Hood Release Cable

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the hood release cable on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including release handle removal, cable routing through the firewall, and latch connection at the hood.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hood release cable assembly × 1 — Mopar 04578165 or equivalent
• Cable routing clips × 1 — Replace any broken during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Open hood fully and prop securely with hood support rod.
3. Allow engine to cool completely if vehicle was recently operated.
4. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental electrical shorts while working near interior components.
5. Place fender covers or towels over fenders to protect paint during hood latch work.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove hood release handle from interior
   Locate the hood release handle in the driver's side interior; verify its exact mounting location on this specific vehicle before removing trim. Remove the lower kick panel trim by pulling it away from the retaining clips starting at the rear edge and working forward. Once the panel is free, locate the hood release handle mounting fasteners. Remove the 2 screws securing the release handle bracket to the body. Disconnect the cable end from the release handle mechanism by compressing the cable retainer tab and sliding the cable housing out of the bracket. Pull the handle assembly free.
2. 2

   Access and trace cable routing through cabin
   With the release handle removed, trace the cable routing from the handle location toward the firewall. The cable runs along the driver's side lower body panel behind the kick panel area. Note the position of any cable routing clips or ties securing the cable to the body structure. Remove or release these clips as needed to free the cable. The cable will route upward toward the firewall pass-through near the steering column area.
3. 3

   Locate and access firewall grommet from interior
   From inside the cabin, locate where the hood release cable passes through the firewall. This is typically in the upper driver's side footwell area. The cable passes through a rubber grommet in the firewall. Working from inside the vehicle, carefully push the cable toward the engine bay while noting the grommet position. You may need to remove the lower dash trim panel on the driver's side to improve access. Remove any clips or fasteners securing this trim panel and set aside.
4. 4

   Disconnect cable from hood latch assembly
   At the front of the vehicle with the hood open, locate the hood latch assembly on the front of the vehicle. Note that the 1992 Viper uses a forward-tilting clamshell front hood/fender assembly, so verify the actual latch location and mounting on this specific platform before proceeding. The cable attaches to the latch mechanism on the driver's side of the latch. Locate the cable end fitting at the latch lever. Use needle-nose pliers to compress the cable housing retainer clip and slide the cable housing out of its bracket on the latch. Once the housing is free, unhook the cable end from the latch release lever by rotating it and pulling it free from the lever slot.
5. 5

   Trace and release cable routing in engine bay
   Follow the cable from the hood latch back toward the firewall, noting all routing clips and guides that secure it to the body structure. The cable typically routes along the driver's side of the radiator support and down toward the firewall. Release the cable from each routing clip by squeezing the clip tabs or prying carefully with a flathead screwdriver. Count and note the number and position of clips for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove cable through firewall grommet
   Working from the engine bay side, locate the firewall grommet where the cable passes through. Carefully pull the cable and grommet assembly from the engine bay side while an assistant feeds slack from inside the cabin. If the grommet is stuck, carefully work a flathead screwdriver around its perimeter to break it free from the firewall opening. Once the grommet clears the firewall, pull the entire cable assembly through into the engine bay and remove it from the vehicle. Inspect the firewall grommet for damage and set aside for reuse or replacement.
7. 7

   Prepare new cable for installation
   Compare the new hood release cable assembly to the old cable to verify correct length and end fittings. If the new cable does not include a firewall grommet and the original grommet is in good condition, transfer it to the new cable. If the original grommet is torn or damaged, obtain a replacement grommet before proceeding. Inspect all cable routing clips removed during disassembly and replace any that are broken or weakened.
8. 8

   Route new cable through firewall
   From inside the cabin, insert the hood latch end of the new cable through the firewall opening from the interior side. Push the cable through until several inches protrude into the engine bay. Install the rubber grommet into the firewall opening, ensuring it seats fully in the firewall hole with the cable passing through its center. The grommet should fit snugly with no gaps that would allow water or air intrusion. You may need to use a blunt tool to seat the grommet perimeter fully into the firewall opening.
9. 9

   Route and secure cable in engine bay
   Working from the engine bay, route the cable from the firewall toward the hood latch assembly following the original path noted during removal. Install the cable into each routing clip along the radiator support and body structure, ensuring the cable is secured at each clip location. The cable should have no sharp bends or kinks and should not contact any moving parts, hot exhaust components, or sharp edges. Maintain adequate slack to prevent binding when the hood is opened and closed.
10. 10

    Connect cable to hood latch mechanism
    At the hood latch assembly, insert the cable end fitting into the slot on the latch release lever. Ensure the cable end is fully seated in the lever and will not slip out during operation. Insert the cable housing into the housing bracket on the latch assembly until the retainer clip engages with an audible click. Tug gently on the cable to verify it is securely retained in the bracket.
11. 11

    Route and secure cable in cabin
    From inside the vehicle, route the cable along the driver's side lower body structure following the original path. Install any routing clips or ties to secure the cable to the body, ensuring the cable does not interfere with pedal operation or any moving components. Route the cable to the hood release handle location in the kick panel area, maintaining adequate slack for handle operation.
12. 12

    Install hood release handle
    Insert the cable housing into the hood release handle bracket until the retainer tab clicks into place. Verify the cable housing is secure by tugging gently. Position the release handle assembly in its mounting location on the body. Install the 2 mounting screws and tighten securely. Do not overtighten as this may crack the plastic handle bracket.
13. 13

    Test hood release operation
    Before reinstalling any trim panels, test the hood release operation. Close the hood gently until it latches. Pull the interior hood release handle and verify the hood pops open smoothly without excessive force. The handle should return to its rest position when released. Open and close the hood several times to verify consistent operation. If the cable binds or the release requires excessive force, check for routing issues, sharp bends, or improperly seated cable ends.
14. 14

    Reinstall interior trim panels
    Once hood release operation is verified, reinstall the lower dash trim panel if it was removed, securing any clips or fasteners. Reinstall the driver's side lower kick panel by aligning the retaining clips with their receptacles in the body and pressing firmly until all clips engage. Verify the kick panel is secure and all edges are flush.
15. 15

    Final verification and cleanup
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Perform a final test of the hood release system by closing the hood and releasing it from inside the vehicle. Verify the hood opens smoothly and the latch functions properly. Check that the safety catch still operates correctly when the hood is partially raised. Remove fender covers and inspect the work area for any tools or parts left behind. Verify all trim panels are properly secured.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all interior trim panels removed during cable routing, ensuring all retaining clips are fully engaged.
2. Verify cable routing does not interfere with any moving components or create potential wear points.
3. Test hood release operation multiple times before returning vehicle to service.

Verification

• Close hood and verify it latches securely without requiring excessive force.
• Pull interior hood release handle and confirm hood pops open smoothly.
• Check that the secondary safety latch engages when hood is partially raised.
• Verify cable routing has adequate slack and does not bind during operation.
• Inspect firewall grommet for proper seating with no gaps.
• Confirm all interior trim panels are secure and properly aligned.

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