Hood latch problem on 850

Cincyken · Post by **Cincyken** » 03 Feb 2017, 14:22

I replaced the drivers side headlight on my 850. In doing so, i must have accidentally done something to the Hood latch assembly by the headlight.
When i got done, i closed the hood but when i tried to open the hood today, neither side will release. Is there a way to access the cables from below, if not, got any advice?

crlande · Post by **crlande** » 03 Feb 2017, 14:38

Sometimes I push down on hood in area of latch, then try again and that releases it.

98V70T5 · Post by **98V70T5** » 03 Feb 2017, 14:47

Try getting an assistant to help pull up on the hood as you pull the release handle. Have them pull one side at a time, not all at once from the middle.

Back when I had this problem, due to opening the hood so much to refill the power steering reservoir, I would take folded corrugated cardboard, and wedge it under the hood, by each latch, to provide some upward force while pulling the handle. Once the latches get to this stage, its only a matter of time before they might cease to open! I had to source two used latches from the yard. I think you will be able to pop the hood, but make certain the next time you close it, that it will release!

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 03 Feb 2017, 15:44

If the hood release cables are still attached, do what 98V70T5 said. I had to do the same thing before doing rspi's rubber bumper mod on the fan shroud.
Otherwise, if there is no tension at all on the handle and it feels like the cable broke, you will have to try to remove the driver's side turn signal assembly without breaking it and use something to try and manually release the latch using the small tab that will be visible on the bottom of the latch.

Cincyken · Post by **Cincyken** » 06 Feb 2017, 11:25

I could not reach the hood latch release by accessing it thru the turn signal.
But what i was able to do is carefully remove the clips holding the lens on the headlight, then removing the lens. Then carefully prying out the reflector assembly. At this point i was able to remove the back cover (bulb access) with a screw driver. Then it was very easy to trip the release lever.
The problem was the main cable had come out of its slot preventing the hood from releasing. All is better now.