So I tried to pop the hood on my 2001 XJ today and it won't open. The right side of the hood stays locked down, but the left side opened up. I can't open the hood though and now I can't get it to close all the way either. The left side stays open and won't catch. How do I fix this and how do I get it open. Thanks for the help in advance.

 

Reach up from behind the radiator and pull the metal rod attached to hood while somebody pulls the hood release.
Can't tell you how to fix it until it's open with pics!

 

Had to deal with this also....pull the headlight trim, the headlight and the headlight holder(just release the spring, don't mess with the adjustment screws). If I remember right there is 1 bolt on the horizontal and 2 bolts pointing up. Back them out and the hood will release, and take the latching mechanism with it. Remount the latch, you can fine tune the catches with washers/shims.

Really no excuse for having hood release problems..(and I'm ragging on myself here). A little cleaning and lithium grease should have it operating smooth as silk.

 

I fixed it, I pried it open and sprayed the mechanism with WD40 and now it works like its brand new. Thanks for the replies.