Hood Release Won't Work--HELP!
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 283
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From: Vero Beach, FL
Hood Release Won't Work--HELP!
Inside hood release won't work on my 05 Ex. Did a search, tried having a helper pull the handle while I pulled up on the hood, and while I banged on the hood--no luck.
Tried pulling the cable with vice grips, to get it pulled farther than the lever would pull it--no luck.
Any ideas on what to do next? Gotta get the hood open--battery's dead.
Tried pulling the cable with vice grips, to get it pulled farther than the lever would pull it--no luck.
Any ideas on what to do next? Gotta get the hood open--battery's dead.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
Had problems with mine too, but it never completely locked up like yours. My problem wasn't the cable, it was the hood latch itself. It wouldn't release because it got gummed up.
Can you slide something like a slim jim or wire hanger through the front and manually disengage the mechanism while someone is pulling the release?
Stewart
Can you slide something like a slim jim or wire hanger through the front and manually disengage the mechanism while someone is pulling the release?
Stewart
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Vero Beach, FL
Seems after driving the Ex maybe twice over the summer, then trying to open the hood in the dark (dead battery), I was slightly confused on which lever is the hood release, and which lever is the parking brake release
Boy, do I feel stupid....
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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my son was helping me change oil one day and did the same thing during the day light. boy did we have a good laugh when i showed him the hood release. it seems ford and gm have thing oppisite with the 2 releases. hasn't happen since, he is a quick learner
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,332
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From: Summit, MS
So you got the hood open but now you have a broken brake release lever from pulling on it too hard? lol
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Vero Beach, FL
I'm too lazy to put it back in, so I never use the handle any more.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Summit, MS
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
LOL!
Glad it was simple!
Stewart
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
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there I fixed it for you !!! we have all had a Dooh !!!!!! moment 
But I DO have trouble with my hood release all the time...
quite a bear to fit my fingers under and pull it up after release each time..
that sucker is heavy !!! is it the release spring or the hood "shocks" ?
But I DO have trouble with my hood release all the time...
quite a bear to fit my fingers under and pull it up after release each time..
that sucker is heavy !!! is it the release spring or the hood "shocks" ?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
From: Greensboro, NC
Glad it ended up being something simple....
If you have a stubborn release - clean and lubricate the latch mechanism, hood hinges and the hood struts to ensure they are all working properly. It should easily pop up from the first latch and be ready for you to release the second latch using the handle under the hood. The hood struts should only come into play to hold the hood up. I've seen a few which raised the hood after the first few inches to be fully open but most don't seem to do that. Probably due to age and just needing replacement but they shouldn't impact the release mechanism at all.
If you have a stubborn release - clean and lubricate the latch mechanism, hood hinges and the hood struts to ensure they are all working properly. It should easily pop up from the first latch and be ready for you to release the second latch using the handle under the hood. The hood struts should only come into play to hold the hood up. I've seen a few which raised the hood after the first few inches to be fully open but most don't seem to do that. Probably due to age and just needing replacement but they shouldn't impact the release mechanism at all.
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