Hood release latch does not spring back in after release. (1 Viewer)

[BobbyKnobby]

I have a 88 FJ62 with a tired, old hood release latch and cable. It ‘works’ and releases the hood, but upon pulling the release pull under the steering wheel, the handle stays slack…and I have to push it back into its sleeve.

Questions:
do I need a new hood release cable? Is there some kind of spring that retracts the handle that I could replace? Should I replace the latch mechanism above the grille / under the hood that releases the hood?

Thanks in advance - I SUPER appreciate all the wisdom in this FJ60 forum! I’d be lost without y’all!

 

[cruiserpilot]

There should be a little barrel return spring from the latch up to the top of the bracket

 

[OSS]

 

[cruisermatt]

latch and cable are both available new from Toyota.

 

[kirvesmies]

me being a cheap fawker, i'd start with lubing any n all parts between your hand n the hood. just my nickle.95

 

[BobbyKnobby]

Thanks for the suggestions! After further examination, I see that the cable within the sheathing is a few inches too long. Short enough to catch the spring loaded release mechanism, but too long to retract my hood release handle. I also see that the plastic / wound metal sheathing is coming apart…probably what is causing the extra length of cable to sheath proportions!

Looks like I’ll be picking up a new hood release cable!

Thanks again!

 

[BobbyKnobby]

$45 bucks for a new hood release cable! It took about 30 minutes to remove the old cable and fish in the new. Two 10mm bolts under the steering wheel on the release handle mount. Three 10mm bolts on the hood release latch mechanism.

Here are some more photos of the process. You can see my old cable was very shredded!