Help! I need some ideas.
Today I went to open the hood to check the oil. I pulled the release under the dash and the hood raised slightly, as normal. But when I stepped back outside, the little plastic secondary release was not sticking out of the grill.

After trying everything I could to get the hood up, I heard something small fall down. I then found the little gray plastic latch that pops out of the grill down under the radiator. It had fallen off.

Any ideas on how I can open the hood without this little part? I've tried sticking my hand in there. But I can't seem to reach or press anything that makes a difference.

I have no idea how this part came loose, or off. There is a tiny little spring attached to it. It doesn't appear to be broken because I can't detect any jagged edges on it. Somehow it must have slipped out of its socket.

I don't want to pay a dealer hundreds of dollars just to open the hood. I'd feel like a total fool.

Thank you.