1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Hood latch release cable

Discussion in 'Prius c Technical Discussion' started by NJ2018PRIUSC, Dec 9, 2021.

  1. NJ2018PRIUSC

    NJ2018PRIUSC Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2021
    46
    12
    0
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Base
    To celebrate my newly installed 12V battery, I decided to do a quick check under the hood only to find that the release cable has failed. I could feel slack at the interior lever and nothing apparently happens at the hood latch, although pushing the hood down after I pull the lever produces a faint 'click' so something is moving. My guess is that it detached from the latch end or the cable stretched.

    I'd had enough for the day, so first step tomorrow is to give the cable a good tug with pliers near the interior lever.

    I didn't find much on the forum, but did find a YouTube video with a method for triggering the release on the C, which involves removing the bumper cover and other parts. I also found a procedure for an older (regular) Prius, using a stick through the front grill to push the small spring and tab. I'll try that first.

    Any other advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. I'd love to avoid a trip the dealer for this.

    Thanks.
     
  2. ttou68

    ttou68 Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2017
    340
    197
    0
    Location:
    40509
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    You may have a broken hood latch spring, I had replaced one on a Gen 2 not long ago.. less than $2 at the dealership...
    Have someone helping you by pulling hood latch release from inside your vehicle while you pull up the hood...

    See if that works, good luck!

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    Pri3C and dig4dirt like this.
  3. NJ2018PRIUSC

    NJ2018PRIUSC Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2021
    46
    12
    0
    Location:
    NJ
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Base
    I followed this advice from Leadfoot J. McCoalroller shared in March 2020:
    “If you've got a helper available, have someone gently press down on the front lip of the hood while you pull the release. Sometimes that can help. Either way you'll want to clean/lubricate/adjust that latch before closing the hood again.”

    First thing I tried and it did the trick. 3 min fix. No tools needed.

    Now I’m really back in business!

    Thanks, Leadfoot!
     
    #3 NJ2018PRIUSC, Dec 10, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2021
    Pri3C likes this.