I recently bought a 2007 S-40. This morning I tried to open the hood by the inside release and the cable pulled out! How do I open the hood without damage. (There is no way to reach up from under the front).

 

Did you get it open?

 

I went to a shop where a "certified Volvo mechanic" worked. He would need the car for a day or so, have to jack up the front, remove the front clip and "maybe get it from there!"
Are you kidding me...I can do that! I'll probably remove the grill insert and get access from there. Grills are plastic and not expensive. Thanks

 

Bummer.

 

So to finish this event: I did cut out the "eggcrate" grill and had access to the latch, undid two 10 mm screws and opened the hood. Now I found that the small cable that pulls the latch was broken. I replaced the cable with one that measured 3/16", attaching it with crimp-on fastener things..and everything worked. Next I ordered a BILLET grill insert on EBAY, had it in two days and installed it today. I salvaged the VOLVO logo from the old grill and attached it to the new one for a great look. All the work was do from the front. I did not have to jack up the car or removed a lot of stuff to accomplish this work.

 

beautiful.