Chrysler Repair: hood release cable, chrysler town and country, hood latch

Question
I have a 1998 Chrysler Town and Country mini van.  I think the hood release cable is broke.  How can I open the hood with being able to use the hood release handle inside the van?  Thanks

Answer
Hi Debbie,
First you are going to have to get the hood latch to release, obviously, and get inside. The latch mechanism is mounted on the front side of the panel that runs across the top of the radiator called the radiator closure panel. You will have to look up from under the van (looking at the area in front of the radiator) to see whether you can view it and reach up to it to release the latch mechanism or to remove the 2 bolts that hold the mechanism to the crossmember. If you can't, then I would look through the grille opening and with a flashlight see whether the latch mechanism is visible/accessible.
Trying to remove the 2 bolts (located on either side of the mechanism) using a socket and ratchet handle would be the first approach, either from underneath or (with an extension) thru the grille. If that doesn't work, then releasing the latch is next. The cable is/was attached to a lever located in the lower middle of the latch mechanism and for identification it has a return spring attached to it (that spring was what you felt when the release lever worked; there is a second spring for the hand-operated secondary release lever so look for both to see what they are attached to).  If you can locate that release lever either from underneath or through the grille and push it toward the driver's side of the van it should release the hood and allow the hood to jump up slightly just like it did before and then you can open the hood.
From there you will have to replace the cable. So get back to me when you have the latch removed/released and I can describe the steps to replace the release cable.
Roland
PS Sorry to be slow in replying, but I just found your question in the "pool" where it was forwarded after the other expert passed it on. I wish I could tell you exactly which way to do this but I don't have a van to look at myself.