QuestionQUESTION: How do you replace a broken hood release cable handle of a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan?
ANSWER: Hi Carmelino,
If it is just the handle that needs replacement (and the cable itself is not broken) then you remove the lower steering column cover and the knee blocker reinforcement. Then you disconnect the handle from the cable end, and finally remove the handle from its mounting bracket on the dash reinforcement. Installation is the reverse. I can xerox copy some pages that show these parts and postal mail them to you. If you would send me back a 44-cent stamp for each 4 pages to cover my costs, after you get them, that would be appreciated.
If the cable needs replacement, that is also covered in the manual and I can add those pages. It is a more complex instruction to do that. So tell me what you need to know and a postal mailing address.
Roland
PS Sorry for the delay but I just found your question in the 'pool' to which it had been referred by the other expert. Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about 'volunteer of the month' please consider giving a 'yes' answer. Thanks
PPS Hi Carmelino,
Thanks for the rating.
May I ask, is the connection broken between the handle and the cable end (in the cabin) or is the handle still connected to the cable but the cable has become disconnected from the latch mechanism in the engine compartment? It would be useful to know that so I would send only the necessary pages to make the repair. If you pull on the handle does it seem to be attached to the cable? or does it seem to be totally disconnected from the cable is another way of asking the question. Thanks for letting me know. I am on the other side of SF bay so it won't take long to get these to you in the mail, I can do it tomorrow.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Roland, this time I have the same problem with my 1993 Dodge Caravan. (When it rains it pours)The hood release handle broke with the cable still connected. However, no mater how hard I pull on the cable, the hood won't open. I remove the front grill and found out that the cable is disconnected from the release mechanism. My question then is, how do you replace a broken hood release handle and re-attach the cable to the release mechanism?
Thank you again,
Carmelino
PS,
I just received today (March 30) the xerox copies of your answer to my 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan problem. Thank you and the 44-cent stamps is on the mail.
Carmelino
AnswerHi Carmelino,
The procedure for replacing the cable in the '93 is similar to what is shown in the pages I sent you. The difference is that you replace the cable and its surrounding casing as a unit. After disconnecting both the cable and sheath from the hood latch (which it appears yours has already done when it broke), you then remove the bolts that hold the hood release handle mechanism (located in the cabin) to the side panel, then disconnect the other end of the cable from that handle under the dash. Then you push the cable/casing through the firewall (pushing toward the rear, from the engine side into the cabin). To do that you squeeze the grommet, located in the firewall through which the assembly passes, out of its mounting hole which eliminates the friction that will otherwise keep you from pushing the assembly through the firewall. The assembly goes around the battery, under the fender lip, around the relay bank, under the wiring harness going in the direction of the dash panel. Push it through the hole in firewall which is located under the brake master cylinder, and then it will all be in the passenger compartment for removal. The new cable/casing is installed in the exactly reverse direction, starting in the cabin and pushing it forward along the same path to reconnect the forward end of the cable/sheath to the latch assembly doing the same steps used in removal in reverse.
Roland
Please "rate" my answer and consider giving a "yes" where you see the question about "volunteer of the month". Thanks
