Jeep: hood latch, hood latch, bodyman

Question
1990 Cherokee..new engine 24 months ago, lots of other new parts including radiator.  Started steaming...radiator or hose problem. Apparently hood latch is broken as will not release cable on hood.  Do you have method to open hood when latch is broken...at mechanic now and he doesn't have a clue.  The dealership says to try to enter throguh grill.  Will this work or are ther other methods?

Answer
There are 2 latches one on either side of the hood at the front corners. The release cable comes from the dash through the firewall and up the center of the hood where the main latch is the main latch is then connected to the 2 outer latches by way of a thin metal rod If you pull the cable(and continue to pull) and have some one using a closed fist tap on the corners of the hood at the front edge you might get lucky and have the hood open. If not your best bet is to take it to a bodyshop and have them try there are 2 notches in the hood just in front of the latches that a bodyman with special tool or body picks might be able to open it. With the grille out of the way. Try the tapping on the corners trick that usually works. Good Luck.