From the perspective of a volunteer firefighter....
Probably the least destructive method I've used is to get a Halligan bar. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halligan_bar Go thru the front grill ( <---- this is pretty destructive) and use the forked end of the bar to catch the cable. Twist the bar to pull the cable tight. Then keep twisting to pull the latch.
You can probably do the same thing bu cutting thru the front grill enough to reach inside. Cut the hood latch cable some distance from the latch. Remove the latch cable cover. If the cable is still intact at the latch, you should be able to pull the cable to release the latch. If the cable was dettatched at the latch, you may have to find the latch assembly and release it manually.
You don't specify the model, and I'm going to presume a Gen 1 in this example. Therefore, please refer to the attached photo.
A. With the bumper and skid plate removed for access, reach up behind the grill until you encounter the cable housing. B. Cut cable housing apart, as pry in an arc to expose the cable core. C. Pull on the core with some pliers. D. Pop the hood.
Problem Solved! I reached up to the cable from underneath and was able to pull on the cable with a long set of visegrips to release the hood. Once open I could see the hood latch return spring had snapped in half and therefore the handle wouldn't reset.....so off to Tractor Supply for a stiff enough spring ...Actually $5 for two springs but now got extra. Just had to cut it and reattach and good as new!
OutdoorWire, 4x4Wire, JeepWire, TrailTalk, MUIRNet-News, and 4x4Voice are all trademarks and publications of OutdoorWire, Inc. and MUIRNet Consulting.
Copyright (c) 1999-2019 OutdoorWire, Inc and MUIRNet Consulting - All Rights Reserved, no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without express written permission
You may link freely to this site, but no further use is allowed without the express written permission of the owner of this material.
All corporate trademarks are the property of their respective owners.