how do you replace a hood release cable

if your hood is open, lubricate all of the moving parts around the cabel and the latch very well. Try to work the cable in and out, while also trying to push what you see of the cable from under the hood back in and out. If that doesn't free it up completely, there are companies like Motion Pro (designed for motorcycle cables) that sell a sweet cable luber tool. it clamps on to the cable and forces your choice of lubricant down the run of the whole cable. This should do the trick. It's much easier than replacing the cable and you'll have a good tool for your bikes and everything else. Prob like $10.