1993 Hood Won't Open

[Rangercharlie]

My 1993 Ranger 3.0L RWD was crashed into on the front right fender. I decided to try to see what it looks like in the engine bay but I can't get the hood open. When I pull the release lever under the dash there is not pop at the front of the hood. I don't know if the problem is with the cable or the latch. Is there a way to release the latch through the grill?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've had to use a 1/4" drive socket with a 6" extension and swivel? with I think a 10mm socket to remove the bolts holding the whole assembly to the rad support.

 

[ThatOneGuy]

Or if the hood is damaged you could open it like the fire dept. does

 

[Josh B]

Or if the hood is damaged you could open it like the fire dept. does

Could he borry your axe?

 

[97RangerXLT]

If the hood is undamaged or lightly damaged but serviceable I would with AlwaysFlooreds method.

If it is severely damaged will need replaced, cur/ torch/ Sawzall that bastard off at the latch and don't think twice about it.

AJ

 

[Rangercharlie]

If the hood is undamaged or lightly damaged but serviceable I would with AlwaysFlooreds method.

If it is severely damaged will need replaced, cur/ torch/ Sawzall that bastard off at the latch and don't think twice about it.

AJ

The hood surface only has a small dent on the front right corner. I think I might not have made it clear where the problem is:

"In order to achieve the initial open position, the hood must be unlatched. A typical vehicle hood latch has two latches, the first being remotely releasable from the passenger compartment by pulling a lever connected to a cable, which subsequently pulls the first latch to an unlatched position." (from Google)

I cannot get the first latch to release. I cannot find any repair info on how to achieve the initial release if the cable does not work. Where on the latch does the cable attach and what direction does it pull on the latch mechanism to cause the first release (pop up position)?

The problem with the suggestion to remove the two bolts that fasten the latch to the radiator support housing is that the heads are on top of the latch mechanism and I can't get a wrench in between the hood and the top of the grill header.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Get a helper to pull the latch while you pull up on the hood/ push down on the hood. The header panel/ core support is probably tweaked just enough to not release the hood. You might be able to wiggle it enough to make the latch release if you have someone to pull the release while you manhandled it.


AJ

 

[tw205]

No, there is no secret hidden release button to open the hood in the event your truck get crashed and deformed to the point where the hood will no longer open when you pull the magic lever from the cockpit. The front framing is bent. The latch is attached to the framing, not the hood. The hood is attached to the firewall.

 

[RobbieD]

Get a helper to pull the latch while you pull up on the hood/ push down on the hood. The header panel/ core support is probably tweaked just enough to not release the hood. You might be able to wiggle it enough to make the latch release if you have someone to pull the release while you manhandled it.


AJ

Yes, try that approach before going nuclear.

If the hood release handle won't pull and the cable's not busted, it's usually too much pressure between the hood and the release "catch".

Recruit a friend, and whoever has the biggest ass try sitting on the front of the hood while the other one gives the release handle a vigorous yank. If that's no joy, repeat with having Big Ass pulling up on the hood, and even a combination of one pushing / pulling the hood while other pulls on the handle.

Needless to say, when you do get it open, adjust the latch.

Good luck!

 

[Rangercharlie]

Get a helper to pull the latch while you pull up on the hood/ push down on the hood. The header panel/ core support is probably tweaked just enough to not release the hood. You might be able to wiggle it enough to make the latch release if you have someone to pull the release while you manhandled it.


AJ

Tried that before I posted this thread.

 

[sgtsandman]

Perhaps a pry bar pulling up on the hood while someone pulls the latch. Use a rag to protect the paint and watch where you pry since many of the front pieces are plastic. If the front, right headlight is already damaged, that might be your best pry point.