Hood - Unable to Open with Release Handle

Group: 55

Number: 93-03

Date: Sept. 15, 1993

Subject:
Hood - unable to open with release handle

Model(s):
Golf III /Jetta III
from m.y. 1993

If the hood will not opening due to a slipped or broken release cable, proceed as follows:

Note
Obtain a vehicle with an operating hood release mechanism and open the hood. Use this vehicle as an aid for making a hood opening tool and practicing the opening procedure.





- Fabricate tool of 1/8 in. steel rod to approximate dimensions shown

- Practice using tool on vehicle with hood open

Note
Practicing on a vehicle with the hood open allows a view of what must occur inside the protective lock cover.

The tool can be marked during the practice procedure to indicate various insertion depths.

- Insert tool (with tip facing upward) through upper slats of grille from driver's side toward center of vehicle





- Guide tool through hole in lower corner of protective lock cover (arrow 1)

Note
A limited view of the hood lock cover can be seen through the grille using a suitable light.

- Continue pushing tool into opening (tip still facing upright) until it contact fork which retains ball end of hood cable (arrow 2)

- Rotate tool counterclockwise far enough to let tip slide past fork, insert tool 5 - 10 mm further, rotate tip back to upright position to catch backside of fork and pull to release hood lock