Hood Release Stuck

We can't open the hood on our 1999 accord. The hood pops up when we pull
the latch on the dash. However, the release lever under the hood seems
frozen. Any ideas?

We sprayed WD40. I am afraid of bending the lever off.

Thanks

Rich

 

You don't open the hood much, do you?

You won't bend it provided you're pushing in the right direction (towards
passenger side).

It's probably just rusty. Don't use WD-40, use penetrating oil, like 3-in-
1, Kroil, or PB Blaster.

Make sure you spray or drip in the very center, down where the latch
mechanism is.

 

Give the WD40 penetrant a few days to work... repeating the spraying
daily.

Professor
www.telstar-electronics.com
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33717&item=7987538023

 

I wish people would find GOOD silicone lube and FORGET about wd-40. I
know wd is popular, but other products are better by far. bob

 

lol, a common suggestion for this is to go to a quicky oil change place
(they will need to open the hood) and pretend you didn't know there was
a problem.

 

Yes... but the problem with that is... the big goomer at the oil change
place will probably break it off trying to get it open.

Professor
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33717&item=7987538023

 

It was a rock !!

My daughter took the car to the dealer. Somehow, they forced the hood open
and found a small stone wedged in the mechanism. $7 charge. The cheapest
bill I've seen from a dealer

Thanks for the info on the WD-40, silicone and big goomers

 

Unreal... glad you solved the problem. That's certainly a new twist.

Professor
www.telstar-electronics.com

 

It would be nice if you could provide us with actual names of some superior
products.
Then maybe we'll consider giving them a try too.

Ron M.

 

WD stands for "Water Displacing". It was never intended as a penetrant.

The best to get?
Rust Check
Krown
(above available in Eastern Canada only and are the absolute very best
there is anywhere in the world, bar none)

3-in-1 oil
sewing machine oil
gun oil
PB Blaster
Kroil
(latter two evaporate too much for my taste)

 

Look for any product identifying itself as a penetrant, and consider whether
you need silicone or if oil will do. My rule of thumb is silicone on
plastics and places where dirt attraction will be a problem.

WD-40 is not a great penetrant and it is a worse lubricant. People who use
it in locks make me crazy - once the stuff turns to gum it appears more WD
is the only way to get the lock to move again.

Mike