Hood Lock won't unlock !

392cobra · #1 (**permalink**) 06-05-2005, 08:40 AM

Went to unlock the hood yesterday afternoon after a ride and it won't unlock.The key fits into the lock and tries to turn.It almost seems as if the part that latches to the body is jammed.

The lock on the drivers side is fine.

Anyone have any ideas ??? I worry about driving it and not being able to get under the hood.

Sure could use some help.

CowtownCobra · #2 (**permalink**) 06-05-2005, 08:48 AM

Wow Fred, that really sucks. Can you undo the hinges and lift it that way?

Ron61 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-05-2005, 08:51 AM

Fred,

Can you get under the car with a light and see up to where the lock mechanism is? If so, then have someone try to unlock it while you watch. I had a similar thing on a car years ago. Replaced the stick up hood pins with a new locking one and soon one of them wouldn't open. Turned out that I had gotten some dirt down in the lock slot and it was blocking the key from turning more than just a fraction.
Another thing you might look at, is the hood completely flush on that side as it normally is. I doubt if you have anything under it as it locked ok, so that would seem to point to the other problems.

Ron

392cobra · #4 (**permalink**) 06-05-2005, 09:18 AM

Dave,I agree 110 %,it sure does suck.

Ron,
Thought about grit in the lock and have put a big shop vac on it.No difference.

The attached photo shows the latching part on the body.

392cobra · #5 (**permalink**) 06-05-2005, 11:02 AM

Being skinny and part contortionist comes in handy at times.

Was able to unbolt the part attached to the body from underneath the car.
Hood is now open.

The problem is with the lock.
Carb cleaner and WD-40 still doesn't faz it.
It's broke.

At least now I can get under the hood AND DRIVE IT !!

while waiting on a replacement.

Goober · #6 (**permalink**) 06-05-2005, 12:28 PM

Yet another problem solved by the wonderful people on this site. Time to drive now!
Mark