Well, it sounds likt the cable has been stretched out running from the latch to the handle inside the car. You'll probably have to locate the cable where it exits the black sheath leading to the lever, and grab it by the actual cable itself (not the black plastic) and trip it manually by pulling on it.
I had to do this with my Mustang a few weeks back, and that was the only way for me to get into the engine compartment. Not sure if it'll be accessible on the Explorer, but thought I'd chip in my .02
Good luck!
I am in a jam right now. My daughter is going back to school tomorrow, out
> of state. I was going to check the oil and water before the trip. She has
> a 1995 Ford Explorer( 4.0 V6 engine). But to my frustration, I can not get
> the hood to open. I pull on the dashboard release and nothing happens. The
> interior release lever entends out all the way when pulled, but I do not
> detect the partial release of the hood. The hood does not move upward. I
> go to the front of the vehicle and try the secondary catch. The secondary
> hood release does not open the hood. I believe this is because the interior
> release did not accomplish the first stage of the release. I am hoping
> someone my have a solution or work around. I tried to examine the release
> mechanism from the limited area through the front grill work with no
> success. I appreciate any help.
>
> Regards,
> Bill
>
>