2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission hood won't unlatch

[jkh]

I pulled the handle inside tonight but it didn't unlatch. It doesn't feel like a broken cable, just something not releasing. How can I release the first latch from outside?

 

[JKreiss]

That's an odd one. If it feels like it popped loose from the cable end, i guess you could try working the hood up and down from the grill and see if that lets it pop loose. If not maybe try to replicate something out of a coat hanger and try to free it up. That's something i kind of thought could happen but never took it serious. Let us know if you get it.

 

[Road Dog]

I've had that on my Caravan. It was binding just enough to not pop. I pressed down on the hood a few time to work the latch and then it popped on the next try. Then a latch clean & lube.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I've had that on my Caravan. It was binding just enough to not pop. I pressed down on the hood a few time to work the latch and then it popped on the next try. Then a latch clean & lube.

Try that... . than the only thing left is to try some stiff wire and try to hook the hood latch lever from through the grill. I've had a cable break and we ended up breaking the grill insert and FINALLY managing to hood the cable lever and pull it to release the latch. I pulled my truck up next to us, so we could look at it while fishing on the other. It's a PITA!! Hopefully working the hood down will allow it to release!!

 

[jkh]

went out tonight to start working on it, I pulled the handle and it popped open.

I don't know what would have been making it stick yesterday, but I anti siezed the crap out of everything on the latch and on the pin on the hood.

hopefully that stops it.

 

[Road Dog]

Temperature can make a difference.

 

[dclassens]

I down know what would be worse, a stuck shut hood or anti seize from the latch on every shirt I own from reaching in over the slobbery latch. I guess I would have chose a lube like Vaseline or beeswax. Something that washes out.

 

[jkh]

dclassens,

I thought of that while I was slobbing it on, but at that point I just grabbed the closest thing available and figured I'd cross the dirty shirt bridge when I get to it.

 

[LandShark]

There was a recall on the hood latch on some of the 2nd gen trucks a few years back. Had something to do with them being prone to rusting in the rust belt. Go figure.

 

[Bob4x4]

You may be thinking of recall 973 that is for the secondary hood latch only.
The OP's condition is usually just a sticking latch or adjustment issue.
The most common fix for the sticking latch is a good cleaning and use of a light lube that will not attract dirt.
Also check the hood bumpers for condition and adjustment