Frozen/Stuck hood release. HELP!

[Chris Davis]

Hello all! This is a problem I've never run into before. After my truck ('02 2WD 5.4) sat for about 4 weeks, thru some rainy weather, and I went out to start it today. The battery is dead. No sweat, but when I try to open the hood, the interior release is FROZEN stuck! I tried pulling on the lever. Then, fearing I would destroy the lever, removed the bracket and detached the cable so I can pull on the cable directly with a pair of vice-grips. Still no luck. I have sprayed some PB Blaster (as best I could) down the opening where the cable enters the sheath, now I am waiting and hoping. The hood is locked CLOSED, so I cannot reach the other end of the cable. Does anyone have any helpful hints here? I would really hate to have it towed b/c I can't get the hood open! ;-(

Thank you in advance!

 

[stamp11127]

Check this out:

 

[Chris Davis]

Well...golly Bob howdy! Thanks!! I'm hoping that with the "egg-crate" style grille I have, I can get the screwdriver in there to get the right angle. Thanks again!

 

[Don Hall]

Thanks stamp, interesting video. Now, I have a billet grill that does not provide the space as shown with the 150. I guess my solution is to remove the grill (?),
or keep the mechanism lubricated.

 

[Trainmaster]

Once you get the thing open, remove the lock and clean it up. It generally rusts and the parts stop moving. There's a spring that loses its flexibility and needs replacement. When you get it apart, you'll see what I mean.

 

[Plati]

Another reason why Krown treatment ROCKS! First thing I noticed after getting the Krown treatment this spring was how the hood popped open. The latch mechanism, as well as hinges, etc. got fogged and when I popped the hood it flew open like I open a beer after completing a round trip hike to Mt. Marcy in August.

 

[blackburb]

Another thing to try is have someone push down on the hood then try pulling the release. Worked on mine and then lubed everything up. No problem since.

 

[Matt Conti]

My hood pops up with the release, but the lever under the hood is frozen. Can't get the dang thing open...

 

[Trainmaster]

To the new poster on this three year old thread:

Spray some WD40 or Kroil at the lever's pivot using the straw snout on the can. Wait a half hour and do it again. Work the latch back and forth a bit at a time spraying it. If you can get a needle-nose Vise-grip on it that will help with some leverage. If it doesn't cooperate, wait a day and do it more. It will free up eventually.

 

[Matt Conti]

Needle-nosers were the key...and patience. All is well...I can add washer fluid now