Hi Guys,

This is my first post to MercedesShop , I've been a regular member some of the other ML boards. Anyway, I need help from my MB brethren.

Basically, the hood is stuck. The hood safety release in the grill is fine, and the cabin latch is fine. However, i believe the metal cable with the cabin latch pulls got disconnected/broken where it unlocks the hood inside!

So, I have a request. Could someone near their ML and with a digital camera handy, please take a photo of what the lock looks like?

I managed to get most of the grill elements off (it is still on), and upon inspecting in front/above the radiator it looks like the "bottom" plastic cover of where the locking mechanism is has come loose. I will get the part number and post to make sure it is that part.

Anyway, I think a couple of photos of the area will help me in possibly trying to get this open using a wire coat hanger.

Thanks!
riz

See http://photobucket.com/albums/v425/azinn/?multi=2&addtype=

Hi Riz,
take a look here, this guy had the same problem...
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=43879&highlight=hood+release
Autobahner

Thanks guys,

Azinn, I can't seem to access the link you sent. Photobucket asks me to log in as you

Autobahner, I read that post, and am not sure what the microswitch is or looks like. I was hoping not to have to destroy the grill (it's an ML55 silver grill ), but I may have to. I will try posting a reply to that thread, though the last post was 2002

I will let you know how it goes today or tomorrow. can't believe this happened

riz

Sorry, try it now, http://photobucket.com/albums/v425/azinn/?multi=2&addtype=, you should be able to access it.

Riz,

a suggestion...

If the hood release cable still has same amount of tension as when normally operating, I will guess the cable still is connected and works therefore believe the hood latch might have binded-up within the latching mechanism located within the front radiator support section.

Try this: Have a second person pull the release (and hold to "open" position and also try "working" the cable) and you (at same time) at the hood push down and pull up on the hood with the hood safety level pulled (in star) and see if this might get it free. Also, try pulling the safety lever a little further than normal, maybe also binding. Additionally, try the same but also pulling (with reasonable force) on either side (portion that goes down) of the grill area and lift - maybe this will do it. Mine does not release very easily, but when I do this little modification - it releases.

If still no success, i'll take a look at mine, snap some photos or possible access areas and see if i can come up with a solution for you.

I don't want you to have to destroy your grill either, so let me know how this may work for you.

Side question - you have an ML55? If not, where did you get the nice grill (am in the market) and approx. how much $?

Hey guys,

Sorry to write back so late, I was out of town for a week, and then have just been very busy (no ML time! ). Unfortunately i still haven't gotten the hood open...

Azinn, Thanks for the photos man they really help!

Autobahner, I tried what you suggested but it still didn't work. I'm basically back to trying to use a bent coat hanger to try and hook onto the latch and pull it back far enough so that the hood "hook" is released.

However, while i was clankin around in there, I noticed that "below" where I believe the hood lock mechanism is, a plastic piece was loose. I pried it off and it looks a cover, perhaps a bottom cover for the hood mechanism. Anyway the part number is A 163 887 01 25, don't know if you guys are familiar with it, but i just wanted to check.

Thanks again,