How To Open a 1996 Chevy Blazer Hood from the Outside When the Release Cable Breaks

[@DriverDave79]

Ditto to all the previous thank you’s and kudos. You even put your own solution to the test by closing your hood and showing us how it’s done … PROPS to you, sir!!!

[@ronblouch178]

Thank you for the high praise. Glad it helped!

[@pinkandrockinit]

I won't bother you with the whole story as it would be too long but in a nut shell, this works!!!! I am a 56 year old woman with a fractured back. I am in a brace that allows little movement. My best friend is in her mid seventies and her cable broke. She called a tow truck to try to get it open. After an hour the guy told her it could not be opened. As I have limited movement and my hands are also affected I had no real hope I could help her but I said I would try. My husband made the tool out of a 5 gallon bucket handle so I would be able to grip the plastic bucket handle as the pull on the end of the tool. Otherwise he followed the instructions exactly. With all my limitations I had the hood open in 10 minutes! You, Ron, Are a genius!!!! Ty from the bottom of my and my friends hearts. Much love and many hugs. You have truly made the world a better place by sharing this knowledge!

[@ronblouch178]

Great story, Lynn. Thanks for sharing it. Glad I could help!

[@ChiDraconis]

@@ronblouch178 I am running the video B4 it breaks on 2001 Silverado 'w" … constant application of any lubricant will delay failure; I use Mineral Oil due to toxic issues ~ Specialty products = very acceptable; Hard to lubricate cable so Lithium ( i am not on lithium ) such as Lubriplate should have a packaged way to force Lubriplate® to lubricate the cable

[@AxeIRad]

Didn’t have a coat hanger but I improvised and got it to work! Thank you for showing me the way!

[@ronblouch178]

You are welcome!

[@larryleeannback8791]

Our 97 Chevy S10 had nearly the same issue, and I was actually able to get it open in less than a minute after watching this. I then rigged up a temporary hood release cable out of zip ties! I was proud of myself! Glad I found your video today, Thanks for help!!!

[@ronblouch178]

Larry&LeeAnn Back Excellent. That's what I was after. Thanks for the feedback.

[@jsroesler1]

This was the video! I have a 2003 S10 pickup, and this technique worked! I watched this video countless times, made my hanger tool as shown in the video, and then went to work. It didn't work the first few tries... I watched the video again, worked on the angle of my hook, and tried many more times. Several times I repeated this process of watching the video and trying again. Towards the end, I finally gave up, at least 3 or 4 times, and was going to go back into the house; but then I thought I'd try just another time. I reminded myself again and again that I do not need to get this technique to work reliably... I just need to get it to work once. And, just once, it worked! This hood latch was a bugger, and after searching the internet, this video was really the only thing that offered hope. The only other thing, which I would have tried next, was a note about how someone had wedged a 3/4" broom handle under the hood, which gave just enough room to the latch bolt, which they were able to somehow, eventually, work loose and get the hood open. That latter technique sounded so difficult and frustrating that I just kept trying the technique shown in this video. And eventually, I got this technique to work! THANKS Ron!

[@stevenkatz1057]

Hi Ron: I shlogged through several videos before finding the gold that is in your video. This is life...going through what is inappropriate helps us to identify and appreciate what is right for us. Thanks again.

[@derektorres6260]

I got lucky, this was the first video I watched, took a few (dozen) tries, but it worked

[@tkelly5422]

Although this wasnt the exact match to my 2005 Trailblazer, your video, paired with the Trailblazer forums on the internet, gave me the confidence to successfully open my hood while locked out of my car and the battery removed. I have NO IDEA how much time, money and frustration you helped me save but it was a lot. Thanks!

[@ronblouch178]

So glad it helped. Thanks for letting me know!

[@katherineerickson3861]

THANK YOU!!! My battery died today and then the hood latch wouldn't work so I couldn't open the hood. This was so helpful and on the 2nd or 3rd try I got it! Weird thing is that the latch is now working fine. You saved the day and I am so grateful that you made and shared this video!

[@Mik3yLow]

Plus, now you also know how to go steal a new battery! 😄😉

[@gmillerjr193]

This works on a 1999 Suburban as well. Thank you Ron. I recently had an oil change, coolant flush/change and a head light replaced. They removed the front grill to replace the passenger side headlight. Yesterday when trying to release the hood I got no response when pulling the hood release. I followed your instructions and had it open in 15 seconds or so. Everything was intact just a bit corroded. Some WD-40 on the hood latch mechanism, both hood springs, opening/closing the hood a few times and and all seems fine now. Thank you very much!

