1. pulling back the hood release under dash while trying to open the hood is impossible by yourself.BUT if you take the drivers seat belt and stretch it out all the way you WILL find it just reaches and slides over the retracted hood relase handle thereby keeping it fully open while you go to the front of the car and pull up on the hood.

2. trick 2 involve making sure there is a SPRING intact between the metal teat that extends off the left side of the latching mechanism and fixes to the radiator support. if the spring is missing you will always end up with a sticky latch eventually...........the principle is the same as an old fashioned screen door