sticky hood latch

Is this a common problem and does anyone know how to fix it? The latch itself is clean and well lubricated, and the spring that is supposed to pull the latch back in place is there and working freely, but it seems like the cable (running to the interior) sticks. When I open the hood, the handle inside and the latch do not reset until I take a screwdriver and physically push the latch over. That's the only way I can get the hood to close. It's kind of a pain, and I'd like to fix it if there's an option other than replacing the cable.

Thanks!

 

Yeah the cable itself will stick inside its sheath. You can use some graphite lube or something and just continually work it until it frees up. Either that or just replace it.