hood release cable not working

[kirby83]

Ok, so Murphy's Law working here...
While replacing my ignition switch to fix my 97 ford ranger I had to unscrew the underside of the steering column along with the protective plating on the underside of the drivers side area. This included unscrewing the hood release lever from its mount right above the pedals.

So I unscrewed it while replacing that switch and now it won't release the hood anymore. I can't reconnect my battery, cant start the car to test it, etc. I need to get that damn hood up to continue working on it but I can't.

All I did was unscrew that lever and I'm not sure why that "broke" it. I tried screwing it back in, even though I can't see why that would make a difference and that didn't work either. Not sure what to do now.
Is there a way to get the hood open without the lever? Does it need to be replaced? and can it be replaced without getting the hood open?

 

[yavapaires]

Ok, so Murphy's Law working here...
While replacing my ignition switch to fix my 97 ford ranger I had to unscrew the underside of the steering column along with the protective plating on the underside of the drivers side area. This included unscrewing the hood release lever from its mount right above the pedals.

So I unscrewed it while replacing that switch and now it won't release the hood anymore. I can't reconnect my battery, cant start the car to test it, etc. I need to get that damn hood up to continue working on it but I can't.

All I did was unscrew that lever and I'm not sure why that "broke" it. I tried screwing it back in, even though I can't see why that would make a difference and that didn't work either. Not sure what to do now.
Is there a way to get the hood open without the lever? Does it need to be replaced? and can it be replaced without getting the hood open?

I don't know why that would have any effect on opening the hood either. If your hood latch is like my 96 Explorer, you can open the hood with a screwdriver. Top of the grille to left of center, there is a slot in top of hood latch where you can pry the latch open. It will not damage anything, and after you have it open, you will see how it works. GOOD LUCK

 

[kirby83]

thx much for the help. I'll give it a try right away.