I've been having trouble unlocking the hood and now I got it open but can't get it closed. The latch is blocking the hood locking bar.
Ideas? I can't figure out hw it is supposed to work. Or new latch time? Pic is from the inside..

 

Try actuating the release mechanism while prying up with very large screw driver in where the catch on the hood would go. This will replicate the actual release of the hood.

Be sure to lubricate the whole mechanism too before closing the hood.

 

Okay, hood is down, hopefully not permanently! What is the issue opening the hood? The cable or the latch - and what is the recommended solution? It is not obvious to me how to replace either one..
Thanks!

 

To me, the most likely culprit would be the latch mechanism. Proper lubrication of it is the first thing to try.

 

Sprayed with brake cleaner, oiled with 10w-30. So far so good.
one week later: opening and closing fine. Thanks Christine and all.

 

Wipe off the excess oil as it is a magnet for dust, dirt, grit, bugs, candy bar wrappers, hair from llamas and camels, and anything else that will find its way to the latch mechanism. Also, the spring on the cable is looking a bit wonky. Might want to address that, though I'm not sure how. Never had to do it myself.