Hey guys, I have a 2000 Civic and the hood will not open. It used to open if I would get someone to pull the release button while I popped the hood. Now that stopped working all together. So after no luck, I took it to the local oil change shop and asked if the guys there could get it. They had three of them all trying and they said the cable is too stretched out, and there is no way to get your hand in the engine bay to reach the cable.

They recommended I take it to a body shop or the Honda dealership. I realize that my wallet will get raped at either of the two, so I figured I would try anything I could before that. The cable can not be reached from under the car because of the plastic undercarriage on Civics. Also, I have the stock front grill so I can not fit my fingers, or anything else, in there to access the handle under the hood. Anyone have any other suggestions?

 

Anyone?

 

Take it to a car audio place... I've been a mobile electronics installer for 10+ yrs, I've worked on several of these cars, the underdash can easily be removed, we do it all the time to install alarms and amps. I'd tell you exactly how to do it, but I can't remember off the top of my head how to take it off, I'd have to see it. From that point, you could prob grab the metal cable with some pliers (it will prob be metal, inside of a plastic sleeve, don't pull the plastic with the pliers, just the metal).

 

Good advice. I actually took the under dash off already, so I am familiar with how to do that. Once I take that off, the cable should be exposed somewhere under my steering column (probably right behind where the release handle is)?

 

^I wouldn't do all that work. I'd remove one of the splash guards over the front tires and try to reach the latch with something from there. Much easier.

 

Yeah, right behind the handle that you pull to release the hood lever, there should be about an inch or two of metal cable that goes inside of a black plastic jacket. take pliers and pull on that metal cable, it should release the hood lever (assuming its still attached under the hood!)

 

I just went out and tried to feel around back there to see what's going on (it's dark). From what I can tell the cable is inside of a hard plastic casing, as you have already explained. Are you trying to say that if I remove the under dash I may be able to reach all the way up, almost into the engine bay, and pull the actual metal cable?

 

Right behind the hood release handle there is actually a plastic piece, that I assume attaches to the actual cable at some point. This plastic piece goes inside the plastic tubing; not sure how far. I assume pulling on the plastic piece at the end of the tubing will not do anything.

 

No, literally, from right where you're supposed to pull the lever, like, if you put your fingers on the lever, then moved them to the back side of that, you will feel a little bit of metal before it goes into that plastic jacket. That jacket is there not only to protect the cable, but also to keep from being able to pull it from underneath the car. I'll try to find a pic and post it for what I'm talking about...

 

http://www.tracystruesoaps.com/tutorials/gen4rs/06.jpg

I just found this with a quick search on google, this is from a 4th gen camry, the pic doesn't show the front of the handle, but it shows right behind the plastic lever that you pull. The civic is very similar...

 

Just pull that metal cable towards you, grab right where it goes into the plastic jacket.

 

Also found this:

I would take it to your Honda Dealer for this. There was a TSB issued on this problem and there is a chance Honda will pay for the repair.

TSB#: 99-089
Date: November 23, 1999
Title: Hood Release Handle Breaks

Applies To: 1996 - 2000 Civic 2-Door thru VIN 1HGEJ6...YL028945
4-door thru VIN 1HGEJ8...YL022085
3-door thru VIN 2HGEJ6...YH102606
4-door thru VIN 2HGEJ6...YH525584

PROBLEM:
The hood release handle is broken.

CORRECTIVE ACTION:
Replace the hood opener cable with an improved part.

PARTS INFORMATION:
Hood Opener Cable: P/N 74130-S01-A01, H/C 4797486 WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION:

In warranty: The normal warranty applies.

Operation number: 812125
Flat rate time: 0.8 hour
Failed part: P/N 74130-S01-A01 H/C 4797486
Defect code: 018
Contention code: B01
Template ID: 99-089A
Skill level: Repair Technician

Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

Getting at the latch requires removal of the front bumper, the left inner fender and the power steering reservoir

 

Thanks for the help. I just went out and tried again and found an actual cable behind the plastic jacket that I could reach. It felt almost like a bicycle brake cable. I pulled on that but had no luck. I think I might have to give Honda a call for the first time since I've owned this car, which has been over five years

 

Very helpful! I will call them tomorrow and let them know about what you posted up.

Appreciate all the help.

 

Yeah, thats the cable you need. If you pulled it in the same direction that the handle would have pulled it, and it didin't pop the hood, it may be broken, and not just stretched out. Just remember, without the lever, you have to pull a little harder than you would think, and you need to make sure its in the original direction it was designed to be pulled. (if you pull it at an angle, it will put unnecessary stress on the cable, and you could risk actually breaking that cable) Good luck...