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Peterbilt 378 Hood Release Cables

Peterbilt 378 Hood release cables

Hood release cables for your Peterbilt 378 start at $10.95, with 1 options in stock from SKP. The cable connects the interior hood release handle to the latch mechanism under the hood. When it stretches, frays, or snaps, you can't open the hood at all — locking out routine maintenance like oil changes and battery swaps.

Signs your Peterbilt 378 needs a new hood release cable

  • Pulling the interior hood release handle produces no resistance or a loose, floppy feel — the cable has gone slack or snapped
  • The hood pops up only partway or not at all despite the handle moving normally
  • The handle feels unusually stiff or requires two hands to pull, indicating a kinked or corroded cable
  • Visible fraying or rust on any exposed section of cable near the firewall or latch end
  • Hood release works intermittently — sometimes opening on the first pull, other times requiring several attempts
  • The interior handle pulls out further than normal before engaging, a sign the cable has stretched beyond its usable length

Which hood release cable should you buy for your Peterbilt 378?

Hood release cables are almost always vehicle-specific — length, end-fitting shape, and routing clips all vary by Peterbilt and 378. Your main decision is between an OEM-equivalent direct-fit replacement and a universal cable that requires cutting to length and fabricating end fittings. For most owners, a direct-fit cable is faster to install and more reliable long-term.

OEM-Equivalent Direct Fit
Best for
Most Peterbilt 378 owners wanting a straightforward swap
What you get
Exact cable length, pre-formed end fittings, and factory routing clips — bolts in without modification
OEM Dealer Part
Best for
Owners under warranty or needing guaranteed factory spec
What you get
Highest material match to original, but typically the most expensive option with longer lead times
Universal Adjustable Cable
Best for
Custom builds or vehicles with discontinued direct-fit cables
What you get
Cut-to-length steel cable with adjustable barrel ends — requires fabrication time and mechanical confidence
Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel
Best for
High-humidity climates or vehicles prone to underhood corrosion
What you get
Corrosion-resistant core and housing that outlasts standard zinc-coated cables in salt and moisture exposure

Hood release cables brands we stock for your Peterbilt 378

SKP
1 option · from $10.95

Replacing the hood release cable on a Peterbilt 378

Moderate⏱ 1–2 hoursFlathead and Phillips screwdriversNeedle-nose pliersTrim panel removal toolFlashlight or work lightWire or zip tie (to use old cable as a pull-through guide)

Start inside the cabin by disconnecting the old cable from the hood release handle, then trace the cable to the firewall grommet and feed it through to the engine bay — attaching the new cable to the tail of the old one before pulling it through saves significant time. At the latch end, seat the new cable's fitting firmly in the latch lever and verify the hood opens and latches correctly before driving. Snap all factory routing clips back into place so the cable can't contact hot or moving components.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace hood release cables on a Peterbilt 378?
Parts start at $10.95 for a direct-fit cable for your Peterbilt 378. A shop will typically charge one to two hours of labor on top of that. Because the job requires routing the cable through the firewall grommet, total costs can vary — but many owners complete this repair themselves to save on labor.
Can I still open my Peterbilt 378's hood if the release cable is broken?
Yes, but it takes extra steps. With a broken cable you'll need to access the latch directly — usually by sliding a slim tool like a coat hanger or a flexible pick through the grille to manually trip the latch lever. The exact access point varies by 378, so consult a repair diagram before attempting this to avoid bending the grille or latch arm.
Is replacing a hood release cable on a Peterbilt 378 a DIY job?
For most people, yes. The hardest part is threading the new cable through the firewall grommet and along the factory routing path without kinking it. If the old cable is still partially attached, using it as a pull-through guide makes the job significantly easier. Plan for one to two hours if this is your first time.
How long does a hood release cable last on a Peterbilt 378?
Hood release cables are rarely replaced on a set schedule — they last many years on most vehicles and tend to fail from corrosion, a sharp bend in the routing path, or a worn firewall grommet that lets moisture in. Vehicles in high-salt or high-humidity environments tend to see earlier failure than those in dry climates.
What causes a hood release cable to break on a Peterbilt 378?
The most common causes are internal corrosion from a cracked or missing firewall grommet that lets water into the housing, physical kinking from previous repairs or engine work, and simple metal fatigue from years of use. Yanking the handle hard when the latch is frozen or jammed can also snap an already-weakened cable instantly.
Will any hood release cable fit my Peterbilt 378, or does it have to be specific?
It needs to be specific to your Peterbilt 378. Cable length, the shape of the latch-end fitting, the handle-end anchor style, and the positions of the plastic routing clips all differ between makes and models. Using a universal cable on a vehicle with an available direct-fit option adds unnecessary installation complexity and raises the risk of a poor fit at the latch.

Shop hood release cables by year for the Peterbilt 378

1988

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Hood release cables for other Peterbilt models

Peterbilt 357Peterbilt 375Peterbilt 379Peterbilt 377