Hood Release Cable

This procedure replaces the hood release cable on a 2008 Dodge Viper, requiring removal of inner fender components and routing a new cable from the interior release handle to the hood latch mechanism.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hood release cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable retaining clips × 1 — As needed for routing

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental electrical shorts while working near interior trim.
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
4. Remove driver side front wheel for improved access to inner fender area.
5. Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access hood latch mechanism
   Open the hood using an alternate method if the cable is already broken (reach through grille or use long screwdriver to release latch manually). Locate the hood latch assembly at the front center of the vehicle. Identify where the cable attaches to the latch release lever.
2. 2

   Disconnect cable from hood latch
   Use needle-nose pliers to compress the cable end ferrule and slide it out of the latch release lever slot. Note the routing of the cable through any mounting clips or guides on the radiator support. Remove cable from retaining clips by pressing the clip tabs and sliding the cable housing free. Photograph the routing path for reference.
3. 3

   Remove driver side inner fender liner sections
   From the wheel well, locate and remove the fasteners securing the front inner fender liner. Remove the plastic push clips and fasteners along the fender liner edges. The liner may be multi-piece; remove the forward section that provides access to the hood release cable routing path behind the fender. Pull the liner back carefully to expose the firewall area where the cable passes through.
4. 4

   Trace cable routing to firewall
   Follow the hood release cable from the latch area along the driver side frame rail. The cable routes along the inner fender structure and passes through a grommet in the firewall near the driver side footwell area. Note all mounting clips and tie-down points along this path. Remove cable from any remaining retaining clips along the routing path.
5. 5

   Access interior release handle
   Inside the vehicle, locate the hood release handle mounted on the lower driver side kick panel or under the dashboard area. Remove any trim panels necessary to access the back of the release handle mounting point. This typically involves carefully prying the lower kick panel trim or dashboard lower trim using trim panel removal tools.
6. 6

   Disconnect cable from release handle
   At the interior release handle, locate where the cable housing seats into the handle bracket and where the cable end attaches to the release lever. Compress the cable housing retainer tabs and pull the housing out of its mounting bracket. Slide the cable end out of the release handle lever slot. Note the orientation and engagement method for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove cable through firewall
   From the engine bay side, locate the firewall grommet where the cable passes through. Pull the cable forward through the firewall opening from the engine bay side while an assistant feeds it from inside the cabin, or vice versa depending on which direction provides easier removal. Remove the grommet from the firewall if it is damaged or if it comes out with the cable.
8. 8

   Prepare new cable for installation
   Compare the new hood release cable assembly to the old one to verify correct length and end fittings. If the firewall grommet was removed or is damaged, install a new grommet into the firewall opening from the engine bay side. Ensure the grommet is fully seated and forms a weather-tight seal.
9. 9

   Route new cable through firewall
   From inside the cabin, feed the cable end through the firewall grommet toward the engine bay. Use a fish tape or pull wire if needed to guide the cable through tight routing paths. Pull the cable through until sufficient length is available on both sides for connection to the release handle and hood latch.
10. 10

    Connect cable to interior release handle
    At the interior release handle, insert the cable end into the release lever slot ensuring proper engagement. Push the cable housing into the mounting bracket until the retainer tabs click into place. Verify the cable is securely seated and the release handle operates smoothly with some resistance.
11. 11

    Route cable to hood latch
    Following the routing path documented during removal, route the new cable along the driver side frame rail from the firewall to the hood latch area. Install the cable into all original mounting clips and retaining points along the frame rail and inner fender structure. Ensure the cable has appropriate slack and does not contact sharp edges or hot exhaust components. Avoid tight bends that could restrict cable movement.
12. 12

    Connect cable to hood latch mechanism
    At the hood latch assembly, insert the cable housing into the retaining clips on the radiator support. Route the cable end to the latch release lever. Insert the cable end ferrule into the lever slot and ensure it is fully seated and secure. The cable should have slight slack when the hood is closed and latched.
13. 13

    Test hood release operation
    With the hood closed and latched, pull the interior release handle to verify the hood latch releases properly. The hood should pop up when the handle is pulled. Check for smooth operation without binding or excessive force required. If operation is stiff, check for cable routing issues, tight bends, or interference points. Adjust cable routing or slack as needed.
14. 14

    Reinstall inner fender liner and components
    Reposition the driver side inner fender liner sections and secure with all original fasteners and push clips. Ensure the liner is properly aligned and does not interfere with wheel movement through full steering travel. Reinstall the driver side front wheel and torque lug nuts to the factory specification (verify exact value in the service manual, typically around 100 ft-lbs for this platform).

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all interior trim panels removed for access to the release handle, ensuring all clips are fully engaged.
2. Verify the hood release cable operates smoothly before final button-up.
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands and perform final operational check of hood release from driver seat.
4. Reconnect negative battery terminal.

Verification

• Pull the interior hood release handle and verify the hood latch releases immediately without binding or excessive force.
• Close and latch the hood, then verify it is securely latched by attempting to lift the front edge.
• Verify the cable does not rattle or contact moving components during engine operation.
• Check that all interior trim panels are secure and properly aligned.

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