How to Open a Car Hood If the Latch Is Broken
by Aram Khayatpour
The hood latch on any car is used to connect the hood release cable to the hood locking mechanism. If it breaks you will no longer be able to open the hood using the hood release in the inside of the car, which will be problematic the next time you have to enter the engine bay. In order to open the hood in this situation, you will need to manually open the hood locking mechanism.
Through the Grill
Step 1
Look through the grill and locate the hood locking mechanism. It will be in the middle of the car, directly under the front of the hood.
Step 2
Bend the end of the aluminum wire around to create a loop, then tie a knot so that the loop does not come loose.
Step 3
Slide the wire through the grill and get the loop around the hook of the hood locking mechanism.
Step 4
Pull the wire in the opposite direction of the hook while depressing the hood. This will give the hook some slack and make it easier to pull open.
Step 5
Pull up on the hood to open it, still applying tension to the wire.
From Underneath the Car
Step 1
Jack up the car and secure it in place with two jack stands.
Step 2
Slide underneath the car; position yourself in such a way that you are in the center of the car and you can put your hands behind the radiator.
Step 3
Reach up to the hood latch with the pair of pliers and find the hook of the hood locking mechanism.
Step 4
Pull the hook away from the hood latch with the pliers.
Step 5
Have a friend lift up the hood while you continue pulling on the hook with your pliers.
References
- "Honda Civic & CR-V Acura Integra 1996 thru 2000 Haynes Repair Manual"; Haynes; 2001.
- "1995 Ford Mustang Owner's Manual"; Ford Motor Vehicles, 1994.
Things You'll Need
- 8 gauge aluminum wire
- Jack
- 2 jack stands
- Pliers
- A friend
