When I pull the release inside of the car, it does not disengage the hood.

Any ideas on how to get the hood open?

Car overheated yesterday and shut down on me. Luckily I was on the exit ramp from I-4 and not on I-4.

Depends on what the problem is.

When you pull the release is it hard to pull or easy. If it's super easy something broke, cable rusted through.

The last time I had this issue was on a much older car. I was able to get underneath the front reach up and release the hood.

Your car will likely have plastic under the front of the car you may have to remove.

Also if it's easy to pull make sure some plastic didn't break right at the level. If that's the case might be able to grab the end of the cable with plyers and release it.

This exact thing was happening on my son's 2002 Civic. With some wiggling and my son pulling the release under the dash and I working on the hood we got it to pop open. I then liberally sprayed it with garaged door chain and gear lube. We worked the cable a bit with the hood up and things have smoothed out a good bit.

Just take it easy and hopefully have two people to work on it.

Press down on the hood slightly, while holding the release in the release position, and while holding in the release position, then lift the hood. Takes two people. Lubricate the mechanism with dry silicon.

There is also the possibility that the wire that attached to the handle (usually under the dash), has came loose.

HOW do I know this? Happens to my truck every once in a while!!!!

Tried a little bit today but no luck.

Will try again on Saturday. Going to drive the car up on some ramps and see if I can see anything from underneath.

Did get enough to touch the release under the hood but can't seem to budge it any direction.

Taking plastic off might be difficult. Some of the tabs/screws are directly under the hood. I guess I could cut that front piece off if it comes down to it but the radiator is directly behind it.

quote:

Originally posted by comet24:
Depends on what the problem is.

When you pull the release is it hard to pull or easy. If it's super easy something broke, cable rusted through.

Super easy, no resistance at all.

I parked at the train station in my 86 Civic. Left the headlights on. Came back that afternoon to a dead battery. Popped the hood release and the cable snapped. Crap!

Had to lift the front, remove splash panels, and wriggle my hand up and found the cable. Got the hood open, battery jumped, and ordered a new cable.

Is yours just crusty or is the cable broken?

If there's no resistance with the hood release, it may indicate that the cable has failed. It may also indicate that the hood release mechanism is working, but that the hood is stuck. If manually pressing down on the hood while someone else pulls the release, and manually manipulating the hood up and down while holding the release out doesn't work, then it's time to check the cable.

Check first at the release; the release handle may have failed, with the cable becoming detached at the back of the release. I've seen that happen, and have released the hood using pliers with the cable inside the car interior.

If you can reach the hood mechanism through the grill with a screw driver, you should be able to press down slightly on the hood to remove tension and then release the hood using the screwdriver. You can also reach this with stiff wire to manually pull the release, if the cable has failed, using a coat hangar.

You can also remove the latch mechanism, which should be held in place with four bolts, using a 10mm socket on an extension, through the grill. It will be easiest if you use 1/4" drive.

https://www.youcanic.com/guide...tuck-wont-open-close

The reason the OP needed to open the hood was due to the engine overheating. I know what's happening as the owner of the same car.

The head gasket has blown and must be replaced. It is a known issue with 7th Gen Civics.

While the top end is apart, make sure to replace the timing belt and water pump AND the oil pump seal. The seal weeping is an equally known issue and the part itself is only a few dollars but about $700 in labor if you did that alone. Next to nothing when the belt is replaced.

I seem to recall I had this problem on my 1997 Honda Civic but I can’t recall the fix. I think it was just cleaning and lubrication.

I recommend Googling the problem and see what you come up with. You’ll probably find a car forum or YouTube video that discusses the problem and solution.

This is for a 2005 so it may be the same as your 2003. Good luck to you Edmond.




Link to original video: https://youtu.be/9BBnnZUzsxQ

unplug it for 90 seconds and then plug it back in ?

1:24 mark and 3;17, and 4:14, and 5:37



and yes. that is a honda civic

Well did you get the hood open?