Hood Won't Open???
 

Our 98 Grand Marquis; when you pull the hood latch it seems to have tension on it but the hood does not release. I can see through the grill to where the release cable goes into the latch assembly, is there a way to pop it open from outside?

Thanks for any help.

try getting someone else to lift on the hood (if you can get a hold of it) as you pull on the release. Also, hitting the hood just above the latch with the palm of your hand may provide what's needed to break free whatever is hanging up. If that doesn't work you may have to try crowbar-ing the latch from through the grill and this may damage the car somewhat. You could also try accessing it from underneath (remove any plastic splash guards or air dams that are in the way and see if you can get to it from below). It is very difficult to open the hood without the release working properly by design. You can also try pulling on the cable itself under the dash by clamping onto it with a pair of vice grips. You'll need to get hold of the cable and not the insulation of course. This may give you the extra needed pull to get the latch to release.

Won't stay up once opened
 

Got it open, but the hood won't stay "up". Not sure if it is something with the hinges or the shock like dampners. I can block it up with a pole, but without any support, it just slams back down.

Anyone had this issue?

the "shocks" are actually lifts. if the hood won't stay up, it's time to replace the lifts.

Thanks! I'll get a set.

Check out www.autoparts4you.com. I got a pair for $10 plus $3 shipping, with lifetime warranty.

If you don't mind having someone close by (AutoStore that is), a good deal. Autozone wanted $20 for one!

Greetings!