It's difficult to lube the hood release cable although working from the wheel well can allow a little spray grease or oil in. You could also check at the lever end. Remove the single allen screw on inside of lever then wood screws holding surrounding trim as below. This can then be removed after wiggling it past lever to allow inspection, investigation and cable lube. Note the cable runs through a solid metal outer so no chance of road dirt getting in from wheel arch but the achilles heal is the 90° bend in it.
![[Linked Image]](https://i.ibb.co/2Y3SPdTW/HCcg-Gopr.jpg)