Any car guys/gals around? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

tanguay'sstillgood · 12-20-2007, 04:55 PM

So, here's the situation...

I have an old 91 Sunbird, but suddenly (yesterday) the hood release stopped working. I need to get under the hood to add some coolant, but that's pretty tough when I can't get the hood to pop up. I know the cable from the handle in the car is not snapped because it still has tension, but it is not doing it's job. Any way to pop the hood open from the outside?
She becomes pretty useless if I can't get inside her...

OILFAN #81 · 12-20-2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanguay'sstillgood

So, here's the situation...

I have an old 91 Sunbird, but suddenly (yesterday) the hood release stopped working. I need to get under the hood to add some coolant, but that's pretty tough when I can't get the hood to pop up. I know the cable from the handle in the car is not snapped because it still has tension, but it is not doing it's job. Any way to pop the hood open from the outside?
She becomes pretty useless if I can't get inside her...

Just like a woman.

PS.....there is a thread dedicated to things about cars. TimSJ is the car salesman.

Locke · 12-20-2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanguay'sstillgood

She becomes pretty useless if I can't get inside her...

Isnt that the truth...

Sorry man, try firing that question to someone on:

www.performance-shop.com

4X4 · 12-20-2007, 04:59 PM

Have you given it the old GM tap? Pull the cable, then thump your fist on the front of the hood a couple of times.

redforever · 12-20-2007, 04:59 PM

there is a thread in this section called "I'm a car salesman, ask me anything" Try asking that guy for help.

Draug · 12-20-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redforever

there is a thread in this section called "I'm a car salesman, ask me anything" Try asking that guy for help.

What is a car salesman going to know about anything mechanical? Personally, I have never met a car salesman in my life that would be able to fix a car.

I'd go with 4x4's idea. Almost always works. Make sure to lubricate the latch mechanism and the cable once you get it open.

Dion · 12-20-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draug

What is a car salesman going to know about anything mechanical? Personally, I have never met a car salesman in my life that would be able to fix a car.

He could ask someone in the shop of his dealership

icarus · 12-20-2007, 05:18 PM

I had this problem occasionally with my old Oldsmobile. Pull the cable and sit on the hood. Failing that, body slam the hood.

Dion · 12-20-2007, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icarus

I had this problem occasionally with my old Oldsmobile. Pull the cable and sit on the hood. Failing that, body slam the hood.

What about the huge dent you create?

tanguay'sstillgood · 12-20-2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dion

What about the huge dent you create?

Being a 16 year old car with almost 400 000 km, that shouldnt be a concern.

Thanks guys, Ill try beating the hood up a bit with the handle pulled and see if that gets me anywhere.

I remember seeing the used car thread before, but I figured that was more for questions about buying or selling cars. But, mods, feel free to put it there if you want.

4X4 · 12-20-2007, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icarus

I had this problem occasionally with my old Oldsmobile. Pull the cable and sit on the hood. Failing that, body slam the hood.

Yup. My old '81 cutlass needed about 9 or 10 solid thumps before opening.

Dion · 12-20-2007, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanguay'sstillgood

Being a 16 year old car with almost 400 000 km, that shouldnt be a concern.

Thanks guys, Ill try beating the hood up a bit with the handle pulled and see if that gets me anywhere.

Well then that changes things. Hope the beating works.

stang · 12-20-2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4

Have you given it the old GM tap? Pull the cable, then thump your fist on the front of the hood a couple of times.

Totally what I was gonna say..

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4X4

Yup. My old '81 cutlass needed about 9 or 10 solid thumps before opening.

My truck needs 2... but its a 95

Dion · 12-20-2007, 05:49 PM

Once you get the hood open it might be good idea to lubricate the latch under the hood.

4X4 · 12-20-2007, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stang

My truck needs 2... but its a 95

My '97 Jimmy recently graduated to 1...

tanguay'sstillgood · 12-20-2007, 06:08 PM

Well, who says violence doesnt solve anything?

For the record, mine takes about 7 good poundings. And the looks you get from the neighbors as you beat the hell out of your car are priceless.

Thanks for the help everyone. And I did lube it up pretty good down there while I had it open

4X4 · 12-20-2007, 06:10 PM

Just remember, the closer to the edge (front), the less denting.

Locke · 12-20-2007, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanguay'sstillgood

She becomes pretty useless if I can't get inside her...

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanguay'sstillgood

For the record, She took about 7 good poundings. And the looks you get from the neighbors are priceless.

Thanks for the help everyone. And I did lube her up pretty good down there while I had her open

Fixed. Couple small edits for consistancy, and you sir, write a pretty damn good thread.

4X4 · 12-20-2007, 06:15 PM

/\/\/\/\ Beauty /\/\/\/\

tanguay'sstillgood · 12-20-2007, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locke

Fixed. Couple small edits for consistancy, and you sir, write a pretty damn good thread.

Well a normal old thread about opening the hood of a car would be boring. At least we got to spice it up a little bit.