Hood aperture complications

[Strider365]

I own a 1997 SL600 whose hood I am unable to open. Activating the hood release lever behind the dashboard will disengage the hood; however, the tab intended to protrude from the grille fails to do so. I am uncertain about the whereabouts of the tab used to completely open the hood. I am uncertain if it is lodged inside or whether the tab remains extant.
My only intention was to excise the circular central portion and see whether there is any mechanism to disengage the hood. Before proceeding to modify the grille, I sought your counsel on the forums.
Thank you.

 

[OHShilenshooter]

Is the cord still connected to the lever?
Does the cable travel easily without any resistance?
To ascertain if the cable is detached at the other end, remove it from the lever and see whether it can be extracted. If affirmative, then it is no longer affixed at the other end.

 

[Strider365]

If you are referring to the lever inside the vehicle, then yes, the lever and cables are functioning as intended. Upon pulling the lever, the hood released; however, the tab intended to emerge from the grille did not do so. When functioning properly, the tab protrudes from the grille, allowing for ultimate release by pulling.

 

[OHShilenshooter]

The locking latch is disengaged, allowing the hood to elevate and be secured by the safety hook.
Attempt to use a coat hanger to access the safety hood, manipulating it to ascertain whether it can be disengaged.

 

[Strider365]

I will attempt it tomorrow. The vehicle is in storage.

 

[Eamler]

I own a 1997 SL320, and there is no protruding tab. Simply access the central star in the grill and pull the release lever.

 

[Eamler]