Can't open hood on 2003 VW Passat

Normally, the cable snaps off from behind the cabin release lever. In that case you can pull the cable end with Locking Grips. If it has broken at the hood end, and they have a history of it, there are videos in the link to get in through the grill.

https://www.google.com/search?q=2012+Nissan+Murano+hood+won%27t+open+after+pulling+hood+release

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I have a similar problem on my 2006 VW Passat.

I'm able to open the hood two ways:
1) ask someone to hold onto the lever inside the car while you try to lift the hood to the point where you can use the unlatch button and open the hood fully.


2) Pull the lever completely open in the car and try to find a thick screwdriver or some thick paper folded up to wedge next to the lever to hold it open while you get out and try to lift the hood to the point where you can use the unlatch button and open the hood completely.


Other than this finding a service manual or tutorial online about how to pull out whatever trim or interior covers you would need to replace the cable fully. There should be a specific replacement guide for this item since I'm sure it happens to car's at least semi-regularly

Hood latch is probably gummed up so the release cable does not return. Try some carb cleaner to clean it, then some spray lithium grease to lubricate it.

The lever on the latch assembly (the one that gets pulled by the cable) is stuck. Happens all the time.....All you have to do is lube the hood latch assembly with some WD-40 or Sea Foam or a similar lubricant. Sometimes you can see the lever and move it back and forth a few times by reaching in with a screwdriver. Then close and open the hood a few times just to make sure everything is loosened up.

well off the switch and get back until it get cool it might be radiator was no water or no oil while u driving??

Under the car:
You will be able to open the hood if you pull off your splash guard and use a long long flat head screwdriver or something like that. You'll see the hood latch in front of the radiator with the cable attached to it at the top near the hood, put it on the drivers side edge of the bottom of the latch and pry to the passenger side, the lever moves from the drivers side to the passengers side, the cable basically pulls the top of it to achieve this. so your doing the same thing on the bottom with the screwdriver.



Release the latch from underneath by the lever that you have to pry towards the passenger side. Then open the hood, and replace the safety release mechanism broken part.

either the hood cable is strecthed and not pulling the cable far enuff,or the cable is seized or the latch is broken,try pulling the actual cable and not the lever,,,with like a pleirs or something

Depending upon how familiar you might be with the location of the under-hood release, you may be able to access it through the small opening between the hood and grill that follows opening the bonnet by pulling the lever under the steering wheel. A long narrow standard head screwdriver and a good light may be all that is required. That is exactly how the mechanic at the VW garage will release the hood latch.

If your not at all familiar with the hood latch, it might be useful to view the mechanism in another Passat so that you know how it functions. Less than a 5 minute job, but the dealer will likely charge about $65 to perform the task, substantially more to replace the broken mechanism.

if you can still get to the little steel cable, a extremely tight pair of vise grips and a moderate amount of force will do the trick.

Drivers side near kick panel, up high, get down on the ground and look up.