Cadillac Repair: hood, hood gap, hood latch

Question
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Followup to
Question - Bill can u tell us if it is on a 87 caddy deville the left side or the right .to start this task.  thank you again
billy
Please my hood latch broke off and i can not get it open can you help me we cant even break it open we took it to a mechinac he fixed on problem and now when we went to check fluids to see if all was ok the hood latch broke in my hand and now cant open it . o the mechanic said i broke it i told him we didnt even open the hood cant so how could i break it he said bring it back monday and i will tell ui how much no way
1987 cadillac deville

Thank you
billy
Answer -
Hi Billy, There are 2 things to try. Take the black panel off from under the dash and follow the cable to the firewall and try to cut the black shielding off but leave the center cable untouched as close to the firewall as you can. A pair of wire strippers might do the job. If you are lucky you will be able to pull the cable with pliers and the hood will open. Then you will need to make a cable that will reach below the bumper so you can pull it to open the hood or just use the cable under the dash. If that doesn't work you will need to trip the latch useing a strong wire like a strong coat hanger or pail handle wire. On the end bend the wire 1/2" from the end at a 60 degree angle. From that come out 5-6" and make a 30 degree bend and then have at least 2 feet after the bend so it can come out from under the hood. What you should have is a wire bent like a 7. What you want to do is slide the wire under the hood from the drivers side and behind the latch so you can hook the release lever and pull it back towards you. Use a strong flashlight looking through the hood gap or maybe a light from under the bumper to see where you need to place the wire to trip the latch. Hopefully within 10 minuits time and you will have the hood open. Good luck with your fishing. Bill

Answer
Hi Billy, When you are in front of the car feed the wire tool in from the drivers side and try to hook the latch, which is in the center of the hood, from behind. Then pull the tool back towards the drivers side headlamp and the hood should pop up. Hope that helps. Bill