I pull the latch on my 2013 Prius Persona and the hood won't open. The cord seems to be working, as it will occasionally open fine and *usually* open with a second person assisting. Does anyone know a fix for this? Don't want to break down and not be able to get in there, or need a second person for basic maintenance.
When it's not opening, are you able to get a look at the latch? I was having issues opening the hood on a family member's Camry. It seemed like the spring was causing issues. I never really "fixed" it, but I was doing an oil change at the time so I just put a drop or two of engine oil on the latch. I think that helped, but idk. Edit: Are you having issues "popping" the hood open from inside the car, or is the issue with opening the hood after popping the hood?
Oh boy, next time the hood is open I'd make this a priory to repair. Last think you want is a stuck hood. Two people implies to me one of them is applying pressure to hood to unlatch the latch while the other pulls the hood release. Cable could have stretch, yet I doubt that with a year 2013. Cable mounts could be loose. Cable end could be frayed. Latch mechanisms could be loose and/ or moved out of alignment. Latch mechanism may have failed (rivets, fulcrum points, failed metal etc). Lack of latch lubrication. Lastly check the cable to hood release lever for any issues. Good luck and let us know what you find.
Lubricate the latch; its location is prone to water/corrosion. Also check the positioning/alignment rubbers for each front side of the hood. They are located on fender/radiator support frame and screw up/down to level the hood with the front end (fenders/bumper clip). They may be too high and not allowing the hood's catch to fully recess down into the latch creating a bind you feel in the release cable. GOOD LUCK!
That happens to me once in a while. For me, it has been due to the hood sticking to the rubber piping that lines the engine bay. If I get my fingers slightly under the hood, I can lift it, then put some lubricant on the rubber so It won't happen the next time.
I'd suspect sticking hood is due to infrequent use, just based on my near-obsessive amount of hood popping; never any problems (knock on wood). Lube what you can reach, and make a point to pop the hood regularly, for fluid check or whatever. I think motorcycle shops might sell a specific cable lube? And a little grease on the latch pivot points. I use a spray can of some lube that goes on liquid, then jells. Designed for garage door chain/rollers, but useful for anything like that.
