Body Mechanical & Trim
Hood Release Cable
A hood release cable links the handle inside the cabin to the hood latch at the front of the vehicle. We carry 33 hood release cables from $20 to $373 for vehicles from 1984-2017, from Dorman, SKP and DIY Solutions, with fits for the Chevrolet Malibu, Impala and Corvette and the Jeep Commander.
Shop hood release cable by vehicle
Signs the cable has failed
A cable that stretches, frays or comes loose at an end makes the handle feel slack, and the hood will not pop. A seized cable from rust makes the handle stiff or stuck. A broken handle mount can feel similar.
If the hood will not open, a helper can press down on the hood while you pull the handle. If that fails, the latch may need to be released from below or through the grille.
Picking the correct cable
Cables come in different lengths and end fittings. Listed lengths in this category range from 65.5 in to 111.5 in, so match your model and year carefully. Some cables include the release handle and some are cable only.
Compare the end that hooks into the latch and the way the cable clips into the body with your old part. A cable kink can also cause a stiff pull.
Install tips
Tie a piece of string to the old cable before you pull it out. The string then guides the new cable through the firewall along the same path.
Seat the firewall grommet so water does not leak into the cabin. Adjust the cable so the latch fully releases when you pull the handle. Test the hood release several times before closing the hood with the latch.
Hood Release Cable questions
How do I open my hood if the release cable is broken?
Try pulling the cable end at the latch from below or through the grille with pliers. Some vehicles have an access point behind the grille. A service guide shows the latch location.
Do hood release cables include the handle?
Some listings include the handle and some do not. Check the package contents to see what comes with each cable. If your handle is cracked, a kit with both parts saves a second job.
Why is my hood release handle loose?
A stretched or disconnected cable, or a broken handle mount, can make the handle feel slack. Check the cable end at the handle first. A handle replacement alone may fix it if the cable is still intact.