So my hood won't open...

[SocialStealth]

Ok guys. I got into a car accident about 2 months ago and I've been trying to assess the damage and get the cheapest estimate and only replace what needs to be replaced. My hood only opened when one person giggled the open cable by the drivers seat and one person played with the latch to open it. Well I had a screw driver in there trying to see if I could bend it into place and well, a stupid story short, My hood wont open because the screw driver is stuck in the locking thing. Is there any way to get into the engine compartment without breaking anything (dunno)

If not, I guess I could jump on the car while its on a hill to try to get the screw driver to fall out... Any ideas?

 

[imola.zhp]

Jaws of life...

Torch...

 

[DeanSweet]

if I understand you correctly, you have a screwdriver sticking between your grill and hood? if so, grab a big set of vice grips and clamp down one exposed end of screwdriver and start tapping it in hopes that it will pop the screwdriver out?

 

[SocialStealth]

I've tried poking at it with another screw driver with no success. I've been driving it but the hoods still stuck :\

Maybe tomorrow morning i'll figure something out.

 

[StealthWyvern]

have you tried getting at it from under the car? I havent tried this so I have no idea how much room you have to deal with.

 

[Benji]

if the latch is already not working and you are going to replace it then you might try to cut it with a reciprocating saw.

 

[Lord_Zath]

take pics

 

[pasadena_commut]

if the latch is already not working and you are going to replace it then you might try to cut it with a reciprocating saw.

Uh, isn't that going to cut the hood loop part of the latch mechanism off? If the hood isn't the main problem it will have been damaged for nothing.

If all else fails you can carefully cut out the upper grill to provide better access to the latch mechanism. I think you can get a replacement grill for about $20, probably less at a junk yard.