So what next? I tried banging, pushing and tapping on various parts of the front end, tried driving around for a while, I even tried using needle-nose vise-grips to give an extra tug on the hood release cable but that seemed like asking for trouble.

This s*&% happens with my S-10 sometimes and all I have to do is slam the driver's door. (Gee, I wonder how I discovered that?)

Eventually, I'd like to open the hood on my brick again. Any suggestions?

Thanks.
--
'92 Red 245 "The Radio Flyer"

I had this happen a couple of years ago. Turned out that spring mechanism on the hood latch needed adjustment. Good luck.

Every time this happens to me and i don't have anyone around to pull up on the hood while I pull the release, I do this. I force a screwdriver between the hood and the top of the grille support. This applies upward pressure on the hood and pops it open when you pull the cable. Sure, it's a little rough on the hood paint, but if the hood needs to open, it needs to open.

you'll need a second person, but try pushing down on the hood as they pull the release - then up. Downward movement will release the pressure/tension on the latch assembly and it may then operate OK. Once open, grease the hell out of everything...not oil, grease.
--
Bob (81-244GL B21F, 83-244DL B23F, 94-940Sedan B230F)

Failing Rob's screwdriver techinque, drop the plastic pan/guard (assuming it is still there) just behind the bumper and reach up to the mechanism. Once released you should be able to lubricate or adjust the cable and latch so that you won't have the problem again. Cables stretch. Latches get sticky. Nothing lasts forever, but with a little care you can nurse them along.

Have you had someone pull on it while you pull the release? It could just be sticky and need grease. Also, one of mine is REALLY tough, and I have no idea why even though I've lubed the cable and latch. Probably misalignment- when you do get it open you should observe it as it engages the latch, and see if it needs to move to one side or the other.
You can release it through the grille with a long screwdriver. The latch finger is accessible from underneath. Be careful not to break the plastic grille. Leave the grille out when trying to readjust the latch- it makes releasing it much easier.
--
Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '86 244DL- 215K, 87 244DL- 230K, 88 744GLE- 198K, 91 244 180K

You pushed,pulled, and banged.
Standing at the passenger side turn indicater light,put your hand on the 1/4inch extension of the hood,and push twords the driverside. This should release the lach.
Unless the pull wire is broke,GOOD LUCK!!
--
Kevin * HONDA spanking,1985 240DL * VOLVO ON!!!!