Stopped at a light and the guy in front decided to change lanes (stalled car in front of him) and threw his Chrysler Minivan into reverse and &%$#>! Got out and couldn't see any dents, bends or anything else unusual, so I took a picture of his license plate, and I went on.

After closer inspection, I see a small nick in the red paint around that bottom black squarish opening. Not even sure if the Minivan caused it.

Anyway, at home I thought I'd look under the hood, but after the first pull on the hood release, I can't get the second pull to release the hood -- no matter how hard I jerk it.

I know these hoods are easy to damage, so I'm reluctant to push it down and then try the double pull again.

Also, if I need to go to the dealer, how safe is it to drive with the hood not fully latched?

 

Go slow

 

That't what I guessed -- planned to keep it under 50 going to the dealer.

I was wondering if it was wise to try to shut the hood completely, since I know the hood is supposed to be dropped from 14". After shutting it completely, I'd try the two pulls on that lever to see if a second try at opening the hood would work.

 

Duck tape should sort it for the drive to dealers

 

Tried several more times last night with no luck, but one try this morning and the hood was completely open. Went to the dealer for touch-up paint ($27) and a service writer had success most of the time and saw no under-hood damage. When leaving, had several warnings that my hood was not latched, but a couple openings & closings and the warning went away.

Service writer commented that the "ugly" black bumper probably saved the car from more damage. Many intended to protect pedestrians from becoming road-kill.