2004 Cavalier hood release problem
ajersin1
03-27-2009, 09:52 AM
Have a broken hood release cable on a 2004 chevy cavalier. Please help. How do I open it?
ajersin1
03-27-2009, 09:53 AM
The cable release isn't broken it just isn't attached. Please help!!
'97ventureowner
03-27-2009, 10:23 AM
This thread is over 4 years old and has been resolved. Since this is a new issue and is on a Cavalier, I am moving this to the proper forum.
J-Ri
03-27-2009, 04:49 PM
On which end isn't it attached? If on the inside, grab the cable end with pliers or vicegrips. It's best to replace the release lever, your mechanic will come to hate you if he has to use a tool just to open the hood :banghead: :2cents:
I'm guessing it's probably not attached under the hood, that's the hard one :)
I've got a 2004 out in the driveway, I'll go out and pop it from outside and let you know what i did. I'm still relaxing from work, but when this beer's gone I'll go see. Usually, you can lay under the front of the car and see the latch, and see where the cable pulls, and just pull/push/twist it with a screwdriver or pick. I'll get back in a little bit.
EDIT: OK, here we go: You'll need a 1/4" ratchet, 12" extension, u-joint, and 10mm socket. Kneeling in front of the car, look in through the lower grille slot, and remove the 4 bolts holding latch to the upper radiator support. Pull up on the hood, the latch will catch on the plastic cover over the radiator, but if you pull up I think it should open just fine (may need to use a screwdriver to push the plastic cover back. The latch should raise up about a foot before the cable pulls tight, but the first attaching point is a plastic clip, you should be able to pop the cable out of the clip with a long screwdirver if you need even more room. After you can get your hand on the latch, reach to the back and push the release lever to get the latch off the hood. I'm not gonna spend time and actually try this (as it's parked on gravel), but I really think it should work, it not let me know and I'll take a look when it's on the hoist tomorrow.
I'm guessing it's probably not attached under the hood, that's the hard one :)
I've got a 2004 out in the driveway, I'll go out and pop it from outside and let you know what i did. I'm still relaxing from work, but when this beer's gone I'll go see. Usually, you can lay under the front of the car and see the latch, and see where the cable pulls, and just pull/push/twist it with a screwdriver or pick. I'll get back in a little bit.
EDIT: OK, here we go: You'll need a 1/4" ratchet, 12" extension, u-joint, and 10mm socket. Kneeling in front of the car, look in through the lower grille slot, and remove the 4 bolts holding latch to the upper radiator support. Pull up on the hood, the latch will catch on the plastic cover over the radiator, but if you pull up I think it should open just fine (may need to use a screwdriver to push the plastic cover back. The latch should raise up about a foot before the cable pulls tight, but the first attaching point is a plastic clip, you should be able to pop the cable out of the clip with a long screwdirver if you need even more room. After you can get your hand on the latch, reach to the back and push the release lever to get the latch off the hood. I'm not gonna spend time and actually try this (as it's parked on gravel), but I really think it should work, it not let me know and I'll take a look when it's on the hoist tomorrow.
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