550 Hood release | FerrariChat

550 Hood release

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by 355michael, Dec 11, 2013.

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  1. 355michael

    355michael Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 1, 2006
    67
    Phila Area
    #1 355michael, Dec 11, 2013
    I have a 1998 550M that I drive everyday. Its been cold and snowy here in the NE over the last week so while there is snow on the ground I wanted to keep the car plugged in the trickle charger. I have a Ferrari charger that comes off the battery. Few days ago I went to open the hood and the handle just kind of dangled there-not opening the hood. I assume this is connected to some kind of cable release and perhaps this slopped off? Anyway I cant open the hood. Any easy suggestions other that taking to get repaired.
     
  2. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
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    Jimmie
    #2 greyboxer, Dec 11, 2013
    Have you tried the emergency release described in your handbook ?
     
  3. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jul 14, 2003
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    #3 darth550, Dec 11, 2013
    550 hoods are great, especially when they ripple enough to make the warning light come on when you're going over 180! :eek:

    T'was a real Kodak moment the first time I saw it! :D :D
     
  4. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    Feb 7, 2002
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    Barry Wolinsky
    #4 308 GTB, Dec 14, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  5. jagmanv12

    jagmanv12 Karting

    Aug 25, 2010
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    Surrey UK
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    Mark
    #5 jagmanv12, Dec 14, 2013
    I've extended the emergency release with a cable tie as it's a bit short and doesn't really give enough leverage.
     
  6. jay575

    jay575 Karting

    Jul 29, 2009
    119
    St. George Utah
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    Jay
    #6 jay575, Dec 19, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Did you ever get your hood open? The emergency cable is the same operating mechanism as the inside handle.

    Another problem is that the hood latch springs can compress and not allow the hood to open. Happened to me. There are 2 hood latches and each cost $410. The latch just consists of a hood attachment nut, a spring and an adjustment screw. You just need the spring but it is not for sale separately. To minimize the cost I had a spring company custom fabricate four zinc plated springs for $60 each. I had 4 springs made and used two. If anyone has this problem I'll sell the other 2 for my cost.

    First pic is the latch. Second is the new springs and the compressed one in the middle. (Sorry for the poor photos.)

    To install, all you have to do is unscrew the adjustment screw from the hood nut, remove the old spring, insert the new one and screw it back into latch nut. Shut the hood to see if it latches properly. If not, open the hood and screw the adjustment screw in or out to adjust the latch to its base plate.
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