If you can see that the finger the cable connects to on the latch is moving, you may be able to get the hood to open by having someone hold the cable in the open position while you bounce the hood up and down. Sometimes, they just stick. If that doe work, when it is open adjust the rubber bumpers that stop the hood up a little on each side to ad tension so the hood will pop better when the latch is released. If not then there are a couple of things you can try and all of them require a little patience. On some of them there is enough room if you get under the van to reach up behind the bumper in front of the radiator and access the lever from below. If that works, pull the lever toward the driver side. Sometimes a long welding rod bent with a hook on the end will fit between the bottom edge of the hood and grill and you can hook the lever on the latch and pull it that way. Or sometimes as you were thinking the grill needs to come out. You may also be able to unbolt the latch from the core support with a long 1/4 inch drive socket set and an end wrench and leave the latch locked and still connected to the hood and open the hood with it still connected to the latch. Then remove the latch when the hood is open. Sending you instructions for the grill from the GM service manual. It may present a problem with the screws on the upper lip because the hood is closed. You may be able to pry it up far enough without damage to access them. You will just have to try it and see. Thanks
Grille Replacement Removal Procedure
Installation Procedure
Tighten Tighten the screws to the grille to radiator support to 3 N·m (27 lb in).
Auto Tech
Plus 40 years GM, over 30 certified with Chevrolet, ASE certified Master Tech. (Expired, Retired)