Hood - Opening Procedure When Release Is Inoperative

Bulletin No. T 87-96
File in Group 2
Number 5
Corp. Ref. No. 711505
Date April '87
SUBJECT: HOOD OPENING PROCEDURE WHEN RELEASE CABLE IS INOPERATIVE

MODELS AFFECTED: 1985-1987 DE VILLES AND FLEETWOODS

Figure 1 - Hood Release Tool:

If the inside hood release cable breaks or becomes damaged such that the hood release is inoperative, use the following procedure to release the hood latch from outside the car.

1. Fabricate a hood latch release tool as shown in Figure 1.

2. Lift the left side of hood slightly and insert a wedge between the hood and metal reinforcement behind the headlamps to provide access for the tool.

Figure 2 - Hood Latch:

3. While utilizing the access area provided by the wedge, engage the rear of the latch lever with the hook end of the release tool. Figure 2 indicates the area of the latch lever that the hook end should engage.

NOTICE: To become familiar with the hook engagement to the latch lever, perform this step on another De Ville or Fleetwood with the hood open.

4. With the release tool engaged on the latch lever, remove the wedge from between the hood and headlamp to relieve tension on the hood latch.

5. Pull the release tool toward the drivers side of car to release the hood latch.

NOTE: The hood latch will release easier if a helper is available to push down on hood to reduce tension on the latch.