Expert: Dave Norgardt - 8/14/2007

Question
Hi.  My hood release cable has broken on my 1996 Buick Century.  It's not just the handle that pulls the cable; that has been broken off, and I've been using pliers to pull the cable.  But now when I pull on the cable, it just keeps pulling like it's going to come out; it does not release the latch.  If you don't know how to replace it, do you know of a website that tells how to replace minor things such as this?
Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Wendy! Purchase a new hood release cable from your G.M. dealership or buy one from your local auto wreckers. Providing you can get the hood open, from where you are opening the hood with pliers, take the new cable end that goes to the hood latch, tape it side by side 3 to 4 inches to the old cable using duct tape or electrical tape. you can now use the old cable as a "fish tape". From inside the engine compartment, pull the new cable through the firewall. You should now be able to route the cable in it's original mounting points. Simply attatch the cable to the hood latch. This should solve your problem. Hope this helps!