Hood cable broken how do i open hood???

[jamesvnz]

HI i am real stuck to the cable for the hood (where i put fuel in and for luggage)

has come out all the way!! its been pulled out how do i open the hood/bonnet! i need to get to the latch

i have trued putting my hand under the dash instropments and taken out the glovebox that way no luck i need help please:blackeye:

[Nicholas R]

So the cable broke off at the latch itself correct? Not the handle?

Eeeek,not good. I've heard a lot of interesting ways of getting in. Some involve removing the headlights and fascia to get to the hinges to unbolt them, others involve very long screwdrivers at the latch. How do you feel about buying a borescope? Harbor freight sells them for about $80, might come in handy.

You've either got to push the lever from the passenger side, or somehow hook it and pull it from the right side. I'd get the longest and skinniest screwdrivers you can and be ready to bend/contort them.

Do you have a gas flap? Might make it easier.

[Soundkillr]

One of the dealer methods was to push off the rubber boot near the brake resevior. Once thats off you can use a hook to find the latch and pull or push it. There is a service bulletin about the procedure.

[Farrar]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBqocO2zRpk

[jamesvnz]

thanks all i am in!! went in the front part like the video whoop

[thirdmanj]

Some good info in this thread: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?3853-Hood-(Bonnet)-Release-Cable

[Sladelorean]

Ah, samething happened to me today.. The cable snapped at the handle, trying to get access to the trunk.. Luckly, I had a half tank of gas and drove it to my local mechanic. He's going to ordering the parts first thing Monday. Thanks to this post, link and video; we can pop the hood before the parts arrive.. hopefully:rollin: Thanks again, peace and I'll keep you posted^^

[DeLorean03]

Ah, samething happened to me today.. The cable snapped at the handle, trying to get access to the trunk.. Luckly, I had a half tank of gas and drove it to my local mechanic. He's going to ordering the parts first thing Monday. Thanks to this post, link and video; we can pop the hood before the parts arrive.. hopefully:rollin: Thanks again, peace and I'll keep you posted^^


If the cable snapped at the handle, can you get a pair of vice grips, lock down on the end of the cable, and pull really hard? That's what I did when my handle gave up all the tension.

[SS Spoiler]

A trick to open the engine compartment if the cable snaps is to have a hole cut behind the rear license plate.
Also makes it easier to do wiring repairs. [nobody sees the hole]

[Jacko]

I had a similar situation on my '96 Jaguar XJS. The trunk latch wouldn't unlock with the remote or the key.
I removed the license plate lights to gain access to the latch which didn't help. Grasping for straws I bought
a Ridgid See Snake which also didn't help any. Ultimately I did what you did. I removed the license plate and
cut a 2" x 2" hole so I could see the latch. A series of events solved my problem ... A) the latch was NLA,
B) I couldn't find one in a junkyard and C) I came to the realization that there was no way I could change that
latch if I had one. I opened the trunk then locked the latch so the remote would work on the doors. So now
I have a trunk that can't be locked but at least I can open it. :lockdance:

[Sladelorean]

If the cable snapped at the handle, can you get a pair of vice grips, lock down on the end of the cable, and pull really hard? That's what I did when my handle gave up all the tension.

I guess, when the wire snapped it looks like it went inside the tubing of the cable... I may have to cut the tubing exposing the wires an order to do that trick... However my Delorean is now in the shop and wont be open untill tomorrow. Thank you for your suggestion, I'll relay that information to him when I'm on break. Thanks :wink:

[rdarlington]

I guess, when the wire snapped it looks like it went inside the tubing of the cable... I may have to cut the tubing exposing the wires an order to do that trick... However my Delorean is now in the shop and wont be open untill tomorrow. Thank you for your suggestion, I'll relay that information to him when I'm on break. Thanks :wink:

Well, be careful. There are other ways in besides pulling that cable (google around), and cutting that outer cable / sheath / tube will turn a $9.00 repair into a $22 repair (in parts cost). Just be aware.

I will say that the design of the hood release is TERRIBLE. The cable is pulled at nearly a 90 degree angle from the hole it comes out of. It's no wonder they break so often.

-Bob

[DeLorean03]

That's one of the reasons I installed Toby's remote trunk release system. Never have to worry about the cable breaking again. Still have it hooked up in case the electronics fail though :thumbup: .

[David T]

Yes, once this happens to you the very next thing you do after you get it open is to install a "back-up" cable. Too bad most don't do it BEFORE the cable breaks! It is one area to inspect once a year and if you see anything fraying or not right you fix it right away. A back-up cable is inexpensive and can be installed quickly. You can make one up too. Just go to a bicycle shop and get a piece of cable. You can also do one for the engine cover but it is not required, you can reach the latch by removing the left rear tailight.

[Henrik]

Well, hail to the gas flap I say. At least I can get gas and get home if it happened to me. (But if I get a flat, I'm screwed.)

[Sladelorean]

That's one of the reasons I installed Toby's remote trunk release system. Never have to worry about the cable breaking again. Still have it hooked up in case the electronics fail though :thumbup: .

I'm thinking of getting one of those Toby's remote trunk release system too, maybe for Christmas or New Years^^ We popped the hood by means of gripping the wire, pulled it and it worked... Parts been ordered, it should be here tomorrow and once installed I can drive it home^^ Thanks all for your help^^ If something new breaks down, I'll post about it :wrenchin: Thanks again, peace all and drive safe :driving1: