hood latch broken. can't open hood.

Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team! A broken hood latch can be frustrating, especially when you need to access the engine compartment. If the latch is not releasing even when you pull the lever, there are a couple of approaches you can take. 1. **Check the Cable**: Sometimes, the cable that connects the hood release lever to the latch can become disconnected or frayed. If you can access the area near the latch (which may involve removing some interior trim), you might be able to see if the cable is intact. 2. **Access the Latch Directly**: If the cable looks fine but the latch is stuck, you may need to carefully pry open the hood using a long tool (like a flathead screwdriver) to manipulate the latch mechanism. Be cautious to avoid damaging the hood or paint. 3. **Remove the Grill or Surrounding Components**: If you can't get the hood open using the above methods, removing the front grill or other components might give you better access to the latch to release it manually. If these methods seem too involved or you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, it might be best to consult a mechanic. They’ll have the tools and experience to open the hood without causing damage. If you need any further advice or want help finding a trusted RepairPal shop in your area, please feel free to call us at 877-913-1554.