85 4000 Quattro chinese box problem (AKA how to open a hood without a release)

[Cade Carvell]

I think Huw had something on this on his site
(www.humanspeaker.com/audi) not sure on exact link.  Also, search
the the list, there was someone with same problem not to long ago.



Cade Carvell
National Business Systems, Inc.
2919 West Service Road
Eagan, MN 55121
Office: 651-994-4400

>>> "Adam Parcells" <aparcells at eforceglobal.com> 03/05/03 11:14PM >>>
I have a problem here that I was hoping someone here has an answer
for.

Last week I left my lights on @ work in my 85 Quattro.  I have just
obtained
the car and I learned the hard way that the car doesn't beep like my
old car
did when you leave the lights on.
Anyway, when my buddy went to give me a jump, I pulled on the hood
release
and it felt awfully loose.  It was - I could actually pull the wire
out
through the tubing and it seems to not be connected to anything.

We got the car started (my grandma actually gave my father a jumper
cable
that was just a cigarette lighter plug on both ends - I was surprised
it
worked) but now I'm looking into future issues.  Such as oil changes,
and
more immediately, washer fluid.

I tried jacking up the front and reaching up inside.  I can reach
inside
what seems to be the latch and can move SOMETHING in there, but can't
release the hood.  It seems there may be a latch on either side AND one
in
the middle, is that true?  There's just no give anywhere, and trying to
pry
up the hood a bit didn't show anything useful.  I was going to pull
the
driver's side headlight but my screwdriver broke off on one of the
screws..
rusty little bastard.  Gotta love NY winters...

Anyway, if anyone has any hints on how to pop this sucker PLEASE let
me
know.  I have no idea and the weather isn't boding to poking around
for
hours considering I have no garage.  And I would like to add this is
my
first Audi and first AWD and so far I am *very* impressed.