Auto Parts: Hood will not open., hood latch, wd40

Question
Have a 2000BMW 323CI. The problem is that I can't open the hood from inside the car. The cable may be broken or jammed. There is tension on the cable inside the car but you can't pull on it. The cable will not move when you pull on it. Is there any ohter way that you know I might try so that I can open the hood. Thanks.

Answer
Hello Bob,

There are a few things you can try.  First try gently hitting the hood in the area of the hood latch, this will sometimes release the tension on the hood pin allowing it to be opened from the handle.

Second you could try pulling the cable that is attached to the hood release in side the vehicle.  grab the cable with a pair of pliers, and pull on the cable itself.  this normally works as sometimes the cable gets stuck, and the direct pressure on it will free it.  

Third, you could try using WD40 and spraying it up under the hood, perhaps through the grills slots or the like, to lubricate the hood latch incase it is a rust or lube issue that is stopping you.

the only other option i can think of, aside from going to a mechanic, is to have someone pull the handle while you are trying to gently hit the hood in the latch area, or trying to gently pry up on it, be careful when prying though as it could damage the hood or the paint.

Good Luck

Please keep me advised on your progress.

Thank you.