Hood latch and release cable — removal and installation
Warning: The models covered by this manual are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disable the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag, which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system).
Latch
1. Scribe a line around the latch to aid alignment when installing, then remove the retaining bolts securing the hood latch to the radiator support (see illustration 9.9). Remove the latch.
2. Disconnect the hood release cable by disengaging the cable from the latch assembly (see illustration).
i. 2 Pry out the cable retainer from the backside of the hood latch assembly, then disengage the cable
3. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Note: Adjust the latch so the hood engages securely when closed and the hood bumpers are slightly compressed.
Hood release lever
4. Working inside the vehicle, remove the driver’s side kick panel (see Instrument panel — removal and installation).
5. Lift the hood release lever upward, then pull down on the cable housing end and disengage the cable from the hood release lever handle. If the handle lever needs to be replaced, pull outward on the handle retaining tab and push downward to release the claw like clips from the instrument panel. The cable and lever can now be removed (see illustrations).
i. 5a Gently pry the claw clip out far enough to disengage it, then slide the lever assembly free from the dash
i. 5b to remove the cable from the release lever, slide the barrel end of the cable (A) out of the slot, then detach the cable end (B) from
the handle
6. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Hood release cable
7. Remove the cable from the inside release lever (see previous Steps), then attach a piece of thin wire or string to the end of the cable.
Note: The thin wire or string needs to be long enough to reach from the inside lever to the hood latch.
8. Working in the engine compartment, disconnect the hood release cable from the latch assembly as described in Steps 1 and 2. Unclip all the cable retaining clips on the radiator support and the inner fender well.
9. Pull the cable forward into the engine compartment until you can see the wire or string, then remove the wire or string from the old cable and fasten it to the new cable.
10. Working inside the vehicle, with the new cable attached to the wire or string, pull the wire or string back through the firewall until the new cable reaches the inside handle.
11. Install the new cable into the hood release lever, making sure the cable housing (barrel end) fits snugly into the notch in the lever bracket.
12. Pull on the cable until the cable stop seats in the grommet on the firewall.
13. The remainder of the installation is the reverse of removal.