99 Discovery 2 115k miles. Hood wont open so suspecting a stretched cable or something like that Ipopped the cable out from the interior release handle and pulled xtra hard with a pair of pliers and walla- hood opened.
Reading the forums I now understand it can be done from the outside as well, through the grill with a pair of long needle-nose pliers. Where is the cable exposed through the grill? Also, what a bummer as this seems to bea security concern. Will the factory alarm trigger if the hood is opened from the outside?
Will I need a new cable and other parts, or can the cable simply be re-adjusted? What should an independent mechanic charge or can a novice mechanic do this themselves?

 

There is no adjustment on the hood release cable, if stretched like your, you need to buy a new one.

 

Had a similar issue with my 95' ~ local mechanic simply lubricated the handle/cable, works great now! Just a Thought...

 

I was hoping there might be a poss. simple solution like simply lubing the cable. I'll try that. Can anyone answer my security concern question- that is can the hood release cable really be accesed thru the grill and will this bypass the factory alarm?

 

your alarm is triggered by a hood switch. Mine is by the ABS unit. It will sound the alarm if this switch is opened regardless of how the hood is opened. Basically, yes, the alarm will still work as it should if someone pry's the hood open.