[20yearoldspider]

This idiot friend of mine somehow did something and now his hood will not open...and the cable is inoperative and the latch mechanism is stuck (and he needs to add oil the easy way so it's imperative he get the hood open). Any ideas?

 

[Zunige]

Welcome to the BB. You'll find a lot of good info here...

About opening your hood, the "search function" is your friend... Here is one thread: Hood Release Failure.

Best regards,

 

[vangelislaz]

Does the hood stay opened (can't close)? Or, stayed closed? In case Spider's system is about the same like Berlina's, there is a hidden emergency wire ended up somewhere under the glove box with a ring. Once, I pulled that ring and had similar problems. Then, with my son's help tryed some tricks playing with the ring and leave the hood down and the system recovered!

 

[Tifosi]

In case Spider's system is about the same like Berlina's

If that pic is of a Berlina, then it's not even close.

Spider is a spring and rotating pin affair. (check the link 2 posts up for a photo of a spider latch)

there is a hidden emergency wire ended up somewhere under the glove box with a ring

Latch is center mounted and pulls in the opposite direction of where the glovebox is, unless you're in the UK

 

[Alfacliff]

my cable broke last spring. fortunatly it broke near the handle and I could get on it with a pair of pliers. had a new cable in the garage for 3 years or so, dont help much having a new one if you dont put it on.
cliff

 

[Tifosi]

Sure it does.

Think of the time you saved not having to wait for one to come in after ordering.

Not to mention you likely put it on almost immediately, so that means the thing only balled up on you once instead of a second or third time when someone going through the garage closes the hood for you as a favor when they see you left it up or unlatched.

 

[ghnl]

This idiot friend of mine somehow did something and now his hood will not open...and the cable is inoperative and the latch mechanism is stuck (and he needs to add oil the easy way so it's imperative he get the hood open). Any ideas?

A 'friend', huh...

Does it feel like the cable broke? Or that pulling on the hood release just doesn't make the hood pop up an inch? If the cable broke and there is no 'emergency release cable' you are in a heap 'o hurt. Spiders did not come with an 'emergency release cable' - if you are lucky a PO installed one somewhere. Try looking near the release lever or in the left front fenderwell for an extra cable hanging about. If you find one and it works - get thee to the lottery agent and buy a ticket - today's your lucky day.

If the cable isn't broken but the latch is just stuck, try having assistant pull on the release lever while you are pushing down on the center, rear edge of the hood. That might release some pressure on the latch mechanism and allow you to then pull up to get the hood open. Do not pry with screwdrivers - you'll only ruin the hood.

 

[cmlmtn]

If this is a common problem, I'll be installing an emergency backup tonight!
Thanks ghnl!!!

 

[Tifosi]

If you do a search, you'll find it's common enough to want to deal with it sooner rather than later

 

[Alfacliff]

I found a motorcycle type cable luber works good for lubing the latch cables, it is an attachment for spray lube cans that clamps on the end of the cable and sprays lube down the cable. a little cleaner than taking the cable apart and lubing it.
cliff

 

[Tifosi]

If you can weasle your way into some of the creme lube they use in industrial plants to grease the cable drives on the die grinders and fordoms they use, you'll never have to lube a latch cable (or speedo cable for that matter) ever again.

Granted you have to take things apart to get it in there, but it's a one time only job.


Sorry, can't offer a name as all I have is a tube with the label torn off that I've had around for several years now.

 

[Peter]

If this is a common problem, I'll be installing an emergency backup tonight!
Thanks ghnl!!!

while you're at it, install one for the trunk too! Not as hard to get into as the engine compartment, but no fun either

 

[20yearoldspider]

Thanks all for your responses. I was finally able to wrangle it open. It appears the female part which attaches to the hood was the culprit.

 

[Tifosi]

Female part responsible:

Ain't that like a b****......

 

[20yearoldspider]

Great observation.