Hello. I don't really have this problem myself but sometimes I'm in the junkyard and run across a nice looking XJ and want to look in the engine for whatever and find the hood release cable completely pulled out or gone. Aside from destroying the hood does anyone have any easy way to get in these things? Thanks

 

U might be able to open it by using pliers to reach up into were the hood release is and pull the cable if it hasn't been removed

 

If u go under the car you should be able to see the hood pop mechanism and just pull it by hand, just make sure it hasn't ran recent because your hand is gunna be right next to hot components

 

My buddy had the same problem and since the Xj has two latches on each side, he figure out the easiest way was to take the headlights out. Have access to the the strikers. Unbolt and Hood comes up.

 

Do a search on here or online there is a tutorial. I had the same problem I had to remove the headlights. Its a little easier to get to the bolts if u use a dremmle and cut out some of the stuff in the way.

 

Ive opened mine by reaching in a factory hole in the passenger side fender well. Its hidden but there

 

I can slide my arm up by the p steer pump from the bottom and trip the latch, opens right up.

 

stretch armstrong... lol

 

Ya its a stretch but no disassembly. I just crawl under and start worming my arm up thru.

 

Just take the headlights off and therea like 3 bolts on each side to undo, and it will pop open