I ended up removing all the bolts I could get to on the bumper cover. I was able to pull it off. I used a 10mm open end wrench to remove the hook from the trunk lid. Once that was off I was able to remove the whole latch. It looks like the main spring jammed and bound up the mechanism. I ended up with the latch in a vise and used a pry bar to free it.
Installed the new latch tonight and it is adjusted and working like a charm.
Since the cover was off I cleaned out the radiators and condensors. There was a lot of debris in between them.
Tomorrow I am installing mesh screens behind the grill openings and will put the bumper cover back on.
If anyone wants more details let me know.
