Hatzenbach

Hi,

wanted to open my engine lid and then - SNAP - this happened


Questions:
a) an idea on how I can open the engine lid?
b) can I fix this myself?
if the answer to b) is "yes", does anyone have the part number(s)?

95_993

You can usually trip the latch with a long straight screwdriver through the rear grill

newsboy

And then install a secondary release cable

Tomfun

Depending on the year of your car, there also may by an emergency release cable behind the left rear tail light.

Tom

Hella-Buggin'

Just Yank it Harder next time LOL

Hatzenbach

yeah I checked and it looks like this was introduced with MY 1991, mine is a 1990

Hatzenbach

what can I say, I’m full of energy :-)

Hatzenbach

@95_993 Thanks, that was it.

I first tried it from the left rear wheel, but after I removed the wheel liner I saw that this is a no-go.

What you have to do is to raise the spoiler all the way and then from the passenger side of the car insert a thin stick at least 3 feet long through the engine grille and then you can push the lock to open.
Now open the screw that holds the cable to the lock mechanism and push the cable out, then you can grab it at the hole by the door and pull it all the way out.
Of course most of the parts needed must be ordered from Germany, so now patience is needed.

Parts for MY 89 and 90
901 511 073 21 - lid release cable
901 552 813 20 - handle
911 512 531 00 - rubber grommet

95_993

Glad that did the trick!!

Hatzenbach

I looked but didn't really find any good place/opening where to route it

Hatzenbach

two more public service announcements:

a) The OEM part at Pelican parts 901-511-073-21-OEM has been replaced with part # 901-511-073-21-M74 (which is almost $100 cheaper)
b) Also when you install a new lid release cable, it needs to be installed with some tension, so that the lock is partially engaged, otherwise it will not catch when you close the lid

cobalt

Most of my cars are 91 or newer with the newer latch type. My 90 has the same round latch but it was my understanding they did not use the extra cable on these as they were designed to pop open if the cable broke.

Hatzenbach

Yes, looking at how the mechanism works that should have happened, but didn't (I guess that's why they changed the design)
But that was actually a blessing in disguise as I was 100 miles away from home when this happened...

cobalt

It stays closed if you drive fast just don't brake. LOL Glad you got it resolved.