Hood latch and release cable — removal and installation
Warning: The models covered by this manual are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disarm the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag, which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system).
Latch
1. On all models except Avalon, remove the front bumper assembly; on Avalon models, remove the radiator grille (see Bumper covers — removal and installation). Scribe a line around the latch to aid alignment when installing, then (on models so equipped) remove the plastic cover over the latch, retained by plastic pins. Remove the retaining bolts securing the hood latch to the radiator support. Remove the latch.
2. Disconnect the hood release cable by disengaging the cable from the latch assembly (see illustration).
10.2 Pry out the cable retainer from the backside of the hood latch assembly, then disengage the cable
3. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Note: Adjust the latch so the hood engages securely when closed and the hood bumpers are slightly compressed.
Cable
4. Raise the vehicle, support it securely on jack stands and remove the front wheel.
5. Remove the lower opening extension pad from the bottom of the fender.
6. Remove the inner fender liner (see Front fender — removal and installation).
7. Disconnect the hood release cable from the latch assembly (see illustration 10.2).
8. Attach a piece of thin wire or string to the end of the cable and unclip all remaining cable retaining clips at the radiator support, fender and firewall.
9. Working in the passenger compartment, remove the driver’s side door sill cover and kick panel.
10. Remove the driver’s knee bolster panel (see Dashboard trim panels — removal and installation). The hood latch release lever is attached to the panel (see illustration).
10.10 Remove the knee bolster and detach the cable end from the release lever assembly
11. Pull the cable and grommet rearward into the passenger compartment until you can see the wire or string. Ensure that the new cable has a grommet attached, then remove the wire or string from the old cable and fasten it to the new cable.
12. With the new cable attached to the wire or string, pull the wire or string back through the firewall until the new cable reaches the latch assembly.
13. Working in the passenger compartment, reinstall the new cable into the hood release lever, making sure the cable housing fits snugly into the notch in the handle bracket.
14. The remainder of the installation is the reverse of removal.
Note: Push on the grommet with your fingers from the passenger compartment to seat the grommet in the firewall correctly.