Hood latch pictures please

**gasmasher** · 09-01-2007, 11:16 AM

I need a few pictures of how the hood latch works. The release cable broke in the engine compartment of my Magnum a few days ago. I just need to see how I can manually release the latch from below the car.

**FloridaRT** · 09-01-2007, 04:05 PM

Take the car to any dealer or body shop, they can open it for you.

Happens all the time.

Bob

**gasmasher** · 09-01-2007, 04:15 PM

Thanks for the reply. My local dealer quoted me $300 for a new cable plus installation. I asked him if they could just pop it for me and they said they could do that for $250. I guess I'll try to find a body shop next week if I can't get it open myself this weekend.

**gasmasher** · 09-01-2007, 06:42 PM

I got it open. I picked up a 3 foot piece of 5/16" threaded rod at the hardware store. I inserted it through the front grill as close to the passenger side as possible and through the slot in the bottom of the latch. A little pressure towards the drivers side and a straight push and it popped right open. The rod was angled from the passenger side of the grill and pointed towards the steering wheel.

After taking a closer look I saw there is no way to get to the latch from under the car. The latch is in front of the radiator and there is a large foam block that completely blocks access from the bottom.

I probably won't even be putting in a new cable until I find a cheaper one because popping the hood this way is so easy. I will take some pictures this evening and post them in case someone else needs them.