Durango 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (1998)
Hood Latch Release: Service and Repair
INSIDE HOOD RELEASE BRACKET
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE
AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel.
Fig. 10
3. Remove the two screws that secure the inside hood release handle to the inside hood release bracket and lower the release handle to the floor (Fig.
10).
4. Depress the latch tabs that secure the 16-way data link connector to the inside hood release bracket, and push the connector out of its mounting
hole.