2003 Toyota Sequoia Hood Latch Stuck

BIGMIKE2

MEMBER
2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA

2003 Toyota Sequoia Four Wheel Drive Automatic

I can not get the hood latch to work. I even took the cable out of the lever under the dash and pulled on it to no avail. How can I get the hood open?

Sunday, March 1st, 2009 AT 4:20 PM

4 Replies

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

To better assist you is your model a Limited or SR5. Also please tell me your engine size in liter.

Have you tried pulling on the cable and having someone gentle with the side of the fist rapidly hit, (again - not hard enough to dent - you are jarring it) the top of the hood above the latch?

Also try pressing down on the hood above the latch are and pull the release then pull up.

Also try pressing down on the hood above the latch and try hitting as above the hood then see if it pops up.

Are you able to spray penetrating lubricant on the latch from the grill area?

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Sunday, March 1st, 2009 AT 6:16 PM

BIGMIKE2

MEMBER
6 POSTS

I had a pair of visegrip pliers locked onto the cable end on the inside of the car and kept tugging and pushing foward on the cable as my son was poking around inside the mechanism box and the latch came free. We found a small bolt very similar to the ones in the grill and all the brackets that hold stuff around the radiator in the mechanism. Probably from a crew that replaced the front grill etc after someone backed into the car about 18 months ago. Had the oil changed about 2 weeks ago but can't imagine what that would have to do with it. Can only imagine that it just rattled around in there until it fell in the wrong spot and jammed the mechanism. Don't think you will run into that deal again. Just plain luck is what got it loose. Was just about to go buy a small universal and try to reach through the grill and take the latch mechanism loose.

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Sunday, March 1st, 2009 AT 8:17 PM

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Thanks for the update.........

I am very happy you got it open. Amazing isn't it....... Murphy's Law is always in effect.

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Sunday, March 1st, 2009 AT 9:32 PM

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Hey - one more thing. . ..

Also, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.