My hood cable broke. I managed to open the hood (long nose pliers from right side helped get the latch open). Now I see one of the larger springs looks toast. Not sure if I can buy just that one. Here's a photo: Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
The springs appear to be separately replaceable: Hood & Components for 2008 Toyota Prius | AutoNation Toyota Gulf Freeway The latch doesn't look in great condition and is not very expensive; I would be inclined to replace the entire assembly.
True...I probably should replace the whole thing. Now that I know how to get to it though, I probably won't. I did find the springs ...biggest problem was the grill protection screws. They were very corroded and hard to get out. 25$ each at the dealer....and no inventory in Toronto area. I managed to clean them up. I wonder if Toyota Canada is still have parts problems with their warehouse. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
As far as those expensive bolts are I would take one down to a big box hardware store and match it up with another metric bolt. But it's best to replace the latch. Find one online. To fix the next bad latch problem get a bicycle shift cable and thread it on the latch spring from the left side of the spring. (Just below the large spring) Then thread it to the right side horizontally and let the rest of the cable to hang in front of the radiator. When the latch cable breaks (It will) just remove the grille and pull the bicycle cable wire to the right and that will open the latch.