mguerrero

Was servicing my Valve cover gaskets and when finished closed the hood, went back a few mins to reopen hood and the passenger side hood latch won't release - was able to open by pumping that side of hood while a buddy pulled the hood release - upon inspection once open I notice the cable doesn't fully pull back the lever - question is, how do I know if its a cable issue or a latch issue?? I can buy a new latch for $25 on ECS (see link) - cable is a little harder and more expensive to replace .... Thanks in advance for input


http://www.ecstuning.com/Mercedes_Be....5L/ES1779837/

GatorMB

Check for a missing tool around the cowl or the sealing strip near the windshield/firewall has lifted.

It should not have failed out of the blue for one valve cover service.

mguerrero

yeah - thats what I thought initially - once I got it open tho there were no tools in sight and checked the latch and it seems that the cable isn't fully pulling the release -- so weird that it happened out of the blue! so, I just wondered if it may be the latch ... :/

GatorMB

I would try lubing the cable and latch with penetrating oil like petron or liquid wrench, White lithium spray grease on latch.
Take note of the hood stop post that adjusts the hood height for leveling and adjust it down for temporary test.
When closing the hood give an extra effort on the failing side (passenger) and see if it changes.

My drivers latch is stubborn but it may be a different scenario.

Cheers