1997 850 - Hood pops, but the lever at the grill...

Post by **xHeart** » 11 Jun 2016, 17:09

...won't unhook hood for it to be lifted.

Hood release always worked, even today, Both PS, and DS catch releases fine. I can lift it up few inches. But the lever at the grill pulls out freely more than normal. After being Sherlock with flash, I decided to check-in with Dr. Watson.

I can see the upward facing hook through the grill. How to release this hook so the hood is raised, repair is assessed and performed?

A 94º day. Happy Summer!

Post by **tryingbe** » 11 Jun 2016, 18:39

Straighten a big paper clip and use it to pull the lock?

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 11 Jun 2016, 20:40

Wire hanger through to the latch hook. Some leave the brass hanger there as a decoration...hahaha

Post by **xHeart** » 12 Jun 2016, 08:42

Thank you guys.

Another closer look showed PS half of the grille pushed back, about an inch. Therefore, the lever is coming out freely, but NOT fully pulling the hook to clear.

I guess, someone reversed into my car. No visible sign of grill damage.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 12 Jun 2016, 13:51

The pull lever is fragile and I've had to replace a couple of them with parts from a pick-n-pull. It pivots on a pin and the lever tends to break free at the point where the holes are drilled.

...Lee

Post by **JimBee** » 12 Jun 2016, 19:47

The small spring was missing on my 93 850. The other day, when I popped the hood latch the center pull to release slipped back to the inside of the grille. Once behind the grille it fell below the separator it normally rests on. I had to fish it back up with a small piece of stiff wire then with a tiny screw driver catch the under side of the leading part of the pull to lever it out so i could grasp it. To do all that, I think I had to fully lock the hood back down in its corner latches.

What I discovered on my 93 was that with the spring broken, to get it to release, I had to lift the hood to where it catches on the safety latch, then grasp the pull-release lever and while holding the lever let the hood relax down a bit, easing the lever back in a 1/4 inch or so to release. Then it will come forward all the way to pull the safety hook free.

I had a spare with a spring so I replaced that.

Post by **xHeart** » 13 Jun 2016, 14:03

I am able to lift the hood few inches, then the hook catches. I can see the hook assembly from the side, between grille and headlight, using flashlight. There is enough space but not enough to fit my arm.

Now thinking about fishing a rope from right to left under the hood, traveling on shroud side of the hook. Then gathering the two ends below the grille/emblem like a necktie on a shirt collar, and then pull.

What do you think?

Post by **xHeart** » 14 Jun 2016, 06:54

The rope method worked. The hood is up fellas!

Post by **JimBee** » 14 Jun 2016, 21:36

Yaaaay! One more handy item to carry in the travel bag.

Post by **xHeart** » 15 Jun 2016, 12:20

Not in a hurry.

The hook assembly and the pull-lever vitals are good.
It appears three locking clips holding the PS portion of the grille in place are under stress, but all six are there.

I will clean and take the grille off next.