Help can't open my hood - exterior hood release not working

O0_Ia · November 15th, 2008, 05:35

How do you open the hood when the exterior plastic "T Handle" is broken?
The interior release works, but the exterior release doesn't appear to work. It just pops out and does nothing (broken cable?, missing pin?).
Also how do you fix this?
I have an early 2005 jetta.

HopefulFred · November 15th, 2008, 05:43

I suspect that once you get it open, you'll be looking at either rigging something to work (not my choice) or replacing the whole mechanism, as that's likely to be the only way to buy the parts you need - unless you go salvage them from a junkyard (pull-a-part or similar). The mechanism is pretty complicated. I couldn't tell you how to jimmy it open, but I expect you'll want a long thin screwdriver and a flashlight - an assistant would be helpful to hold the flashlight.

On most cars (never had a problem with a VW) when the mechanism is not properly aligned or rusted and hard to work, you sometimes need to push down on the hood gently while trying the release to release the tension and allow it to work... might be worth a try.

Fred

O0_Ia · November 17th, 2008, 04:25

UPDATE:

I was able to open the hood. The plastic "T-Handle" broke where it contacts to the latch (at the pin). Is it possible to just replace the "T-Handle" or do I need to buy a new latch assembly?

puter · November 17th, 2008, 05:44

I think fred pretty much covered it. If you're able to find a plastic handle, and that can come apart in such a way that it can be replaced, then replace it.

If you want you can always rig it to work with some super glue and a piece of plastic (or duct tape and bailing wire if you're so inclined).

owr084 · November 17th, 2008, 07:16

You mean a replacement handle like this?

Check this thread for details http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=230436

cvalentine · November 17th, 2008, 09:37

The T-handle is also available separately from the latch mechanism at the dealer for less than $10. Part# 1J0823593C 01C (for Golf and Jetta Wagon) or Part# 1J5823593C 01C (for Jetta Sedan)

peteman · November 18th, 2008, 05:29

We purchased my wife's tdi with a broken handle. I have become accustomed to opening it without one. It is just as quick as using the handle once you get the hang of what part of the hood latch mechanism to move.

blubry2 · January 12th, 2009, 23:38

I need to replace a 1999 Beetle hood latch assembly.

Does anyone know where online I could obtain one?

vwjunky · February 9th, 2010, 07:05

I know this is an old post, but if you're in the Toronto area I got mine for $8.99 at WunderKar. They're close to me but they're also close to the Gardiner or 400. It's worth a detour 'cause their prices are good and they're helpful. The owner put mine in for me. He heated it up so it wouldn't crack in the cold and it was done in 2 minutes!

Anyway, here's a link: http://www.wunderkar.ca/exterior.html

Dave

BLSeleven · December 20th, 2010, 17:12

I know this is an old post, but I am having the same problem with the hood on my 05 Golf - the initial release lever (near the steering wheel) works, but the secondary t-handle release does nothing. How were you able to bypass the t-handle and get your hood open?

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by O0_Ia

UPDATE:
I was able to open the hood. The plastic "T-Handle" broke where it contacts to the latch (at the pin). Is it possible to just replace the "T-Handle" or do I need to buy a new latch assembly?

peteman · December 22nd, 2010, 05:06

reach in an pull the mechanism with your index finger. Pull towards you, no replacement handle needed, this is just as quick.

BLSeleven · December 23rd, 2010, 09:47

Thanks, peteman. But I'm having trouble figuring out what to pull. When I pull the T-Handle, it does move the vertical lever part (towards the left side of the whole latch mechanism)...that seems to still be connected properly. It seems to me that something broke off of that - later down the line. Does that makes sense? Thanks.

peteman · December 24th, 2010, 07:00

Ah I see. I had the advantage of having another vw there with a working latch to see what I needed to pull on. Sorry I couldn't be much help.

BLSeleven · December 24th, 2010, 08:47

No problem, I'll figure it out. Thanks!

Chavers · October 20th, 2011, 12:18

Having the same issue on the 2002 TDI. Inside latch releases hood. outside latch moves mechanism. Mechanism to left of t-bar handle moves. Latch fails to operate. Tried pulling on left of t-bat mechanism, no joy. Anyone have insight on if there is something lower (like in the grill) I can pull on to operate the latch? The issue as stated above seems to be lower in the mechanism. Trying to avoid my final option of removing the grill and bolts holding the latch. Found a replacement part on ebay though for half the dealer cost (list -15%) otherwise.