My water pump went on me a couple weeks ago and I had to have it towed. Before towing I popped the hood to make sure there was nothing lose that might come out onto the road during the tow. Well the tow truck driver slammed my hood (after I told him to let me close it) and now that I am ready to replace the water pump, the hood will not open. The latch that you push up is now too far toward teh passenger side and does not clear the opening. Does anyone know another way to get the hood open? I'm really stuck here!

I found a solution and though I would post in case anyone else ever has the same problem.

If you pull back the protective rubber mat that protects the gap between the radiator and grill, you can reach up (if you have long arms) and get to one of the two bolts on the latch. There is very little room to turn a socket, but after a little bit you can loosen it and then my hood would open. Hope this helps someone!

I found a solution and though I would post in case anyone else ever has the same problem.

If you pull back the protective rubber mat that protects the gap between the radiator and grill, you can reach up (if you have long arms) and get to one of the two bolts on the latch. There is very little room to turn a socket, but after a little bit you can loosen it and then my hood would open. Hope this helps someone!


This is exactly what i would of done , gone underneath the front bumper and squeezed my hand in there and unlatched it by hand, good to hear you have it undercontrol now.

You can also put a small explosive under car. That will get rid of all maint problems forever.
LOL