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550 hood release

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by RDS, Mar 16, 2006.

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  1. RDS

    RDS Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
    66
    Elmwood Park, Il
    #1 RDS, Mar 16, 2006
    Pulling the hood release lever only unlatches one side of the hood. Is there another way to unlatch it? Thanks RDS
     
  2. rmfurzeland

    rmfurzeland Formula Junior

    Jan 7, 2005
    559
    Houston, TX
    Full Name:
    Ron Furzeland
    #2 rmfurzeland, Mar 16, 2006
    Yes, dont panic, the secret is to remove the front grille then use a screwdriver to push the release mechanism. Its a slide catch and trial and error to wiggle the screwdriver to push the catch sideways.
    There is also a manual cable pull put I dont think it works if the catch is tight.
    Then slacken of the catch - in the hood there is a large pin with a slot for the screwdriver and a locknut, lengthen the exposed pin length. You may also need to lengthen the rubber bumpstop.
    Good luck,
    Ron
     
  3. mswiek

    mswiek Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2004
    330
    #3 mswiek, Mar 17, 2006
    Don't want to state the obvious, but, are you sure you are pulling the release out all the way ? There are two clicks as each side releases. You pull the release, hear one click, then keep pulling, it will come out more, and the second click will happen.

    Mike
     
  4. TexasMike

    TexasMike F1 World Champ

    Feb 17, 2005
    10,485
    Austin, Texas
    Full Name:
    Michael C
    #4 TexasMike, Mar 17, 2006
    Yes... Try pulling it once and then pull it again.
     
  5. RDS

    RDS Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
    66
    Elmwood Park, Il
    #5 RDS, Mar 17, 2006
    Thanks for the info. I've had the car for two years and never had a problem with the hood release, but you never know. I'll try it again before I remove the grill. Thanks--RDS
     
  6. TrojanHorse

    TrojanHorse Formula Junior

    Mar 1, 2005
    973
    South Texas
    Full Name:
    Paul
    #6 TrojanHorse, Mar 17, 2006
    I'd just try again, first.

    BTW: I just read an article in Ferrari Life...it said US Customs had the same type problem with a 250 SWB that was being imported. They couldn't get the hood to open for an inspection of the engine.

    They eventually used a crow bar and piece of wood to force it open. Unfortunately, it broke a hinge, damaged a fender and buckled the hood...and guess what? The engine was there. Typical.
     
  7. RDS

    RDS Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
    66
    Elmwood Park, Il
    #7 RDS, Mar 17, 2006
    Don't worry, I promise I won't use a crowbar on the hood. RDS
     
  8. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,109
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #8 Rifledriver, Mar 17, 2006

    If you do, have someone take pics.
     
  9. pchop

    pchop F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 12, 2002
    2,670
    Usually NY often elsewhere.
    Full Name:
    John
    #9 pchop, Mar 17, 2006
    Push the hood down and try to pull on the cable again.
    (had similar problem)
     
  10. 3wink

    3wink Rookie

    Nov 24, 2007
    13
    North shore
    #10 3wink, Apr 12, 2008
    I have just discovered the same problem with my 550- the driver's side hood catch will not release. I have not had problems with this in the past. I have tried tried pushing the hood down first. I have tried the emergency ring release. I have tried the screwdriver pushing and wiggling the spring latch. Any other suggestions please?
     
  11. 3wink

    3wink Rookie

    Nov 24, 2007
    13
    North shore
    #11 3wink, Apr 13, 2008
    All is well-my hood is finally open. I discovered that the tool required is perseverance. It just took more wiggling than I would have guessed. I backed off the latch adjuster a quarter turn and lubed it and it now seems fine. Who would have thought?
     

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