99 Jeep Cherokee Sport

I replaced my hood release cable and there are two odd things. When I pull the handle to release the hood the handle does not go back to the starting position unless I push it back. I should not have to do that, should I? Also, on two occasions I pulled the handle and the hood would not open. I removed the three bolts that hold the handle mechanism in place, moved it in the direction of the back of the car to take the slack out of the cable, and worked the handle. The hood would then open both times. So, what is the problem? Is the new cable too long? I cleaned all the moving parts that are mounted under the hood with carb cleaner and a brush and then applied general purpose grease. Should I have used that or some other type of grease? Thanks.