Hood latch release is very hard to pull. The cable moves freely at the hood latch. I’ve cleaned and greased it at that end.

I think the problem is in the pull handle assembly (?) itself. I’ve sanded a bit of oxidation off the metal handle, applied light grease, and shot penetrating oil in there but no luck. I unscrewed the assembly and see that it’s closed up, so I can’t see what’s actually going on in there.

I have to pull so hard I’m worried about breaking off the handle. Has anyone experienced this before?

 

Does the latch release smooth/easy from under the hood?

On mine, I know the cable is having some issues... the latch works great, the cable/handle however, does not return to the 'latched' position when ya let go.....

 

Yes, the latch operates smoothly under the hood. It’s supposed to return to latched position when you let go? I’ve had this truck 7 years and never seen that! I have to push the handle pretty hard to return it to latched position.

Looking at the cable at the latch end, it doesn’t seem bound up or obstructed. There’s a little slack in it and I can push it into the tube sleeve about half an inch with the handle in the latched position.

 

Maybe it's just where the handle pivots that is the issue then??

 

It doesn’t pivot, it only pulls straight out, pushes straight in. Not sure how it should operate from factory, but that’s how it works since I got it!

I found replacements for $70, but I’d rather try and fix what I have before I buy new if I can.

 

i would likely pull it off and toss it in a container of gas to remove any old or stuck grease/debris then hit it with some silicone lube and cycle the latch. then once it is back in the vehicle working as it should i would spray it with some lithium grease but no point putting grease on it if it is not working as it should.

 

This is a universal on Rockauto for $17. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...sn=559&jsn=559

 

With the hood open and the latch unlocked, does the cable move freely? I usually oil or grease the latch itself. If the cable isn't working, it may have dirt in it. I'd try undoing the end at the latch and hold it up. Dribble some 3in1 penetrating oil into the cable and work it a bit. This may free the cable inside up a bit.

 

I disconnected the cable from the latch and the latch moves freely, no problems.

I sanded down some gunk on the pull handle, sprayed penetrating oil the best I could in the housing, and it worked a bit better. I even drilled a small hole through the plastic on top of the handle housing and shot more oil through a straw. That worked much better but now, after a few hours, it’s back to its normal, horrible self…

I might have to give in and buy a new cable/handle.

 

If it's original, 36yrs. It doesn't owe you anything. I'd replace it. Look at the link I gave you.