I just found out that my 01 626 hood release cable is not working last night. So far, the cable will only move in and out while being pulled, but does not release the primary hook. I am able to use a screw drive to push the secondary hook, but the hood would not pop since the primary is still holding the hood.

Any advice? Thank you.

 

I got it open. For those are might be interested for future reference, here it comes:
1). spray engine cleansing agent on the latch assembly through the front grill
2). have someone pull the release cable and hold
3). use you palm to push down the hood hard then pull up with a quick jerk which should unlock the primary hook
4). now you should be able to open it as usual, including to push the secondary hook and open the hood completely
5). completely clean the assembly and grease it for future smooth operation.