engine compartment access

[fish]

I may get a laugh from some of the more mechanically experienced, but here goes. I was away from home for most of a month. When I came home my '95 ranger had a dead battery. No big surprise there.The problem is the safety latch in the cab is not releasing so I can gain access to the battery. I've tried releasing the arm with a screwdriver but no, and I cant see enough to figure it out. I"m hoping someone is familiar enough with this to give me a verbal description of how to release the latch. I guess a cable must have broke. Thanks

 

[Mac]

Seems to be a common problem, lots of write-ups on Google. Just went thru this my-self. Easiest was the first I tried, had someone pull up on the hood while pulling the release - It worked. Latch release was really gunked up so degrease it and the WD'd it. Some years will allow you un-bolt the whole latch from outside.
Dave

 

[swynx]

Try having someone either lift up on the hood or pushing down on the hood while you pull the cable. If hat doesn't work try using a screw driver in there. Used to have to do this on my truck.

Once you get it open unscrew (raise) the hood stand things. This way the hood will open next time. Don't latch it till your sure it works

 

[adsm08]

I have also found that a good pound on the hood right above the latch can also convince a stuck hood latch to release.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'm not sure on the ranger but on a mid 90's f150 i could unbolt the catch with a 1/4" drive + extension. IIRC 10 or 13 mm sockets

Richard

 

[fish]

Thank you all. A combination of all the suggestions convinced her to open up. Nothing broken, just corrosion and gunk to clean.