How to open hood?

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I know, simple question right? My 99 Explorer will not "pop" the hood using the in cab release and I haven't been able to open it from the grill either. Whats the trick to get it open?

Also, how do I fix the in cab release?

 

[BigJoe1094]

there should be a cable attached to the latch. make sure that is still attached. if not there's your problem.

 

[drbenz]

Try the two man method to open the hood, one to pull the release and the other to push down on the hood to take the pressure off of the hood latch. Sometimes it takes a little messing with the hood to open it (be careful not to overdo it, i've seen hoods dented by pushing too hard) and after it's open lube the latch to prevent the problem from happening again.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

The cable is still attached to the release, ill find a second set of hands and see if relieving the tension helps.

Is there a way to release the latch with a screwdriver or something through the grill if that fails?

 

[yavapaires]

Yes, you can go through ths grill, just to left (drivers side) of center at the top opening. Use a long flat screwdriver. There is a slot at the top of the latch. Very easy to do. I have to thank someone else on here for posting the procedure last year.

 

[dcdyd]

The latch could be rusted. It was that way for my case.

 

[Turdle]

Look under the dash and you'll see a brass colored bracket which the cable slides through. First, make sure the screws attaching it are tight.
Grab an adjustable wrench, clamp it onto the bracket, and "adjust " it by bending toward the firewall. Move the wrench from side to side while bending it to make it even. Move it only about 1/4" or so.

Now, grab the latch release handle give it a very fast tug and see if the hood pops.
Worked for me.

Lube the entire latch mechanism once you get it to pop open. Good luck.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Thanks for the tips, ill be giving it a try this weekend.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I have still not been able to get the hood open! I can push the second release from underneath the truck, but can not get the first latch to let go. Anyone know a trick to get this thing open? The under dash cable is not broken, i can hear it moving at the latch, but the hood isnt budging.

 

[Ghostimage]

Do you have someone lifting on the hood while you pull the cable?

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Yes. Tried pushing down, prying up, even got underneath the truck and pushed straight up using a broom handle.

 

[deweyville65]

Did you do what I posted on 4-26-12? If that doesn't open the latch, get a cutting torch. Actually it is very easy to open the hood with a screwdriver. Did this on mine right after Igot it. Having lubed the latch, and adjusting the hood stops, it opens with very little pressure from the inside.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Deweyvilles - i do not see an earlier post from you.

Yavapairs said to use a flat scfewdriver in the slot at top left of the latch, can someone explain this more?

 

[deweyville65]

Deweyville, yavapaires, one in the same. I use a POS Samsung tablet that causes me a lot of trouble. Got logged off somehow, couldn't find password, signed up new. Now, to your problem. Top opening of grill to left of center. Right side when looking at front. Look at top of hood latch. You may need a flashlight. There is a small slot at the front top. Using a long flat screwdriver, reach into the slot and pry to the left . The hood should come open. If it does not open, you are SOL as far as I can tell. Get a buddy to push down/ pull up on hood at the same time. Be careful, as you can dent tbe hood when pushing down.

 

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Ok, thanks for the details. Ill give it a shot.

 

[2010nctaco]

I was having the same problem. If you can get some wd-40 or pb blaster and spray the latch as best as you can with it closed. That may loosen it up some so you can get someone else to help push down on the hood while you ppull the latch. That worked for me anyway. Hope that helps.