Chrysler Repair: hood latch, hood latch, chrysler new yorker

Question
I have a 1995 Chrysler New Yorker and the hood latch is broken I was wondering how I could get the hood open? thank you

Answer
Hi Steve,
I assume that you mean that the cable connection between the hood release lever in the cabin and the latch mechanism at the front of the hood is disconnected for some reason. If that is the case, then I believe that if you will look up at the latch mechanism from a viewing position under the front bumper (while lying on the ground), you will find that you can see the latch mechanism along with the cable end and the return spring. The lever that releases the latch is attached to both the cable end and the spring, so if you reach up with a screwdriver or similar bar and push on the lever in the direction toward the driver's side of the car then the latch will release. I have to admit that I don't have a New Yorker to check this out specifically, but my '89 LeBaron is set up this way and I believe that the engineers always leave the owner an alternative way to get to the latch should the usual means of release fail. The latch in my car is in front of the radiator and there is lots of room to work in to make this alternative release strategy successful. Once you release the latch and open the hood you will be able to figure out what part needs to be replaced to get the system back to normal. A wrecking yard, particularly 'pull-it-yourself', would be a good place to get any part that you need inexpensively.
Roland