my hood will release on the driver side but won't on the pass. side what do you all think it might be the latch or cable? i would think if cable was stretched it would not release either side...

 

It is more than likely a lubrication problem. Can you get it open now?

 

pull it harder.!

 

yes i can get it open now i have to release the driver side them crawl under reach under hood from bottom grab the linkage rod from pass side then pull then it will release

 

i feel like if i pull the cable any harder i would break the mounting or the cable itself...

 

I've had this issue with two of our XJs. On the first, it was the plate mounted on the hood that contains the cable and rods. This corrodes badly especially here in the "Rust Belt" and causes issues with opening the hood. Sometimes you can use a good penetrating oil like PB Blaster and work the moving parts and it will free up. Sometimes it is too far gone. I replaced that assembly. It is still available at Jeep dealers and is not outrageously expensive.

On the '98 I have now, I had to replace one of the latch assemblies. In my case, it wouldn't stay latched and sprung open frequently. I've seen them bind up also. They also are still available new and cost around $32 each.

Any way it goes, you have to keep these latch assemblies well lubed. Keep yanking on a frozen assembly and you will break the cable for sure. I had to get one open that broke once and it was a real treat getting the hood open.

 

i said it because when someone else try to open the hood in my xj they dont pull the hood release all the way and just the driver side pops, i pull it a bit harder and both of them pop