Hood Release Cable

Replace the hood release cable on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including removal of interior trim panels to access the cable routing from the driver footwell to the hood latch mechanism.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hood release cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - verify cable length and end fittings match original
• Cable routing clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent any electrical shorts while working near interior panels
3. Open hood using the existing cable (if functional) and prop securely in the open position
4. Take detailed photographs of the cable routing from the hood latch through the firewall and into the driver footwell area

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect cable from hood latch mechanism
   With the hood propped open, locate the hood latch assembly. Locate the hood latch assembly and identify where the hood release cable connects to the latch mechanism. Identify where the hood release cable connects to the latch mechanism. Use needle-nose pliers to compress the cable retention clip and disconnect the cable end from the latch lever. Note the cable routing through any retaining clips or guides on the hood support structure.
2. 2

   Remove driver side lower dash panel
   From inside the vehicle, locate the lower dash trim panel on the driver side below the steering column. Remove the fasteners securing the panel (verify type and size against factory documentation before removal). Gently pull the panel away from the dash structure, releasing any remaining clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors if present for diagnostic ports or lighting. Set the panel aside. Note: Battery disconnection is generally not required for this mechanical job. If desired for working near wiring, the negative terminal is accessed in the luggage compartment/boot.
3. 3

   Access hood release handle assembly
   Locate the hood release handle assembly, verifying its actual mounting location for this LHD/RHD configuration against factory documentation — on the DB9 it may be located in the driver side footwell/kick panel area or in the driver door jamb/lower dash structure. Identify the Torx fasteners securing the handle bracket to the body structure and remove them. Note how the cable is secured to the handle mechanism. Note: Locate the hood release lever assembly, which on the DB9 is typically mounted in the driver side footwell near the kick panel or integrated with the door jamb/lower dash structure. Confirm the exact handle location for this specific vehicle before proceeding.
4. 4

   Disconnect cable from release handle
   Examine the connection between the cable and the release handle. The cable typically has a ball or barrel end that seats in a slot on the handle lever. Manipulate the handle and cable to disengage the cable end from the handle mechanism. Remove the cable housing from any retention clips on the handle bracket.
5. 5

   Remove driver side sill trim
   Locate the door sill trim piece on the driver side. Remove any fasteners if present (verify type and size against factory documentation before removal), then carefully lift and pull the sill trim to release the retaining clips. The cable routes behind or beneath this trim piece toward the firewall.
6. 6

   Trace and release cable routing through cabin
   Follow the cable from the release handle area along the side of the footwell toward the firewall. Use a flashlight to identify all cable routing clips, cable ties, and attachment points. Cut any cable ties securing the cable to existing wiring harnesses or structural brackets. Remove or release the cable from all routing clips, documenting their positions for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Locate firewall pass-through grommet
   From inside the cabin, identify where the cable passes through the firewall. There will be a rubber grommet sealing the cable entry point. From the engine bay side, locate the corresponding grommet exit point, typically on the driver side of the firewall near the hood hinge area. Note the grommet condition for potential replacement.
8. 8

   Remove cable from firewall grommet
   Working from the engine bay, carefully pull the cable forward through the firewall grommet. If the grommet is damaged or the cable is difficult to extract, the grommet may need to be removed from the firewall to ease cable extraction. Pull steadily to avoid damaging the grommet seal. Once the cable is free from the firewall, remove it completely from the vehicle.
9. 9

   Prepare new cable for installation
   Unpack the replacement hood release cable and compare it to the original to verify correct length and end fittings. If the new cable does not include routing clips, transfer reusable clips from the old cable. Apply a small amount of light grease to the cable ends where they will connect to the latch and handle mechanisms to ensure smooth operation.
10. 10

    Route new cable through firewall
    From the engine bay, feed the latch end of the new cable through the firewall grommet. Use a wire pulling tool or mechanics wire if needed to guide the cable through the grommet and into the cabin. Ensure the cable passes through the center of the grommet to maintain the seal. Pull enough cable through to reach the release handle location in the driver footwell.
11. 11

    Install cable through cabin routing path
    Following the documented routing from the original cable, secure the new cable along the side of the footwell using the original routing clips and cable ties. Ensure the cable follows a smooth path without sharp bends or contact with sharp edges. Route the cable to the hood release handle location.
12. 12

    Connect cable to release handle
    Insert the cable end fitting into the hood release handle mechanism, ensuring it seats fully in the lever slot. Secure the cable housing to the handle bracket using the retention clip. Test the handle to verify the cable end is properly engaged and does not disengage during operation.
13. 13

    Route cable in engine bay and connect to latch
    In the engine bay, route the cable from the firewall grommet to the hood latch assembly, following the original path and securing the cable in any factory routing clips or guides. Connect the cable end to the hood latch mechanism, ensuring the cable end fitting seats properly on the latch lever. Install the cable retention clip to secure the cable to the latch.
14. 14

    Test hood release operation
    Before reinstalling trim panels, test the hood release system. Close the hood and verify it latches securely. Pull the interior release handle and verify the hood pops open smoothly without binding or excessive effort. Repeat the test 3-4 times to ensure consistent operation. If the cable binds or does not release smoothly, inspect the routing for kinks or sharp bends.
15. 15

    Reinstall interior trim panels
    Reinstall the driver side sill trim, pressing firmly to engage all retaining clips and installing any Torx fasteners. Reconnect any electrical connectors to the lower dash panel, then align the panel to the dash structure and press to engage the clips. Install the Torx fasteners to secure the lower dash panel. Verify all panels are secure and properly aligned.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cable routing clips are properly engaged and the cable path is free of sharp bends or contact with hot engine components
2. Verify the firewall grommet is properly seated to maintain cabin seal and prevent water intrusion
3. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and verify no warning lights are present on the instrument cluster
4. All trim panel fasteners should be tightened to a snug fit but not overtightened, as excessive torque can crack plastic mounting bosses

Verification

• Operate the hood release handle from the driver seat and verify the hood releases smoothly with moderate effort
• Close and latch the hood, then verify it is secure and does not rattle
• Inspect all reinstalled trim panels for proper fit, alignment, and secure attachment
• Verify the firewall grommet area shows no gaps or damage that could allow water or air intrusion
• Test the hood release multiple times over the next few days to ensure the cable does not stretch or bind

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