I have an 84 240D Euro ........ When I pull the hood release lever, the hood pops up a bit, but the little gray finger I need to use to release it fully stays back in the grill & I have to coax it out with a key or screwdriver. What makes this thing poke out of the grill when one pulls the inside lever? I can't see anything broken or obviously missing ....

Lubricate it with oil.
The pivot becomes corroded and binds.
You will need to oil it several times and exercise the lever roughly five minutes.
Never use WD40 or silicone spray, it washes off and makes the corrosion worse.
Have a great day.

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1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

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The inside lever releases the two hood latches, on either side of the grille. The plastic safety release pokes out more the higher the hood tries to lift, not by action of the inside lever.

Next time the hood is open, look under the grille. You will see the curved metal piece that moves the tongue.

Move it by hand, and if it's the least bit sticky, clean it off and re-lube it. WD-40 will get rid of the old lube, then use oil as whunter suggests.

Best Regards,
jim

Mine does that now that I have replaced the old worn out grill screen. There is less of a gap between the louvers on the new one, thus it binds the latch handle on its way out.

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'02 BMW 325i
'85 300D 450k
'93 190E 2.6 170k(killed by tree)
'08 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 6k
'06 Ducati S2R800 14k(sold)

Just out of curiosity, have you tried lifting the hood a little to see if it will poke out? The inside lever releases the hood, you then have to lift the hood a little for the outside safety release to poke out of the grill.

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85 300CD
83 300TD
78 240D (daughter)

I just figured this one out the other day. I was constantly trying to dig that sucker out of its little hidy hole. No I just pop it. Then lift up on the trunk and it says AAAAAA and sticks its tongue out for me to yank.

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'84 300CD Turbo 132k (Anthracite Grey) - WVO - My daily driver - Recently named coo-coo-coupe by my daughter.
'84 300D Turbo 240k (Anthracite Grey) - Garage Queen
'83 300D Turbo 220k (Orient Red) - WVO - Wifes daily driver

I'm not a certified mechanic, but I did stay at a HolidayInn Express last night.

I don't think I ever tried pulling up (no owner's manual) ...... lubed it well & gave a pull & out it came. Another annoyance gone. Thanks, gelm.