Chrysler Repair: 99 Dodge Avenger ES Hood latch release, dodge avenger, release latch

Question
How do I open the hood of a 1999 Dodge Avenger ES with a frozen release cable? I looked at the other answers on site and they don't seem to apply in this case, as the release latch is not visible behind the radiator.

Answer
Hi Jim,
As I see it from the shop manual, the hood latch and release mechanism is mounted at the very front edge of the hood.
Therefor it would appear, if you are to see it to reach up and pull on the lever that is otherwise operated by the cable, you would want to look up from underneath at the area In Front of the radiator but behind the bumper facia. It may be necessary to remove the bumper facia but take a look from a location directly under the front edge of the hood. I have a couple of pages that show how to remove the bumper facia if that is necessary. Please let me know what you see.
Roland
PS Use the 'thank/rate' tab to get back to me without having to wait for me to be 'available' to take a question.

Hi Jim,
Thanks for the nomination.
Is there an opening that would allow you to reach up even though you can't see it? If you took off the bumper facia will that likely allow you to see/reach up both?
If so, you would probably want to remove it at least part way starting on the left side. It looks like there is panel hidden behind the facia that has a cut out at what appears to be the latch area so I think you should be able to reach once the facia is pulled forward. It looks like the end of the facia is held in place by the following: a three screws on the front inside of the tire well/fender splash shield that attach to the very edge of the facia in a vertical row; a couple of screws from underneath that attach the upper edge to the lower edge of the fender, then remove the turn signal light fixture to gain access to another screw that is underneath and just above where the fixture was located;then some attachments of the front of the facia to that panel (bracket) described above. Maybe by removing all the attachments to that bracket you will be able to get in behind the facia to see the latch without having to do the same on the right side and remove avoid removing the entire facia. There is a facia backup plate and a main bumper structure in there too, but ideally the flexible facia loosening will get you the access you need. Sorry to say there is no discussion of what to do when the cable fails.
If you believe that the cable may have failed at the handle inside the vehicle and you can grab the end of the cable with a vice grip instead that may do it and then you can replace the cable once the hood is open. I have assumed that it broke at the latch end.
If you want me to xerox and postal mail you the drawings use the 'thank/rate' and put in your address.
Roland