So I had a small AC leak at the line from condenser or compressor (leak was at the compressor connection) which lead me to pretty much take off the whole front end of the car to access it. Great time to flush out out p/s fluid, engine coolant, new snub mount, serpentine belt, valve cover gaskets, and secondary air pump (I'm on vacation so had some free time). So I got everything put back together this morning, cleaned up everything nice and neat. I was on cloud nine thinking to myself that I just saved a butt ton of money by doing the work myself. Shut the hood after I thought that I reattached the cable correctly but of course I didn't!

This is how I was able to get the hood open again.

  1. Remove the main grill by pulling down gently one side at a time. You'll hear a click which tells you that it's no unclipped at the top. Do the same thing on the other side. Once both sides are unclipped, pull the top of the grill towards you and lift up. once you have the grill off, if should look like such.
  2. There are 3, 10mm acorn bolts holding the upper hood latch hook to the hood itself. Here's the layout with the hood latch hook taken off. One bolt on the passenger side and 2 bolts on the driver side. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1zX...Fh8c7zja1tM6yQ
  3. Passenger side acorn bolt is very easy to take off and you can reach with with a box wrench. Once you get it lose enough, you can actually just use your fingers to slip them off. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wU...pi6d1VaMWTFKUg
  4. Driver side acorn bolts are a little more fun. You'll have to use an open wrench to get to them but take your time and they'll come lose. The back one is the most fun and a long reach open wrench would be great if you have one.
  5. Once all 3 bolts are off, simply lift your hood and you're good!


I reattached my hood release cable and actually tested it before closing the hood this time. Hopefully it will help someone in the future.