VUE FWD V6-3.5L (2008)
Hood Latch Release: Customer Interest
Body - Hood Latch Release Requires Excessive Effort
TECHNICAL
Bulletin No.: 09-08-63-002
Date: February 26, 2009
Subject:
Primary Hood Latch Release Requires Excessive Effort or Will Not Function, Frozen Cable (Re-Route Cable)
Models:
2008-2009 Chevrolet Captiva Sport
2008-2009 Saturn VUE, BAS Hybrid
Condition
Some owners may comment that the primary hood latch release inside of the vehicle requires an excessive amount of effort to operate or will not
function. This condition may occur in colder regions during freezing outdoor temperatures. This condition may also cause the inside release handle to
break.
Cause
Moisture may collect in the low lying area of the hood release cable assembly at the latch end of the cable. In extreme weather conditions, the moisture
may collect and freeze preventing the cable from moving within the cable casing. In these conditions, the hood latch may not release.
Correction
Use the following steps to thaw and re-route the hood cable.
Note
Use care not to kink or damage the cable casing.
1. Remove the hood primary and secondary latch assembly. Refer to Hood Primary and Secondary Latch Replacement in SI.
2. Disconnect the primary latch release cable from the latch.
Note
The use of a heat gun will accelerate this process. Use care to avoid damaging the cable casing and surrounding components with excessive heat.
3. Allow the hood cable to hang loosely in front of the front bumper (1). Allow the cable to thaw and let the moisture drain out.
4. Apply a moisture displacing lubricant such as GM D.P.L.Moisture-Displacing-Lubricant Part # 88862629 (in Canada, 89020803) or equivalent to the
inside of the cable casing at the latch end.
5. Apply wheel bearing grease such as GM Wheel Bearing Lubricant Part # 1051344 (in Canada, 993037) or equivalent to the latch end of the cable
casing to seal out moisture.
6. Reconnect the primary hood latch release cable to the primary latch.
