Mitsubishi Eclipse 3G Club banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Can't open the hood

Jump to Latest
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
S

solo

· Registered
Joined
·
10 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
03 Ecliple GT

So I went today to have my oil changed and the hood wouldn't open!

I tried pulling the release latch several times, while a friend was pressing on the hood but still no luck. The release latch moves all the way to the back but the hood won't unlock.

I disconnected the hood cable from the back of the plastic release latch and tried to pull it it pliers, but still nothing happens.

What else can I try to get it open?
 
#2 ·
Mine has done this a few times. It's probably something jammed in the latch under the hood. While driving debris tend to make their way into the gap between the hood & bumper. I've had a twig and a cigarette butt both cause mine to get stuck :dunno:

To get it open take a flat screwdriver and reach into there until you you can pry the release. It takes a bit of time to find the right spot but it will eventually pop open. Then inspect the entire latch for the culprit and remove it. Also, wrap a rag around the end of the screwdriver that will make contact with the bumper & hood to avoid chipping the paint.
Hope this helps.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thanks I will try to do this and see how it goes. I wasnt sure whether I can even try this because as you know hte gap there is only a couple of millimeters. My oil change is long overdue I better fix this asap :)
 
#4 ·
i don;t know if you can do this with our cars (never needed to) but with my old grand prix, i could reach up from under (or since we do not have grills reach in there) and manually pull the latch. i had to do that, because my hood cable snapped. hope this helps.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Allright, I am still struggling with this :(

I tried WD40-ing the hell out of it and I had another person push down on the hood while I was pulling the cord - didn't work. I tried disconnecting the cord from the plastic level and pull with pliers while another person moved that manual release latch under the hood with a screwdriver - that din't work either. And I don't think I can reach if from underneath because there is some plastic in there that blocks access. I will roll it to a shop tomorrow because I think I have tried everything already...
 
Discussion starter · #8 · (Edited)
Finally got it open in a shop. I wasn't there but the guy said I will need a new lock & cable. I keep the hood open right now because it will lock again when I close it. Should I actually test the lock somehow to make sure it is really broken before I go ahead and replace it? I am not sure whether it is the lock, the cable or both. And I cant shut the hood open to test it because it might get stuck again. Also, when it comes to replacing / adjusting, can anyone share any tips? Thanks!
 
#9 ·
just take a bar, the same size and shape as the one attached to the hood, and press it through the locking mechanisms and see if it opens again. That would be the easiest way to test. Like I said before, try greasing the hell out of it and see if that frees some stuff up.
 
#10 ·
i have always used a philips head screwdriver for testing.. because it does not get larger at the head, and can be pulled out if the lock does not open.
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
tzvier said:
just take a bar, the same size and shape as the one attached to the hood, and press it through the locking mechanisms and see if it opens again. That would be the easiest way to test. Like I said before, try greasing the hell out of it and see if that frees some stuff up.
Click to expand...
scarr said:
i have always used a philips head screwdriver for testing.. because it does not get larger at the head, and can be pulled out if the lock does not open.
Click to expand...
Good tips, also is there any adjustment necessary for the cable itself?
 
#12 ·
If you don't know, the cable runs behind the driver's fender and up to the latch, you could remove your fender or just the splash guard if you wanted to just check the cable itself while it's on the way to the latch.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
I checked it all out. The lock itself works just fine, the cable is torn about 1 feet from the lock. I wanted to buy the cable today from ShineStreet3g but the site was down so i ordered it from the dealer. Should be here in several days then I will take the splash guard off and replace the damn thing. :)
 
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
About this Discussion
17 Replies
7 Participants
Last post:
jstewart92
Mitsubishi Eclipse 3G Club
posts
2.8M
members
51K
Since
2004
A forum community dedicated to Mitsubishi Eclipse 3G owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, turbos, engine swaps, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Vehicles & Parts Classifieds Members Rides Problem Reports New Member Introductions 3G Eclipse GT/GTS Specific