[@ronblouch178]

You are welcome. Glad to have helped.

[@iDatedMyPizza]

Saved me big time, thank you. Battery died on my Trailblazer and i want able to unlock my doors to pop the hood.

[@faychin1104]

Great fix Ron on a 2000 Jimmy went to check the oil and hood would not open. went right to utube and luckily found Ron's fix. Got a stiff hangar copied ron's tool and two tries later it opened. Our problem was a gunked up mechanism causing the latch to not rotate fully and release the primary. my advice, clean and lightly lube the mechanism. grit and old grease cake up and stop it from working. Thanks again Ron and all the others who contributed.

[@jcsilvagni3993]

PERFECT! 1998 Blazer cable from inside was broke and couldn't get a piece of it! I used your method. Took me a few times to no avail. Tried again and closed my eyes so I could 'feel'. Wow. I placed my hanger did a pull and walla - the hood opened. Thank you so very much for this video. With a good hanger and some patience (don''t over think it), you WILL get the hood unlatched.

[@LionsideDisciple]

Ron you are a LIFE SAVER. I watched a dozen videos before I found this. I found a really sturdy yet flexible metal rod in my garage from God knows what and I used pliers to bend the end of that sucker and got it done thanks to you. I have just repaired it and now it's all working like new! Thanks a million pal, you're a real hero to me right now.

[@ronblouch178]

Vicster VIP glad it was helpful! Thanks.

[@istvanmeissler2238]

Thank you Ron. It worked !!!! 1991 Chevy 1 ton pickup. Really didn't think it would work, but it sure did! Thank you again for taking the time to make this video. I am sure it will help many others as well.

[@musac300]

This video was just what I needed, thanks for showing how the latch actually works!

[@ronblouch178]

You are welcome!

[@bryandonovanjr.7941]

AMAZING VIDEO THANK YOU!! I reeeeeaaaally appreciated the way you broke down the each part and mechanism going on in the equation first, instead of just showing "how to wiggle this thingy in this out of focus crevice" like every other video I've seen. Catch a man a fish vs teach a man to fish. Thanks again God bless.

[@schmidtface]

Thank you!!! The only helpful video for my 1995 Tahoe!

[@mustangpapi76]

Thank you. I was able to help out one of my truck drivers at my job.

[@ronblouch178]

You are welcome.

[@tripacern8131d]

Had this problem, used his solution and popped it in first try. Thanks for the video!!!!

[@ronblouch178]

You are welcome. Glad this video is still helping people!

[@cdunk423]

Hey, this is great!!!!!, Door handles are shaved on my 96 gmc 1500 an battery died, so no way to get in except for a brick through the window, but this video saved my glass an my wallet, awesome!!!

[@twofistedmarkmonti9352]

Another long story short-Thank You for your video-fully worked 2nd or 3rd try in-although it is only the beginning of my problem, this part worked out fine-Thank You again Sir

[@effenfish661]

this video saved my bacon! using the coat hanger worked on my 1995 S10. thanks, Ron!

[@donaldyounger3384]

Good advice, thanks so much. You must have really thought this through. Helps so I don’t have too!

[@WIIND1]

Thank you that help me out and save me from calling into work. Big help.

[@samuelfernandezgama4826]

I couldn't do it like this because the hood doesn't have that little space to introduce the coat hanger, I was able to pull the cable by the front grill

[@ronblouch178]

Glad you got it!

[@PeekksG]

Thanks so much saved me time and money🙏🏼

[@leoxccv]

You bloody legend really saved me with this

[@darwintea]

Thank you VERY much for this video! My hood wouldn't open and using your instructions, I got it open in about 10 minutes.

[@ronblouch178]

You are welcome.

[@RicciAllen]

Nothing new to report here. It was simply the solution to the problem. Thanks for sharing! Now I just have to figure out how to adjust the slop out. Not sure what changed. Cable pulls fine, just not far enough.

[@kittyshaw6363]

this is so helpful. I'm right on top of it I can feel it, the hook turns I keep missing it...so frustrating but I'm determined it's going to happen

[@seansolomon7566]

Great video! 1995 Chevy 1500 P/U, had the hood open in 3 minutes. Thanks

[@italic2494]

Hi, Ron, I'm terribly sorry for that post. I thought I had deleted it (which I just did), after I went back and more carefully watched. In fact, now I'm going out there to apply this procedure. I'm 825 like :)

[@ronblouch178]

Thank you. I was curious. Pretty sure I'd shown how to do it even though it's been a while since I made it! Glad it was helpful. That was the idea!

