Hood won't open

butundo · #1 02-07-2009, 06:13 AM

Has anyone had this problem? I pull the lever in the car, but the latch doesn't come out all of the way, or make the pop sound when it is released. I can reach in and grab it, but it still won't release the hood. If I try to push down on the hood, as if to close it, the latch starts to go back toward the engine. Being that is has been so cold, could the hood latch freeze, just like the doors?

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butundo · #2 02-08-2009, 01:53 PM

I managed to get the hood open, but with much force. After opening I sprayed silicone into the two holes, where the hood latches catch. Seems to be ok for now. Anyone ever have to replace the hood latch cable?

JCL · #3 02-08-2009, 02:20 PM

Haven't had this on an X5, but it is certainly common enough on all cars. If it is cold enough, if you have been through a car wash or water has been sprayed up around the hood latch, it is all logical.

I would lubricate the latch mechanism, ensure the cable is moving freely when the hood is up, and then when it is latched ensure that the hood bumpers are adjusted correctly so that the hood latch isn't too tight. The most obvious cause is that it was frozen, but it is a very simple mechanism to clean and lubricate, and then check adjustment of.

Haven't read much here about hood latches freezing up; it doesn't fit in the 'known issue' category.

sudolg · #4 02-08-2009, 11:05 PM

I had this issue on mine. I had to prop the floor mat under the hood release to hold it up...then I pushed down on the hood and it opened. I went crazy with the the WD40 and then some white lithium grease and its fine now. Still strange that it doesn't click open when I pull the release like every other car I've had. But it now works when I pull the release at the front of the hood.

butundo · #5 02-18-2009, 12:54 AM

I still have the issue. I took some photos to see if anyone has ideas. When I pull the hood release inside, should the wire pins move to release the hood? If so, should they also move while the hood is open? Mine do not.

Also, I have now noticed that when the hood is closed all the way, the hood latch in the grill doesn't retract into the engine area. It sticks out in the position like when you pull the latch inside the car.

If someone could please check theirs to see how this works, it might help me determine where my issue is located. Maybe I need to replace the entire cable system, although that looks like a PIA to replace.

I have attached pictures of the left side, right side, and hood release latch.

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