HELP!!! I went to change a burnt out light bulb and found that my hood release...well won't release! The cable is loose and moves freely so I am assuming that the cable came off the latch mechanism.

Short of using a blow tourch to the hood - just kidding, how can i get the hood open. Gilly have you had this problem before? My ML is a MY2000.

Thanks in advance.

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1990 300CE-24
2003 SLK230 (Sport - 6spd)
1995 Ford Thunderbird

No, I've never had that happen. Maybe you can try pulling on the cable itself if it's exposed, maybe a pliers would help. Other than that, unsure how to proceed, maybe breaking out the grille would give access to the latch itself. Don't know what else to offer, but if you can't figure it out, maybe I can study the mechanism next week on another ML and come up with an idea, hope you don't need to get under there before then.

Gilly

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Gilly....problem solved! It took some time to figure out the best approach will minimal amount of damage.

Here is what I ended up doing....

1) Ended up cutting the grill. I cut out the middle strip from the right of the star using a hacksaw blade. It was quick, simple and do damage to sheet metal. Have to work carefully not to accidently scrape any paint of damage any parts.

2) Using a thing blade screw driver (long shaft) popped of the microswitch for the alarm system. On 98 - 99 they are pin switched near the fire wall. There is no way to save the switch and will most likely be damaged by removing it this way.

3) Once the switch is out of the way, I used a mirror and saw the problem. It appears that the cable release came of the latch release. I used a long screw driver and slid the lever over and the hood popped open.

Thats about it....parts that I need to replace now: grill, micro switch for alarm. My service advisor said he will warranty it out for me so I will not have any cost.

I was very careful and worked slowly and managed not to scratch any paint and damage anything by mistake. For now I have to deal with a funny looking grill till I can make it by the dealer.

Thanks

__________________
1990 300CE-24
2003 SLK230 (Sport - 6spd)
1995 Ford Thunderbird

Hi Kevin (or someone else by now),

I realize that this post is 3 years from when you posted, but i'll give it a shot anyway

I have run into the same problem in my 2000 ML430. The hood is stuck and I am unable to get it open. I have taken "most" of the grill off. But as I do not know what i'm looking for, I"m looking for some guidance. You mentioned a microswitch for the alarm, where is that located? Can anyone describe it a little better for me?

Thanks,
Riz