can't get engine lid to open - '88 80Q

[Huw Powell]

> Before you go nuts, have someone pull up on the hood while you activate the
> release knob inside the car. If hood opens with someone pulling up on the
> hood, then the lock/cable mechanism is not the problem.

agreed...

> Answer:
> Hood strut defective. The hood struts push up to release the hood when latch
> is activated. With nothing pushing up, the hood sits in place and relocks
> when you release the hood lock inside the car.

Actually, the strut just "holds" the hood - you actually have to fight 
it to raise the hood.  What "pops" the hood up an inch or so are the 
springs around the latch pins.  That area can get gunked up/frozen, of 
course.

Most likely though, is a stretched release cable.  Probably a good time 
to get a new one (they're cheap) and new little bits of hardware for the 
system (locking piece for end, plastic guides, hollow "golf tee" shaped 
bits) and fix it up nicely.

> Usually one strut goes bad. One strut will hold up the hood by itself, so
> its easy to get fooled into thinking that both struts are ok.

The 80Q only has one strut for the hood.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/