Mercedes W163 Hood Stuck Closed - Open a stuck closed hood (Broken Latch or Cable) ML320 ML350 ML500

Our '05 ML500's hood got stuck closed. This video shows the DIY steps to remove the grille from the outside with minimal damage, how to open the latch or grind it out if necessary, and how to reassembly and install the grille. Check the Pinned Comment for the Timestamps and a link to another DIY video about replacing the hood latch and hood release cable on this W163.
I'm sorry your hood is stuck closed -- it is no fun! I hope this video helps. Thanks for watching, and good luck with your repair!

[@L35inColorado]

Timestamps and other DIY links: 00:15 Remove the grille inserts from the outside 03:49 Remove the grille fasteners from the outside 05:15 Remove the grille from the outside 05:58 Find the hood latch access panel 06:56 Use a mirror to see the hood release cable 07:09 Open the latch (if possible) using a pick 08:49 More detail about the latch on the bench (New Latch part #A210 880 0960) 11:08 Worse case scenario: use a die grinder to open a busted latch/busted spring 14:15 Tools I used to grind out the busted latch 16:20 Reassemble the grille 22:03 About the lower trim piece 22:25 Install the lower trim piece 23:47 Install the grille to the hood DIY Video for replacing the Hood Latch and Release Cable: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp-8hXxqgMt4hKs I hope this video helps -- I'm sorry that your hood is stuck, and I know how you feel. I hope you can get it open. Thanks for watching, and good luck with your repair!

[@claylynn6391]

Your videos are amazing! You are a patient, informative person and your videos are so appreciated!

[@L35inColorado]

Thank you, and thanks for watching! : )

[@felipemiranda4296]

another invaluable lesson from you in how to deal with w163 chassis maintenance neglected.

[@L35inColorado]

Thanks for watching!

[@craigkeller]

Your skill set is impressive. 🙏

[@L35inColorado]

Haha, well this was a skill that I never thought I'd have to learn! What a surprise this repair was. Thanks for watching! : )

[@andreacoerezza9766]

Thanks a lot, I always appreciate 🥰 your videos.

[@L35inColorado]

Thank you for watching! : )

[@theitaliandon9658]

Do you have any idea how to give power to the car? I cant get access to it key dont open

[@gandashable]

i have some extra grills i picked up from Junk yard. let me know if u need one haha

[@L35inColorado]

Haha, thanks! Yes, I got lucky that I was able to put that grille back together...but that's exactly what was running through my head when it happened, "Well, back to the junkyard, I guess" : ) Thanks for watching!

[@jdecastro357]

Did you remove the fans? Yours has so much more visable with that cover off. All i see is the sensor

[@L35inColorado]

No, I didn't not remove the fans on the ML500 because it is not equipped with them -- but if you're working on an ML320 or ML350, some have electrical fans that take up space, which sounds like what you're seeing. Can you reach the latch at all? I'm sorry this is happening to you -- I know how you feel!

[@SlawKingOG]

@@L35inColorado mine has the fans and yes you can see the latch and its tight but you can reach in there. even with the fans the repair is exactly like your video. your video helped me open the hood. thumbs up to you.😁👍 it was not easy at all but I kept looking at this video when I was not sure of something. my cable had snapped.I put in a new one thanks to your other video. thank you😁👍

[@sandydyer5182]

What if that does not work