My hood (bonnet) release is out of action on my '98 GS300.

It appears that the cable has broken as there is no tension at either end. I hope that Lexus UK still supply the part and I'll bet it will cost double what it would in the US.

The weird thing is that if I slam the hood down, the lock does not hold it captive - I'll get my mechanic to take a look. Just as well as if it did I would have a problem opening it again.

 

I have similar issues with my 2001 LS430. The cable starts to stick inside the conduit, and when I close the hood, it won't latch. Basically, the cable is stuck and holding the hood latch "open" and the hood can't over come the striker in the latch mechanism to let it stay closed. I ended up removing the latch assembly and shooting penetrating fluid up into the cable assembly and it freed up. It works fine for a few months, but eventually sticks again. Best option is to replace it, which I have not looked into doing, but doesn't look too easy to do, unfortunately..

 

i replaced mine about a year ago, it kind of sucks. my hands were too big to get in between the fender where it comes through from the interior handle.

 

2KHarrier. You are a champion of the Nth degree. Next visit to the US I'll make a personal visit to Milwaukee and buy you a beer.

I just checked and your explanation was spot-on. The cable was not broken and a few tugs took up the slack and it is now working perfectly. I'll be sure to get some lube down the cable.

I guess the giveaway was that the latch was not returning to its rest position.

 

Had the same trouble on mine last year, changed the cable. Was around 40€ in Germany, and around 2 hours of work, with the part between the fender and into the cabin beeing the worst...

 

You are very welcome Mike. I used a spray lubricant on the cable and just suspended the latch mechanism from the open hood, while the penetrating oil seeped down into the cable conduit (If that makes sense...) As I stated earlier, it will last for a few months, but eventually you'll have to re-do the lubrication process, or replace that blasted cable...


Jim