Hood release lever under dash jammed

JEFFWOODSLOOKYOU

MEMBER
2006 AUDI A8
4.2L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

I was on a road trip in Colorado. The hood release cable broke. I got a temporary fix by a mechanic who fixed up a piece of wire to pull on that would open the hood. This he fixed to a ring that could sit by the windshield wiper. Fine. The hood release cable lever at this point was just loose, unconnected to any cable.
I had to get the car looked at in Arizona but forgot to mention that to open the hood, they would have to pull the wire. I guess they tried at first to pull the lever under the dash, and then worked out about the wire.
Anyway, some time later I noticed that the hood release lever was jammed. It wouldn't move at all. It seems to be down, rather than up when it used to work before the cable broke.
I have tried (gently) to wiggle it to see if I could dislodge it from wherever it was jammed, but it refuses to budge. I've tried wd 40 type spray, but to no avail.
Have you come across this issue before? Can you give any advice, please? Thanks

Jeff Woods

9 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
12,970 POSTS

Do you think you could take a picture of it and post it? It sounds like the cable may have jammed in the cable divider under the hood. That holds both latch cables and connects them to the interior release cable, the other shop may have pulled the cable out or clamped it and jammed it. Hard to say. The interior cable just snaps into the lever so if it's stuck the easy solution is to just remove the screw that holds it and remove it and see why, then use the old cable to pull the new one through by taping them together on the ends and gently pulling the under hood cable while someone else feeds the new one into the car from outside.

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Sunday, September 12th, 2021 AT 2:40 PM

JEFFWOODSLOOKYOU

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Dear Steve,

Thanks for the very rapid response to my query. Unfortunately I can't send a photo as I don't have any way to put the image onto my kindle. (I'm on the road at the moment in Montana.)

The cable is out of the lever mechanism, so I don't think that that is the cause of the lam.

However the second image you sent looks very possible. I have tried to get at the mechanism to withdraw the bolt (#3 in the image). But I can't seem to find a way to remove the cover under the dash that will give me access to the bolt. I looked under and saw just one screw/bolt over to the right, but no other. Is there only one screw/bolt holding that panel?

Also, that screw has one of those inset star heads and I don't have one of those tools - I'll have to go out and buy one. I'll let you know what transpires.

Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Jeff Woods

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Sunday, September 12th, 2021 AT 4:31 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
12,970 POSTS

Usually the panels are held in with a screw or two and push clips. Is the third one the one in the way? Or is it the one at the bottom? The bottom one uses clips and lifts up from the middle of the door to the front. The footrest is also one screw and two clips.

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Sunday, September 12th, 2021 AT 5:27 PM

JEFFWOODSLOOKYOU

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14 POSTS

Hi Steve,

Those diagrams are great. Thanks. Everything will have to wait until I can get the appropriate star-shaped screwdriver to undo the bolts/screws. I'll keep you posted.

I really do appreciate you providing such rapid advice - and on a Sunday afternoon, too.

Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Jeff Woods

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Sunday, September 12th, 2021 AT 5:42 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
12,970 POSTS

That would be a Torx bit. If you don't have many tools with you I might suggest finding a Harbor Freight and getting something like the 64367 set. They are not professional grade but they work and are cheap enough that you can carry them around without being worried if they go missing. I've bought a couple just to toss into the vehicle in case of a problem.

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Sunday, September 12th, 2021 AT 5:52 PM

JEFFWOODSLOOKYOU

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14 POSTS

Hey Steve,

Success!

Those diagrams did the trick - they gave me a confidence I never would have had without your help. So, thanks very much!

Re the actual problem of the jammed hood release lever - it looks as if the Audi mechanic who looked at the car (and who I forgot to tell about the broken hood release mechanism) must have pulled on the hood release lever a little too vigorously and pulled lever over that little restraining nub that stops it from going too far. I gently pushed it back, and now it hangs loosely - until I get a proper cable released fixed.

So, thanks again for your technical assistance, and also for giving me confidence.

Sincerely,

Jeff Woods

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Monday, September 13th, 2021 AT 9:18 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
12,970 POSTS

Yeah, things like that happen. I've done it myself where you grab the lever and then think the latch is rusty or very stiff and you pull it hard. Generally though if I find a bad cable or break one I'll replace it and lube the latches before doing any other repairs. For a couple reasons. One is that it makes it easier for shops and the owner to access the engine, the other is that in the event of even a minor accident it is common to open the hood and disconnect the battery cable, if the hood doesn't open you grab a halligan tool and start prying the hood open, so now the minor hit in the rear end that might have buffed out also requires a replacement hood and likely a fender or two from prying it open, or we grab an axe or cutting tool and get in that way with the same results.
Now that you know how it goes together you can repair it yourself. One thing to do when you replace it. Get some spray on dry lubricant and flood the latches with it while pulling the cable to be sure they work freely. It can make a big difference.

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Monday, September 13th, 2021 AT 2:56 PM

JEFFWOODSLOOKYOU