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

[John Larson]

You said:  "You're hood cable (cheap) is most likely stretched a bit... a 
good time
to get a new one!"

The hood cable is a piece of hard wire, NOT a cable, and it ain't gonna 
stretch!  The typical failure involves one or both of the plastic "golf tee" 
looking parts, one on each side of the core support.  They apply pressure on 
the release mechanisms when you pull the handle.  It's truly rare for the 
housing to fail.  Occasionally the screws holding the release handle bracket 
fall out, but that's a readily apparent problem.  I think I may have sold 
ONE Audi hood cable in the 33 years I've been servicing them.  John