Need some help: Hood stuck/can't get open (1997 Catera)

nizzo · #1 (**permalink**) 10-24-09, 08:08 PM

Can't get the hood open. It was already pretty hard to open and I had to pull the hood plug (under drivers side dash) with a wrench but now its completely stuck. Is there a safety latch or some way to get it open???

R-Caddy · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-09, 05:52 PM

Use a thin screwdriver to take the grill out. That may or may not give you access to the handle.

AHazzardToAll · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-09, 09:32 PM

have someone push down real hard at the spring point of the hood while you pull the cable. the hood spring may need readjusting.

JRomano · #4 (**permalink**) 10-25-09, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AHazzardToAll

have someone push down real hard at the spring point of the hood while you pull the cable. the hood spring may need readjusting.

that worked for me when i got mine, the hood wouldn't open unless someone was pushing down when i pulled the cable, the latch needed a really good cleaning and re-greasing and its fine now

R-Caddy · #5 (**permalink**) 10-25-09, 11:16 PM

Well, I think that only works when the cable actually works

AHazzardToAll · #6 (**permalink**) 10-26-09, 01:41 AM

it coulds like to me his cable always did work but the hood spring was adjusted too high. the latch won't give if the spring is putting pressure against the hood. just saying it's possible the cable hasn't broken or anything yet with the fact that it's always done that.