Hood Release

jkim0616 · Wed Feb 09, 2011 6:39 pm

My hood release lever from the inside of the car came out. I read that due to cold weather, the cable snaps. Anyone know alternative way to open the hood? battery also died.. fml.

Patalrob · Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:11 pm

What year of focus?

jkim0616 · Wed Feb 09, 2011 10:44 pm

2004 SVTF

Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:20 am

It's not just the cold, it's a combination of cold and a sticky hood latch.

I just had mine open yesterday to add washer fluid.

You're going to have to get at the cable and pull it with a vise-grip or something, I'm assuming it broke inside the car and not at the latch?

If it broke near the latch you're in for some fun getting it open unless you have access to a heated workspace.

Thu Feb 10, 2011 9:31 am

Been there......

Time for a euro latch and grill....

focusfan · Thu Feb 10, 2011 9:47 am

Had this happen to me too except my handle was still attatched to the cable. Thank goodness. My lever just came out of the housing and now its dangling by my brake pedal.

bflesher · Thu Feb 10, 2011 6:40 pm

What is different about a euro latch?

Thu Feb 10, 2011 7:03 pm

It opens with use of a key, so no need for the cable.

bflesher · Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:40 pm

damn never knew that. easier to de ice suppose just spray and go.

jkim0616 · Thu Feb 10, 2011 10:14 pm

So if i cant see the cable, the best would be to just cut off the plastic casing of it until i can get to it? since if i get a new cable with handle, it'll replace it.. right?

jkim0616 · Fri Feb 11, 2011 2:40 pm

Got it opened. took a metal chopstick and pushed on the release at the front of the hood. Never knew it was that easy to open.