98 XJ hood wouldn't open, couldn't reach from underneath so took out the headlights to open it up.

Upon doing so I seen this part was not moving, correct me if I am wrong but I am thinking it needs to move when you pull on the cable (cable does not move appears to be seized).
Thinking when you pull the cable it is supposed to move the rod running to the left and right to release the latches? This part does nothing and won't budge.

IF that is correct (and correct me if I am wrong) any tips on how to possible unseize it, might just look for a new one if I can find out the darn name of the part

Can't seem to find out what the part is called online to see how it all works or how to go about buying a new one, seems I can only find the cable and latch online to buy

 

Is there a U Pull U Pay style junk yard near you? Looks like you need to drill out some rivets so bring the appropriate tools.

 

As far as I know all of them have been crushed where I live last time I called around.

I was thinking that as well, but did not want to go and do that if the part it supposed to be stationary which wouldn't make a heck lot of sense to me but idk.

 

hopefully with a lot of pb blaster or similar and a little brute force you'll be able to get it freed up.

 

Did you unbolt the strikers to get it open?

You're right, when you pull the handle, the cable turns the bellcrank and the crank moves the rod to unlatch the 2 hood latches.

Can you move the rod left/right? Just determining if the cable is seized or the crank.

#24 on the diagram - Bellcrank, Hood Release

https://www.moparpartsgiant.com/part...nd_hinges.html

 

Thanks, went and grabbed some today!

 

Yeah I took out the headlights and unbolted the strikers.

I think I’m gonna unhook the cable from bellcrank to see for sure, I’m pretty sure it’s seized good and then I can test the cable out in two separate pieces to see which it is. Thank you for the part name!

The rod won’t move. The cable is the same with no movement at all.

 

Make sure you check, clean and lube the 2 latches as well. If one is stuck (more likely the passenger side) , it won't allow the other latch or bell crank to move since everything is connected.