Hood latch/ dashboard cover

Well first off I am glad to see that I am not the only one dissatified with the Mystique. My problem is the hood latch will not open using the inside release. I have already had this adjusted and not the problem is back. I have a dead battery and can't get it to a garage to fix. My question is how do you get into the engine compartment with using only tools on the outside?

I have the same problem with my '98 Mystique hood latch. Is it possible to open the hood from the outside?