OT mechanics - VW hood latch problem

The hood to my 2016 Golf won't pop. I took the lever off, and the cable is still attached. Tugged on it with pliers and nothing. The latch is apparently very finicky in VWs. I have reached the end of YouTube videos. Took the weather cover off on the bottom and couldn't get it that way. Can't access between the windshield because of weather guard. Can't get the emblem off as it's part of the entire grill and can't get the grill off without the hood open apparently. I'm trying to fish in a screwdriver to hit the latch from behind the emblem but no luck. Any other ideas? It just needs coolant and apparently to have the latch cleaned or replaced. The dealership *might* have time tomorrow, but I don't have time to hang around waiting. I just want to get it open to put in coolant and then they can replace the latch. Help! TIA