hood latch cherokee

[hood latch]

Hood latch broken. How can I get my hood open if the latch cable has come undone at the latch? Lying under the car looking up at the latch connection rod I can see the rod move when the latch handel is pulled, but nothing happens. I really need to get the hood open because I have an oil leak and if I don't find a way to get the hood open soon the car will run out of oil. Does anyone know what I can do? The only thing I can think of is to maybe to remove the front fiberglass piece that holds the grill and head lights. If I remove the entire front grill and headlight asslembly will that give me access to the hood latch? I would hate to go to all that trouble and find out it was for nothing. If you have a fix for my problem e-mail me at [email protected].

Terry Southern

[97sport]

I had a similar problem with my hood. The right side would not release so I took off the front right tire and wheel well and was able to release the hood. The problem with the hood latch design is that the thin rods rub against the latch on the right side lock. I had to file down where it was hitting and that fixed the problem. If the thin metal rod is not broken, move it back and forth and you will see where it binds. It is not the center latch but the lock device on the front right side of the hood.
I'll attempt to post a picture of exactly where the bind is.

[hood latch]

Thanks for the info. I wass crapping myself watching my oil slowly drip out. I'll give your fix a shot this weekend. If this works I owe you one.

Thanks,

Terry Southern

[hood latch]

97 sport,
Does the entire wheel well come out or just a front portion. Do you have any disassembly diagrams? Did I mention my jeep is a 89 cherokee? Thanks agian for the info you've already given me.

Hood latch

[97sport]

You may not have the same luck as I did if your model is an 89. I took off the entire wheel well as it is plastic and there were only a few screws and plastic plugs. Your hood latch may also be a different style as well. I should have asked how old it was.

[hood latch]

It wasn't the same. I ended up having to take apart the headlight and grill assembly to get to the latch. I got it fixed though. Thanks for the help anyway.

Hood Latch