Unable to open the hood, loose inside lever

[SamW]

Problem of the day with the X. Was about to pop the hood of the car, but the lever inside the car was completely loose and there was zero tension, wasn't able the open the hood. Tried the typical method of letting my wife pull the lever while I was in the front of the car simultaneously pulling the outside lever. Also tried pushing the hood down, but no luck with either of these.

Typically, I would have suspected that some of the three cables were snapped, but they all have been changed within the last four months and the lever has been working perfectly after this until today.

I removed the inside lever to see if the cable end was detached but it was still in place. With this in mind, and also considering that all the cables are almost brand new, I would guess that none of the cables are snapped but rather separated at some point if this is possible.

Should I now try to somehow open the hood and see if there are any disconnections (what is the best technique for this?) or remove the driver's footwell panels and see if pulling the cable from the inside would open the hood. But somehow I suspect that the latter wouldn't work since it doesn't open from the lever either. Or any other ideas how I should tackle this.

Thanks!

[80stech]

Maybe the connector that connects the cables along the inside of the fender has let go of one of the outer casings. I think if that is the case you are going to have to try to open the hood through the grill.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by SamW

Problem of the day with the X. Was about to pop the hood of the car, but the lever inside the car was completely loose and there was zero tension, wasn't able the open the hood. Tried the typical method of letting my wife pull the lever while I was in the front of the car simultaneously pulling the outside lever. Also tried pushing the hood down, but no luck with either of these.

Typically, I would have suspected that some of the three cables were snapped, but they all have been changed within the last four months and the lever has been working perfectly after this until today.

I removed the inside lever to see if the cable end was detached but it was still in place. With this in mind, and also considering that all the cables are almost brand new, I would guess that none of the cables are snapped but rather separated at some point if this is possible.

Should I now try to somehow open the hood and see if there are any disconnections (what is the best technique for this?) or remove the driver's footwell panels and see if pulling the cable from the inside would open the hood. But somehow I suspect that the latter wouldn't work since it doesn't open from the lever either. Or any other ideas how I should tackle this.

Thanks!

My cable, luckily, broke at the handle. I'd suggest pulling the handle off and checking it there first. In my case, I was able to grab the broken end with locking pliers and pull to open the hood. Ordered up a replacement cable and problem solved. Hopefully, yours isn't broken somewhere under the hood.

[SamW]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

My cable, luckily, broke at the handle. I'd suggest pulling the handle off and checking it there first. In my case, I was able to grab the broken end with locking pliers and pull to open the hood. Ordered up a replacement cable and problem solved. Hopefully, yours isn't broken somewhere under the hood.

How did it break, was it rusty in the first place? Because earlier when I had difficulties opening the hood, the reason was rusty/streched cable, but I have changed the cable after.

Also as 80stech mentioned, disconnection in the junction box would probably make sense too. Just trying to figure out what to do first, since it’s so chilly outside everyday and my hands really don’t function well in cold.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by SamW

How did it break, was it rusty in the first place? Because earlier when I had difficulties opening the hood, the reason was rusty/streched cable, but I have changed the cable after.

Also as 80stech mentioned, disconnection in the junction box would probably make sense too. Just trying to figure out what to do first, since it’s so chilly outside everyday and my hands really don’t function well in cold.

Wasn't rusted, just worn out. It let go at about 262,000 miles.

[ahlem]

There’s a YouTube video on this. Basically you jack up the left front and take off the tire. Remove the fender liner and reach up and grab the cable just forward of the junction box. Look up the components on realoem.com and you will see it. Ask a friend with an X5 or go to a junkyard toget a look at what you are aiming at. Give the cable a pull and if the problem was at the junction box you should be able to release the hood latches. Otherwise you get to go in through the grilles after you watch a different YouTube video. I did the first method this past fall and fixed the problem with 4 zip ties around the junction box until it warms up this Spring.

[SamW]

Originally Posted by ahlem

There’s a YouTube video on this. Basically you jack up the left front and take off the tire. Remove the fender liner and reach up and grab the cable just forward of the junction box. Look up the components on realoem.com and you will see it. Ask a friend with an X5 or go to a junkyard toget a look at what you are aiming at. Give the cable a pull and if the problem was at the junction box you should be able to release the hood latches. Otherwise you get to go in through the grilles after you watch a different YouTube video. I did the first method this past fall and fixed the problem with 4 zip ties around the junction box until it warms up this Spring.

I was familiar with the method which goes through the grill but that one you mentioned is new to me, thanks! Shouldn't require breaking anything and for me it sounds a bit easier than stretching through the grill. Of course assuming the problem indeed is in the cable coming from the cabin. And since I changed the cable last September, I should be quite familiar knowing what to aim for. Didn't find any Youtube video related to this despite searching though, mind sharing a link? Also, I have never removed the wheel liner before, is it possible to do without breaking any of the rivets or should I just buy few before tackling this?

[ahlem]

Haven’t been able to find the YouTube video. Maybe someone on the forum replied to a post from me?