Hood Release Cable

This procedure replaces the hood release cable on a 2005 Dodge Viper, involving removal of interior trim panels to access the cable routing from the driver's side release handle to the hood latch mechanism.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hood release cable assembly × 1 — Mopar 4865021AB or equivalent
• Cable grommet (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven
3. Open hood fully and prop securely
4. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental airbag deployment during trim removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Access hood latch mechanism
   From under the open hood, locate the hood latch assembly at the front center of the vehicle. Identify where the hood release cable attaches to the latch mechanism. The cable end will have a barrel fitting that seats into the release lever. Note the cable routing along the driver's side frame rail and through the firewall grommet before proceeding. Note: Verify correct Mopar part number against dealer parts catalog for 2005 Viper before ordering
2. 2

   Disconnect cable from hood latch
   Using needle-nose pliers, carefully disengage the cable barrel from the hood latch release lever by compressing the cable housing and pulling the barrel out of its seat. Note the orientation of the cable for reinstallation. If the cable is broken, remove any remaining cable fragments from the latch mechanism.
3. 3

   Remove cable mounting clips along frame rail
   Follow the cable routing from the hood latch along the driver's side frame rail toward the firewall. Release the cable from any plastic retaining clips by prying the clips open with a trim tool. Count and note the clip locations for reinstallation. The Viper typically uses push-in style clips along this routing path.
4. 4

   Remove driver's side sill plate
   Inside the vehicle, remove the driver's side door sill plate. Locate and remove the fasteners securing the sill plate—check for screws at each end and any hidden clips along the length. Pull the sill plate up and away from the floor to release any remaining clips.
5. 5

   Remove driver's side kick panel
   Locate the driver's side kick panel (lower trim panel below the dashboard, left of the pedals). Remove any visible fasteners securing the kick panel—verify exact fastener count and size against the service manual, checking for screws that may be covered by trim caps. Gently pull the kick panel away from the firewall, releasing any retaining clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors if present (such as door ajar switches or diagnostic port brackets).
6. 6

   Access hood release handle
   Locate the hood release handle mounted to the lower dash/kick panel area. Remove the fasteners securing the release handle bracket—typically 2 screws or bolts accessible from behind the kick panel. Pull the handle assembly forward to access the cable connection point.
7. 7

   Disconnect cable from release handle
   At the hood release handle, disengage the cable barrel from the handle mechanism using needle-nose pliers. Compress the cable housing and pull the barrel fitting out of its seat in the handle lever. Note the cable routing through any brackets or guides in this area.
8. 8

   Remove cable from firewall grommet
   From inside the vehicle, locate where the hood release cable passes through the firewall grommet. Pull the cable and grommet assembly through from the interior side. If the grommet is stuck, you may need to access it from the engine bay side and push it through while pulling from inside. Inspect the grommet for damage and replace if cracked or torn.
9. 9

   Remove old cable completely
   With both ends disconnected and the firewall grommet released, carefully pull the entire cable assembly out from the engine bay side, following the routing path along the frame rail. Remove the cable completely from the vehicle.
10. 10

    Install new cable through firewall
    Begin installation of the new hood release cable by routing it from the engine bay side through the firewall grommet opening. Push the cable and grommet through until the grommet seats properly in the firewall opening. From inside the vehicle, verify the grommet is fully seated with no gaps that could allow water intrusion. Route the interior end of the cable toward the hood release handle mounting location.
11. 11

    Connect cable to release handle
    Position the hood release handle bracket and connect the cable barrel to the release lever mechanism. Ensure the barrel fitting seats completely in the lever. Install and tighten the hood release handle mounting fasteners securely. Test the handle operation to ensure smooth cable movement before proceeding.
12. 12

    Route and secure cable in engine bay
    Route the cable along the driver's side frame rail following the original path documented during removal. Ensure the cable does not contact any hot exhaust components, sharp edges, or moving parts. Secure the cable using the original mounting clips along the frame rail, ensuring the cable has slight slack but is not loose enough to rattle or hang.
13. 13

    Connect cable to hood latch
    At the hood latch assembly, route the cable end through any mounting brackets and connect the cable barrel to the hood latch release lever. Ensure the barrel fitting seats fully in the lever mechanism. Adjust cable tension if the latch mechanism includes an adjustment feature—there should be minimal free play but the cable should not be under constant tension.
14. 14

    Test hood release operation
    From inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle and verify the hood latch releases smoothly. The hood should pop up approximately 1-2 inches. Close the hood and test the release mechanism 3-4 times to ensure consistent operation. If the latch does not release properly or feels excessively stiff, check cable routing for binding or excessive tension.
15. 15

    Reinstall interior trim panels
    Reinstall the driver's side kick panel, ensuring all electrical connectors are reattached and all clips engage properly. Install the kick panel fasteners securely. Reinstall the driver's side door sill plate, pressing it down firmly to engage all retaining clips and installing any screws removed during disassembly. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed in reverse order of removal, following steps 10-15
2. Ensure all trim panel clips are fully engaged to prevent rattles
3. Verify cable routing does not interfere with pedal operation or driver's legroom
4. Confirm hood latch releases smoothly with normal effort at the interior handle

Verification

• Pull the interior hood release handle—the hood should release and pop up 1-2 inches with smooth, consistent effort
• Open and close the hood 3-4 times, testing the release mechanism each time to ensure reliable operation
• Inspect cable routing in the engine bay to confirm no contact with exhaust, belts, or other moving components
• Check that all interior trim panels are secure with no loose clips or rattles
• Verify the hood closes and latches positively without adjustment needed

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