1991 Ford F250 hood latch

1991 FORD F-250
130,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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A014725
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  • 3 POSTS
My hood latch is the problem. When I pull on it the hood does not release. How can I open the hood to repair the hood latch?
Mar 11, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
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IMPALASS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Hello

Try having someone pull on the handle and then at the same time, gentle take your fist and hit the top of the hood around the top of the latch area.

If that doesn't work, push down on the hood and have some on pull push down and then pull up on it.

Can you see the latch assembly through the grill? Spray the area with penetrating oil or WD 40 and then try the above again.
Mar 11, 2009 at 7:14 PM
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A014725
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The suggestion on how to get open the hood latch was not helpful. As I was following your advice that didn't work I noticed four tabs on the grille so I stuck my flat screw driver in each of them and the grill pop right out exposing the hood latch. All I did then was take out four more screw at the top and the grill was completely out and I was able to pull the hood latch and open the hood. There is no way that anyone who has experience working on Ford products would have not known this.
Mar 12, 2009 at 12:54 PM
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IMPALASS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello –

Thanks for getting back with us.

Our goal is to try to assist you in the repair of your vehicle with the least amount of work/tests first and most logical using a troubleshooting tree method and then work towards the more work/tests as needed.

Instead of changing the light fixture due to a bulb not working, you would first check the bulb. Same principle here. Many times latches get dirt/grim in them or the spring gets weak and it takes just a slight tap to free it.

The test I provided was just used on 1 March for a Toyota Sequoia as a matter of fact but had a bolt stuck in the latch.

Mar 12, 2009 at 6:54 PM