2001 Tundra grill hood latch doesnt work

I have a 2001 tundra with a dead battery and i can't open the hood. The latch in the cab works but the second under the grill doesn't. Any ideas?

 

If the hood gives you some relief with the cab latch, can you jimmy the hood latch back for release?

 

Meaning, a slim shim between the hood and grille, push the latch back toward the cab

 

or the coat hanger, the hood latch may need to come forward. I can't remember, I'll go try.

 

I don't know how the mechanism looks or operates or how i could force it manually and there are no good videos that i have seen that help.

 

Latched


Unlatched


The rod needs to be pushed up for release.

 

I can see the rod and move it with my fingers. Tomorrow, when i can see better, ill try to grab it with pliers and maybe try to manually pull the hook up. Thanks for your help and especially the photos!

 

Mc bee is right, but shine a light in there to the right of the toy logo. Latch pulls easy with wire. As long as you can get some relief from cab latch.

 

Grab the bottom of the hook with needlenose and pull it forwards. I dont know about the '01 grille, but i could reach the hook theough my '02 grille.

 

Good photo, pretty easy once you know where it is.

 

I'll have bright sun in the morning to see. Tonight, i couldn't see anything but the rod but now that i have photos i have something to work with. Thank you very much. Thank you all. will post more when i know more.

 

Got the hood up and battery is charging. guessing there should be a clip holding the rod to the latch.
I'll try to find one. Thanks again for all your help!!!

 

Dorman makes an assortment pack you can pick up at most local auto parts stores. Dorman part number 75450, info/part pics here.

The OEM clip you have pictured there is Toyota p/n 69759-0C010 but there are a couple other clips used in the assembly, I can't tell what you're missing from the pics.

You may also check this thread, in case it helps with other ideas: https://www.tundras.com/threads/any...s-with-their-hood-catch-release-handle.86288/

 

PS - any idea what caused the battery to die @2001tundra ?

 

Wish i'd known about the pack of clips at the auto parts store. I just got back from toyota of orange and bought 1 for $5.06.
To Shifty: battery died from lack of use.

 

I'd rather have OEM than the Dorman, to be honest.

That Dorman pack is, like, they never quite fit right. It's either slightly too big on one or both ends, or too long, or too skinny, those are meant more as a 'tide you over'.

 

New clip is in. I had to insert the clip using a lubricant then insert the rod and lift the clip to lock on.

 

Highly recommend you buy a replacement release handle as they are no longer available from Toyota. Shop that inspects my truck broke the release handle - they are brittle, but jeez. There is a guy selling them on ebay (they are also a Lexus part).

When the previous owner had mine, they went through a few batteries. Never could find a large parasitic draw, but I saw a recommendation here to always turn off the headlight switch instead of relying on the relays and haven't had a problem since.

 

I'll inspect the handle, thanks. My battery problem is lack of use, battery is only 2 years old. Also i always turn off my headlights as a habit from driving older vehicles.