1990 Ford Tempo hood latch

If it worked before than either the catch mechanism is not functioning because it's not lubricated or the spring that makes the mechanism function is missing broke or the release cable is sticking or your hood part of catch is bent broke rusted?
Try closing lower latch with screw driver while hood is UP! If it wont click and hold then that's the problem. It needs lubricating or replacement if release cable is working fine.