Can't open hood

[Guest Guest_jon]

Hey guys,

I can't open my hood! I pull the trunk release and nothing happens. I have tried using the cable release and prying up on the hood but to no avail. What else can I do?

thanks,

jon

[raffi]

while someone is pulling either the hidden cable or pulling up on the trunk lever try prying your fingers under hood and pull up, use a coat hanger (covered with towel, to avoid scratches) if your finger doesnt fit. I have seen a few trunk latches for sale on ebay, I just bought one for $10 and my trunk is perfect now. You may need to replace that part if this is your problem.

[Loren]

What year is your car? Early cars used a cable release and starting in MY01 the release became electric.

[jon]

my car is a 2000. I have found the hidden hood release in the front bumper but nothing is working. I'm about to get the saw out and start cutting the front bumper, it's about time for that aero kit anyway.

[Loren]

Well, if you are sure the latch is released (can you hear or feel movement?). Perhaps if you have someone pull on the emergency release cable while you push down and slightly slide to side on the hood (not on the logo as it will break off) you can release the catch enough to free it.

If not, then it is going to be an expensive fix.

[jon]

I was thinking that the worst case scenario is to cut through and then replace the hood. $300 for a hood from LA Porsche then add paint cost etc... Cheaper than an aero bumper I guess. This sucks, I drove my car for 2 days after finally fixing the broken off bolt in the stearing knuckle.

Thanks for your help guys.

[raffi]

I had the same problem and I believe a few others did too with the hood not opening suddenly one day. I cant imagine anything else causing this other than something caught in the latch or the exact same problem like me. It should work if you have the cable pulled and try to reach the red handle underneath and open it. It would really be a shame to solve this problem by cutting your bumper, I think you are joking right? You might end up with my old bumper though since i traded in my arctic silver 99 bumper in at LA porsche when I got my aerokit. You should see If they have any used aero bumpers I know they had one a few months ago. I think it would be only a few hundred dollars more.

[Patrick]

You know you want the aerokit.

[jon]

:clapping:

A set of old tire irons and duct tape did the trick. I pryed the hood open but now I am looking for a replacement latch.

I checked Ebay but found nothing, does anyone know where I might find one used/cheap somewhere besides LA Porsche(i already checked)?

Thanks,

[Tool Pants]

Why not have the dealer replace it since you have a 2000 unless you are out of warranty. So what was the problem. Other than a broken cable the only time I have heard about not being able to open a trunk is if something (like clothing) is jamed in the latch.

Watch out if you buy a used latch, more so on ebay, and I have seen used ones on ebay. The microswitch in the latch goes funky and the trunk will not go on or will stay on until the computer shuts it off. Perhaps Loren will give you the part number for the latch with the improved switch.

Oh, this is how my friend helped me open my trunk after a truck backed up into me. Jeff

[RJFabCab]

Your soft top looks perfect! Hahahaha... gotta luv them trucks! :unsure:

[raffi]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...item=2421694942

that is the one I bought. I havent had any problems yet. If I experience any with the microswitch I can switch it out with my old one since that was still ok, thanks for the warning Jeff. The other one I recently saw on ebay was advertised as having the updated microswitch and it was a brand new part. If you dont want to spend $200 on a new part and cant find a used one you can try fixing your broken one, I soldered the worn out area and it worked great. But I couldnt resist getting a new one for $10 on ebay.

[raffi]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...item=2425519161

This is the other auction I wrote about.

[jon]

$150 for a new latch, installed and closes better than i could have dreamed off.

thanks for all your help guys!