[@mikewengler1058]

Thank you Ron! I was a little skeptical, but needed to try something. I had the hood open in about 20 seconds!

[@jordanplatte4405]

10/10 video guys deserves an Oscar

[@miwin1000]

Thanks for the great instruction...now how do you replace the cable that broke inside the car and slipped thru the casing? Bought a new cable but don't know how to feed it thru!

[@ronblouch178]

I've got no idea. Seems like the challenge would be passing it through the firewall at the cab/engine compartment. Looks like an opportunity for you to make us a video!

[@migueljimenez1713]

Gracias amigo por ese estupendo video. Me pasó pero con llaves adentro y la camioneta prendida se cerraron los seguros. Gracias muy bueno..

[@ronblouch178]

You are welcome.

[@131313x]

i could had realy used this idea at the junkyard this week and saved alot of time and a few good parts ,somebody cut a cable and i needed the fender and core support,that has a job to get arould the hard way

[@rodthemod999]

Hey man, thank you for the tip, I had the coat hanger idea but wrong positioning, then when I saw the angle of where you were coming in from it made the whole thing work out....thanks again! ( I had my mini grinder and zipwheel at the ready but thankfully it didn't come to that, lol

[@ronblouch178]

Nice. We saved a hood, or a grill.

[@ForeIndication]

So I followed the concept but going long from the right was untenable for me. I fashioned a wire about 1 foot long made a sheep's hook on the end and made it like half a hoop to reach around the mechanism. Up in two minutes or less I found the shorter reach was much easier to control for me. Thanks for sharing the concept got me where I needed to go. Thank goodness hood latch tech does not change much over the years.

[@ronblouch178]

Glad you found a way in. Glad it was helpful.

[@cshaw76]

Great video explaining the mechanics of the latch. Was finally able to open it, but my issue was the curled up tab that functions as a stop for the lever. I bent that out of the way, allowing more travel. My 03 hood opens as good as it did 15 years ago. My cable was not detached, the lever just wasnt moving far enough to release. Untouched original part on a one owner truck. This may be your problem. Thanks for the vid👍

[@ronblouch178]

Thanks for the feedback. I recall the tab. Mine was bent out of shape as well.

[@JoseSanchez-mx2cr]

Genuis. It worked on a 95 chevy Silverado as well. Thank you for this informative video.

[@Mr-TheSaint]

Thanks a lot for posting this video :-) You just saved me the trouble since i did like you did so i can charge the battery on the Blazer ZR2. :-) :-) It took me max 40 seconds to open the hood after watching your video :-)

[@derektorres6260]

Thanks for the video, it worked for me, I ended up doubling up on the hook end with the hanger

[@DateNightDoinsBBQForTwo]

Thanks, worked like a champ and saved me $200 that I didn't have!!!

[@boykinboy7]

Thanks for this video. Got my hood open on second attempt.

[@ronblouch178]

You are welcome.

[@theovercomingcity732]

Thanks!!, mine was different, but once I saw where the tension wire goes in... I tried just yanking on it... but it had a cover sleeve so I don't think I got enough pull... so I put the coat hanger in there about the same spot...it was actually easier to get to... and wah lah... it popped open.... only problem... I opened it trying to get a VIN number on this Chevy Tahoe? that someone left on my property.. and it is locked with no keys, etc... owner disappeared... wont answer calls.... ... the VIN under the windshield is blocked by a licence plate the owner put in the front window right over the VIN number.... . I can't check in the door either... I hoped to find a VIN number under the hood... might have to get a locksmith or break a window after all... I need the visible VIN in order to begin the paperwork... at least I got the hood open... thanks!

[@bigmikefrompa.3063]

That gives me idea,so now I don't need to replace cable,thank you!!

[@ronblouch178]

You are welcome. I'm glad this video is helping people. Good news!

[@LionsideDisciple]

Ron Blouch this video is gold for the GM owners with latches like this!

[@zellyu8559]

Thank you sooo much for posting this, you're awesome!!! I was able to fix mine with some wire!!

[@ronblouch178]

You are welcome!

[@jenyminor]

Thanks for posting this video....Valuable knowledge! I couldn't have figured it out with out your video... Thanks Again! Blessings; 🤗

[@kcmo3449]

Life Saver in 2023 👏👏👏

[@kennydaddy100]

Good video! Ninja level 17 unlocked!

