I have a 1999 Ford Explorer. I believe that the hood release cable is broken. Anybody know how I would get the hood open manually, so that I can replace the hood release cable?

 

A trick we use in the firefighting service is to reach through a vehicle opening and get hold of the cable as close as possible to the latch area, then pull hard. NOTICE: This method is used to gain access to burning or wreck damaged vehicles when access to the normal realease is not possible. If the cable is not damaged, it most certainly will be after you used the method I mentioned above. Other components also risk damage using this method. However, if there is no alternative, this method does work.

 

Ford had a recall on the '99 secondary hood latches because they rust and fail. Yours might have failed closed, preventing you from getting your hood open. Take it to the dealer and see if they will deal with it for free. If it really is the cable, they might charge you for that portion.

Here are the details:

Recall 99V164000: Secondary Hood Latch, Corrosion
Vehicle Description:
Sport utility vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position. If this occurs and the primary hood latch is either not engaged or is released, a hood fly-up could occur. Dealers will install a secondary hood latch with components that are coated prior to assembly for improved latch pivot corrosion protection. Owner notification began July 14, 1999. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

1998 FORD TRUCK EXPLORER
1998 MERCURY TRUCK MOUNTAINEER
1999 FORD TRUCK EXPLORER
1999 MERCURY TRUCK MOUNTAINEER

 

I'll try taking it to the dealer then. Thanks a lot!