Planned on doing an oil change today; got out my jack and stands, jacked it up, went to pop the hood...and nothing. Tried to reach under to pop it manually but couldn't find the mechanism. Last time I worked on the car was before thanksgiving when I did a brake fluid flush\replacement and didnt have any issues then. Can anyone help me out?

 

Remove the front under panel, and then you can reach up and release the latch by pulling on the cable. if you have small hands, you might be able get it by reaching in the front grill.

 

I hope it isn't that easy to pop the hood from the outside. I did reach up there but wasn't able to locate the cable. Plus, isnt the hood cable similar to a bicycle brake cable where its the thin metal wire enclosed in the vinyl sheathing? How would it be possible to just tug on the cable?

Just took at a look at my Helms and it says to remove:

Inner fender
Kick panel
Front bumper (cant since cant get into engine bay)
Air guide plate

 

Well, looks like you know everything you need to. Good luck

 

Not exactly

Items in bold are restricting me from following Helms instructions. They assume you have access to the engine bay. I just removed the drivers-side wheel-well lining where I can see the cable running towards the front but can't reach any where near the latch. Also tried reaching it from the front opening on the bumper but no dice either.

 

I told you to remove the lower under panel to reach the lock.

 

I am able to reach the cable that is heading towards the latch but cannot get to the latch itself. There is this piece of hard plastic that is on a 45 degree angle that blocks access to that area.

 

From underneath and with the under tray removed, cut a hole in the air guide plate big enough so your hand and some eyesight will pass through. From there, you should easily be able to activate the latch. You can replace that part easy. There really is no other non-destructive way to get the hood open in this scenario.