stood next to the hood. As he was pulling the latch I could here the mechanism to release the hood working but it just would not let the hood pop up. So, I tried pushing on the hood while he pulled it and then I tried to pull on it while he pulled the latch and nothing worked the hood just sat there laughing at my while I sweat to death in the 90+ weather. Do you guys have any suggestions on possible remedies for the problem or am I screwed. HELP!

 

[DeRocha]

The latch tends to oxidize over time... Try squirting some WD40 from under the hood in the area of the latch...

 

[DeRocha]

Initially use WD40 because you don't want PBlaster or such stuff going all over the place. After spraying the latch gently pull and release on the Hood latch cable ( Do NOT pull too hard you could brake the cable or release handle) Also don't try and push the hood up, as this will only make the mechanism harder to release. Once you get the hood opened you can then spray the latch directly with WD40 or PBlaster. With the hood opened you want to manually work the latch (close and open it) a few dozen times. I would then lubricate it with some spray lithium grease...

P.S. The 911 forum is reserved for problems in which your X is dead/and you need it to get somewhere...

 

[jls99expo]

Thanks for the help. I'll have to try that when I get home. Also, thanks for the tip about the 911 forum. I just had a problem that I couldn't fix.

 

[MONMIX]

OR
This is more tricky and just might end up being your soultion.
A flash light, a 1/4 inch ratchet, a long extention, a shallow 8mm socket, and a swivel.
You should see where this is going. It is not fun but it is possible. I have done it more than a few times. Once you get the latch un bolted, don't get in too much of a hurry to open it because the cable will still be attached. Now you have plenty of acess and you can hit the release with a screwdriver.

 

[jls99expo]

The WD40 trick did not work at all. So, it looks like i'm gonna have to try the much harder suggestion from MONMIX. OR could I just rip the front grill off and then fix the hood latch then get the billet grill that I always wanted?

 

[MONMIX]

Yeah that would be easier and more fun

 

[jls99expo]

Yeah that would be easier and more fun

YES it would. I think that' what I'll do. :smoke: