98 explorer hood latch broken

my 98 explorer hood latch just broke and can't open the hood, does anybody know how to open it or know how to repair it?

What broke on it? Did the hood latch break, or the cable for it? If just the cable, you may be able to get ahold of the cable with a pliers and release it, then replace the cable. If the cable seems connected, try having someone press down on the hood just above the latch. While they're pressing, pull the release lever and hold it in the release position, then have the other lift up on the hood. See if it will now release. If so, adjust the latch or rubber bumpers accordingly before closing the hood. :)

-Rod

It's actually the hood release latch in the car. i was taking it for a oil change the guys couldn't open the hood and when i saw was that the cable and that silver little thing connected to it was loose, i guess they finally opened it with a screwdriver from the front (don't know how), but i tried pulling on the cable with a pliers and nothing until tonight when i finally got the cable connected to the hood release lever but my hood still doesn't open.
do you know how to open it from the front of the car (from the hood)?

I just took a look at my 2000 Mountaineer, and it would take a pretty rigid, long c-hook it appears to be able to open the hood from the grill. There is a metal shroud over the front of the cable release mechanism.

Are you pretty sure that you cannot pull the cable from inside the car somehow?

Maybe you should go back to the oil change place and have them get it open again, then ask them to tie a piece of string or something to the release for you to use when you get a replacement cable.

-Rod