My sister has a 2009 toyota matrix. The cable rusted about half way or less and snapped. We can't open her hood. I tried grabbing pliers and yanking as hard as I could on the black cable to see if it will pop the latch open. It won't go. My brother in law tried also while I tried lifting the hood and nothing. I can't reach my hand to try and see if I could feel for something to pop open the latch/hood as there's a metal bracket in the way.
I'm in desperate need of help. Does anyone know how I could get this open? Does anyone have a picture of what the latch looks like if you have a toyota matrix? Or a video showing what the latch looks like when you pull on the lever to pop the hood open?
yanking as hard as I could on the black cable to see if it will pop the latch open
were you pulling on the sheath? The actual cable is inside. You may need to cut it open.
Does anyone have a picture of what the latch looks like
Have you consulted a repair manual?
Perhaps you could search online for a used Matrix near you and go check it out to see how you can access the hood release mechanism.
https://youtu.be/Y_6r9yMaCnw?si=yq8UX8SL8JRdEBLF
It's a video of the 2009 range you're probably looking for.
If you've solved it then you don't need this now haha. But if you still haven't, let's see if we can get it.
You're gonna have to be able to get your hand in to open it. Can you describe that "metal bracket" that's in the way? How has your sister been opening the hood?
Make sure you look at the diagram in the "components" section that T sent and keep in mind what J said about having to pull on the actual cable, not just the black part. You might have to really get in after it.
If it's broken where you pull on it while lifting the hood, you could monkey with it with a screwdriver and a flashlight.
I meant to add that if it's really broken unfortunately you're gonna have to research how to fix it ifya want or take it somewhere. Hopefully you can:
One: either get the cable pulled with pliers farther down (and look into making a makeshift lever. My car has one a buddy made for me and he did it so good I still haven't reattached the real lever. ) If it's not already activated. (If it's already activated you're not going to hear the hood pop noise.)
Two: If the latch is seized, broken, rusted, etc. that's the next thing to look into. Unless you all want to take to a mechanic. That's why I said you might be able to take a screwdriver through the grill and hit the spot right while lifting the hood with the other hand. But you have to be able to get your fingers on the latch. No idea what that bracket is you mentioned is in the way. If it's not something that belongs there, that could be your problem.
You didn't say anything about a collision, but one severely messed up mine and it was a nightmare. It pushed it all together and you couldn't pop it with your finger anymore.
Three: If rust and older age is just causing it, inspect it. (I could be wrong in suggesting using WD-40 on it because I just saw videos of people using Lithium grease too. But it might just be that the Lithium is more effective and not them saying the WD40 is damaging. Soak it, give it 24 hours or at least a few hours if you're in a rush to do this, use the video to see where the hood pop is and try your best to get to it. Screwdriver time if it won't pop, If you can't get your fingers to it, or if it's so damaged you've gotta help it from a different angle. Since the cable's rusted, I'd imagine the latch isn't lookin too hot either.
Trying to pelt ya with info as I'm finding it. Hope something from any of us helps. You've struck a cord with me because we've had so many vehicles with different versions of this problem - the second I can't open my hood I almost give up the ghost. Good luck