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1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport:Frozan Hood LatchWhat do I need to remove on the front end of the Jeep to bypass the hood latch?I have radiator problems and have to get to the engine before I can move it.
Optional Information: Year : 1998 Make : Jeep Model : Cherokee Sport Already Tried: A service station accessed the engine last winter by removing the grill area. Due to lack of money, we did not get the hood latch replaced at that time. Spring came along and like magic the latch worked on it's own. The latch became a problem again this summer, so that shot down my theory that it was a cold weather symptom. It's parked in a company parking lot after I broke down due to the Jeep overheating. I don't want to drive it any further because I suspect that the radiator is empty. Can you give me step by step directions to open the hood without using the latch?
Hello there!I can try and find you some pictures. WHat size engine do you have?
Manual is in the glove compartment-- not handy since the Jeep isn't at home.
There is a 4.0 on the side of the Jeep if memory serves me right.
Does this answer your engine size question?
Ok.. thanks for the information.You should be able to get it from under neath witout removing any part of the front of the vehicle or grill. Try using a long screw driver. THat might just do the trick. I will try to find you some pictures.
Thanks
I hope you can find some pics.
That sure would be easier than taking things a part.
Ok... sure... I will do some research for you and try and get you some pictures. IT will be a bit later tonight, but I will see what I can do.
Ok... I am very sorry, but I do not have any pictures for you. I will leave this question open for other experts. Maybe another expert out there will be able to help you out.Good luck!
Hello
Welcome back to JA!
There is 2 ways to get the hood open
First way this is how The service station must have done it
1. remove headlight trim, headlamp bulbs, and the "basket" into which the bulb seats2. behind the headlamp basket is a bolt head facing forward, approx. 1/2 inch size head. This is one of TWO bolts that holds the hood latch striker to the radiator core support structure of the body. Remove this bolt.3. near the bolt just removed is an oval hole in the core support structure. Working through this hole, remove a bolt that faces UPWARD (head faces down) on the bottom of the upper flange of the core support. This bolt is the second bolt that attach's the striker to the core support, and is the same size as the first one removed4. repeat these steps for the other side, and then the hood should pop free with the strikers still engaged in their latches.5. replace the broken cable, lube up the bellcrank where the cable attach's under the hood, and reinstall the strikers (and their shimming washers!!) onto the core support.6. test hood for closure/latching. Adjust strikers as necessary.7. reinstall headlight components
Second way is quicker
Lay down and look up between the front of the motor and the radiator with a flashlight.
On the drivers side of the jeep. You will see the rod that connects the latches to the release, simply reach up and pull the rod towards the drivers side and the hood will unlatch. Keep the release mechanism attached to the hood lubricated and operating freely and you won't break anymore cables.
the rod you are looking for is # XXXXX in the picture this goes from left to right across the underside of the hood by the radiator there is 2 latches on the jeep hood to release
If you dont want to buy a cable to fix the broken one run a wire from the release to the grill opening.
Let me know if i can help more!
RD
Thanks for the info.
I have to wait until tomorrow morning before I can get to the Jeep and try to apply it.
I'll get back with you and let you know how it went.
Sounds good Have a good evening!
Experience: 30 YEARS OF CHRYSLER REPAIRS
Wow ... mechanics we're not.
Jim and I spent 3+ hours in a parking lot with our Jeep trying to follow your directions. After one trip back home for a ratchet set, and a second trip to AutoZone for an extension piece for the ratchet, we managed to get to the second bolt.
We lost patience when the tool couldn't quite fit on the bolt because of the angle.
Supper, rest, and a fresh start tomorrow evening should be promising.
Please look at my pictures:
The first pic shows the first bolt that we removed. It also shows where we notched out a piece of the headlight cradle so that we can get the ratchet on the second bolt.
The second image is looking up into the area above the removed first bolt. The ratchet head is currently stuck on the bolt.
The third pic indicates where the second bolt is in relationship to the first.
Based on what you see are we on the right track?
When we get the first and second bolts off on both sides of the jeep the latch will be released correct? Please say yes. lol
Forgot to send the pics. Oooops
Here they are:
Any comments before we leave to go work on Part 2?
Got the hood open tonight. Drove it slowly home.
Now we have overheating problems to look into next.
Thanks so much for the directions.
Sarah Huber
Sarah,
Sorry i was away for a few days, It looks like you were on the right track.
Did it go as planned?
How about the over heating?
Did you need some help with that?
Thank you