The basic steps to open your bonnet

To open your car bonnet, sit in the driver's seat and locate the bonnet release lever on the left side of the steering column, usually below the dashboard. Pull the lever toward you — you will hear a click as the bonnet latch releases. Then walk to the front of the car, find the secondary latch in the center of the bonnet (just under the front edge), and lift it upward or to the side depending on your car's design. The bonnet will then swing open.

The exact location and style of these latches varies by car make and model, but the two-step process — interior release followed by exterior latch — is standard across nearly all vehicles. Some newer cars have electronic bonnet releases that you set up from inside the car without a second step, though these still require you to lift the bonnet slightly to fully open it.

Key Takeaways

  • The bonnet release lever is inside the car, usually on the left side below the steering column, and requires a firm pull to unlock the latch.
  • After pulling the interior lever, you must walk to the front of the car and lift the secondary latch located under the bonnet's front edge.
  • The secondary latch is a safety feature that prevents the bonnet from flying open while driving if the main latch fails.
  • If you cannot find the release lever in the expected location, check your owner's manual, as some vehicles place it in different spots.

Finding the interior release lever

The bonnet release lever is almost always mounted on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel, beneath the dashboard panel. It is a small handle, usually black or silver, that you pull toward you. The lever may be labeled with a bonnet or hood symbol, though labeling varies by manufacturer.

If you cannot locate it in this standard position, check under the steering column itself — some older vehicles and certain models place it there instead. Your owner's manual will show you the exact location for your specific car. Pull the lever firmly; a gentle tug may not release the latch fully, and you may hear a distinct click when it engages.

Locating and operating the secondary latch

Once you have pulled the interior lever, walk to the front center of your car. The secondary latch is a small metal or plastic lever located directly under the bonnet's front edge, in the center. It is designed to hold the bonnet closed even if the main latch fails, adding a safety layer.

Lift this secondary latch upward or slide it to the side — the direction depends on your car's design. You will feel it move when it disengages. Once it releases, the bonnet will be free to open. Gently lift the bonnet from the front edge and it will swing upward. Most bonnets stay open on their own due to a prop rod or gas struts, though some older cars require you to prop the bonnet open manually with a metal rod stored nearby.

What to do if the bonnet won't open

If you pull the interior lever and hear no click, the cable connecting the lever to the latch may be broken or disconnected. Try pulling the lever several times in quick succession, as sometimes a stuck cable will free up with repeated attempts. If this does not work, the release mechanism needs professional repair.

If the interior lever works but the secondary latch will not budge, the latch itself may be rusted or stuck. Spray penetrating oil (such as WD-40) around the edges of the secondary latch and wait 10 to 15 minutes, then try again. Do not force it, as you may break the latch. If it remains stuck after this, have a mechanic examine it rather than risk damaging the bonnet or latch further.

Electronic bonnet releases on newer cars

Some modern vehicles have electronic bonnet releases that eliminate the secondary latch step. You press a button or switch inside the car, and the bonnet unlocks automatically. You still need to walk to the front and lift the bonnet slightly to fully open it, but there is no manual latch to operate.

If your car has an electronic release and it is not working, check that the battery has power — a dead battery will prevent the electronic system from functioning. If the battery is fine, the release button or the wiring to the latch may be faulty and will need professional diagnosis.

Closing the bonnet safely

To close the bonnet, lower it gently from the open position until it is about 12 inches above the frame. Then release it and let it fall the rest of the way — do not slam it, as this can damage the hinges or latch. The bonnet should close with a solid click, indicating the main latch has engaged.

If the bonnet does not latch on the first try, lift it again and lower it more deliberately. Make sure nothing is blocking the latch area, such as a rag or debris. Once closed, give the bonnet a gentle upward push to confirm it is fully secured before driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the bonnet release lever?

Check your owner's manual first — it will show the exact location for your car model. If you do not have the manual, search online for your car's year, make, and model plus "bonnet release location". The lever is always inside the car, usually on the left side of the steering column, but placement does vary.

Can I open the bonnet from outside the car?

No, you must pull the interior release lever first. There is no way to open the bonnet from outside without first unlocking it from inside. This is a safety feature to prevent theft and accidental opening while driving.

Is the secondary latch supposed to be hard to move?

It should require a firm lift or slide, but not so much force that you struggle. If it is extremely stiff or will not move at all, it may be rusted or stuck. Spray it with penetrating oil and wait before trying again, or have a mechanic check it.

What is the metal rod I see under the bonnet?

That is the bonnet prop rod, used to hold the bonnet open while you work on the engine. On older cars, you remove it from its clip and insert it into a hole in the bonnet's underside. On newer cars, the bonnet stays open on its own using gas struts, so you may not need the rod.