Questions and Answers

Broken Hood Release On A Honda Civic
Q. Hi Vince! I have a 1997 Honda Civic EX Coupe. The plastic latch inside the car to pop the hood broke off, but I was still able to pull the cable with pliers. The problem is that pulling the cable is doing absolutely nothing, the hood won't open.

I tried looking under the hood right where the front emblem is, and I can see part of the mechanism moving when someone pulls the cable, but it still won't pop. I tried putting a screwdriver in there to get it to pop, but it won't work.

I have the Helms manual for the car, but that's not really helping either. Do you know any other tricks besides having to take off the front bumper and possibly the side wheel well?

Thanks!

A. I would take it to your Honda Dealer for this. There was a TSB issued on this problem and there is a chance Honda will pay for the repair.

TSB#: 99-089
Date: November 23, 1999
Title: Hood Release Handle Breaks

Applies To:

1996 - 2000	Civic	2-Door thru VIN 1HGEJ6...YL028945
		4-door thru VIN 1HGEJ8...YL022085
		3-door thru VIN 2HGEJ6...YH102606
		4-door thru VIN 2HGEJ6...YH525584

PROBLEM:
The hood release handle is broken.

CORRECTIVE ACTION:
Replace the hood opener cable with an improved part.

PARTS INFORMATION:
Hood Opener Cable: P/N 74130-S01-A01, H/C 4797486 WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION:

In warranty: The normal warranty applies.

Operation number: 812125
Flat rate time: 0.8 hour
Failed part: P/N 74130-S01-A01 H/C 4797486
Defect code: 018
Contention code: B01
Template ID: 99-089A
Skill level: Repair Technician

Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

Getting at the latch requires removal of the front bumper, the left inner fender and the power steering reservoir.