I just solved the problem of opening an inoperative hood release on my
1997 Explorer. I tried gripping the cable under the dash with locking pliars and pulling as hard as I could but that didn't work. Try that first. I then looked thru the grill at the latch. There is a sheet metal cover blocking access to the latch. Bend the drivers side of the cover forward. Reach behind the cover and you will feel the cable, pull on the cable and the latch should open. If it doesn't open push a screwdriver into the latch just above the cable connection and pry open the jaw while someone pulls up on the hood. My cable was corroded and frozen where it rubs against the battery. I put spiral wire wrap on to keep it from happening again.- posted
17 years ago