Stupid Hood Lockout

[Pontiacmaster81]

So I was working on changing my Driver side front Strut after getting into a snow storm accident and my Hood some how closed completely on me, Luckily my fingers were near my Lower Control arm and Rotor. I went inside the cabin to unlock the hood. The lever has tension but it will not release the latch. I tried taking a long screwdriver but my hood is rubbing on my bumper cover. No way of getting anything smaller then a clothes hanger wire, which I tried and failed. Tried my grill but they are solid as well as underneath my front as I jacked it up. Anyone have any advice on helping me. I can't get my new strut on due to the three screws inside the engine bay

[Scottydoggs]

have some one hold the release lever while you lift the hood up. if it wont lift, try pushing it down first.

[Pontiacmaster81]

The thing is the release level inside the car only moves half an inch. It shows it has tension so I know the cable is not busted or broken and I had someone bang on my hood why I tried the level with no prevail. Can't stick fingers or anything smaller then a wire underneath the hood which is not working.

[Scottydoggs]

dont your grills unscrew on from the out side? if so pull one off, use a screw driver to turn the lock part of the latch.

[Pontiacmaster81]

It's also snowing hardcore here in WNY so I don't know if it's frozen or not. Maybe i'll try dumping some hot water near the release latch tomorrow and see

[Pontiacmaster81]

And my grill is all one component from rockauto so I doubt they come undone, i'll check tomorrow and see

[Scottydoggs]

if you put the grills in you should know if the screws that hold them in are on the outside or the inside. if on the outside its a cake walk.

[Pontiacmaster81]

I tried your method and no luck, going to call the tow company and have it towed so they can figure it out and install my new strut. Video is what I was talking about

http://youtu.be/Vu1zSGiCifM

[Pontiacmaster81]

*Update*

I went outside in this 11 degree weather to do more tinkering with my hood

I undid the cover near the Cabin Lever and pulled the carpet out to see if the cable was snapped--- No luck Which is a good thing

Went outside to the grill and pulled on that cable as seen in my video I posted. I pulled it hard and I mean hard.. No luck
Tried sticking a longer screwdriver and a long 14mm wrench and grabbed the latch release... No luck

Looked underneath and got a surprise waiting for me

3 small puddles of what looked and smelled like Oil near the Driver side Lower arm and Rack
1 of these small puddles dripped every 30 seconds

So nothing I can do unless I take a saw and pry this hood off. Garages around here won't send a tow just for a hood So running out of options here

[Scottydoggs]

if you get under the car cant you see right up to the lock? then stick a screw driver in the part where the cable pules, turn it, the latch should open.

[Pontiacmaster81]

Thanks Scotty,

I would have to jack the thing up, in order to do anything. WNY weather right now is getting terrible by the minute. I called a garage they might send someone out tomorrow to see if they can get the latch open..

What you think these puddles could be.. I really hope it's not the Power steering rack, heard nightmare stories about installation.

[Scottydoggs]

steady drip car off could be the pump rack or lines. you'll have to get under it and get a better look. check the p/s fluid level too. if its low its a leaking.

[Pontiacmaster81]

Thanks,

Now the p/s fluid is that near the pump or the one top of the engine bay, always get those two mixed up

[Scottydoggs]

under the back side of the alt. its hidden. thanks GM. lol

[Pontiacmaster81]

figured as much means I would have to undo the pulleys to check it

[Scottydoggs]

nah, just stick your hand back there and un cap it.

you can see the cap in the far left.

[Pontiacmaster81]

Is it a dipstick type or do I have to see how much is in there. The drips are near the driver tire side but i'll double check the P/S fluid anyways

[ItHurtz]

it has like a 2" dipstick on the cap, check ur brake fluid?

[Scottydoggs]

d/s tire? id call that a blown brake line. theres nothing else there.

[Pontiacmaster81]

Thanks. Gave me some great pointers on what to look for tomorrow. Weather permitting I can get it towed and have them install that strut and tell them to check for leaks..