[@blackdeath4eternity]

thanks, i forgot what the catch looked like under the hood & so was not sure where i needed to hook.

[@joshuaperkins1257]

An even easier way is to pop the grill off. Had to do that today with my Trailblazer. Made it easy to reach.

[@samuelfernandezgama4826]

Thanks for the video, I will try this tonight. I really need to open it to check engine, the bad thing is that it's easy to open and in Mexico I got the battery robbed twice :( I think I will install a lock for the hood that I saw in Amazon

[@riprob93]

Great video!! I'll be trying this tomorrow.

[@Carlos-be2kc]

Wish I watched this sooner I’ve been trying to take the latch apart

[@donaldyounger3384]

Smart! That helps a lot in my case as well.

[@stranburrow9938]

Real helpful thanks bud

[@Gombi787]

I have a 1992 Blazer and the lever broke so I can’t open it. How would I open it?

[@screaminjd]

Thx.for saving my ass. It took me 2 minutes to open my hood on a 2003 S-10.

[@charleshurt5722]

Yea pulling it was my first choice too lol once it didn't work it didn't seem as obvious but at least I'm not the only one who thought it was

[@isackwiebe3443]

Just what I was looking for thanks

[@adammelrose]

Amazing! Great video

[@Mr1Anvil1]

Thanks bud. Got me out of a jam

[@johnmurphy3152]

Works great, keep my tool under the seat!!

[@ronblouch178]

I love it. Glad it helped!

[@waynedaynes7641]

Thanks for this video worked perfect have 2005 s10 blazer and cable was stretched this work great

[@Bream243]

Thanks. This was a life saver.

[@johnbrown2493]

Thanks for the video. Really helped

[@whodawho7296]

That freaking worked. Thank BOSS!!!

[@sampson485]

Thanks worked great, and I replaces the latch, thanks

[@craig7111]

Thanks for making this!

[@briant5549]

trying this tonight! I ripped off the grill so shouldn't be too hard

[@bobbygill3103]

You helped me so much thankyou for the video

[@bilal.khan1344]

hi evry one h r u hope vry bady as fine my chevy model 98 rear right site door as stuck how to open plz tell me

[@bud8530]

Thanks for help.

[@ronblouch178]

You are welcome.

[@joebidendidthat5121]

I’ve got to do this today…. Hope I get it

[@ronblouch178]

Good luck!

[@kyleperez3951]

Many thanks!

[@ianseaman2334]

What did you use as a hook??

[@JSOFJR]

Ian Seaman a heavy coat hanger cut and bent to catch the latch.

[@raymondtanguay959]

How about you show us what the freaking latch looks like so we can recreate your method and do it several times with the hood open so we understand how to do it blind. THANKS

[@gregg663]

worked great good video appreciate it!!!

[@crazyforcrotchet]

Your video is great! Thanks but I tried, tried and I couldn't get to open....😣😣😣 but it's me and this is 1997 gmc sierra a little different then your car but so hard

[@ronblouch178]

Sorry to hear it didn't help. Hoping you got it fixed!

[@crazyforcrotchet]

Well we finally got it open! It was stuck! It needed some grease but your video helped a lot, thanks

[@stevenhasch1]

Thank you!

[@ashaffect1413]

"So here's the tool and here's what you have to do..." 3:06

[@russelljennings4065]

Damn I can’t get mine with a hanger. It is dark outside though

[@ronblouch178]

Good luck. Keep trying. It will release.

[@Mik3yLow]

Nice! Great way to steal a new battery. Thanks! 😆

[@ronblouch178]

Ha! Never crossed my mind. LOL

[@saychime8249]

THANK I KNOW WHERE TO START

[@captainkangaroo4301]

Those damn cables were just a terrible example of over engineered crap. There was nothing wrong with the old fashioned two lever hood release at the front of the hood.

[@ronanassis6450]

Thanks!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@fabianferrelli6438]

Gracias pelao!

[@WillyWill76]

the your finger looks ...i should wear gloves while performing

[@rant1200]

I found a much easier way.Just wedge a piece of wood between the hood and grill and voila,opens.

[@TheHardTruth315]

Those Klein side cutters and linemen pliers look you might be a Sparky....

[@ronblouch178]

LOL. No, years of heavy construction while working around iron workers led me to use their tools.

[@eeanpitcock874]

There’s gotta be a better way

[@mcmurry3]

Get to it jesus christ it took you long enough.

[@ronblouch178]

I've been amazed at how much love this video has gotten since I made it. And how little hate. Gonna be haters. Thankful for the others.