The basic steps to open your bonnet from inside the car

To open your bonnet, pull the bonnet release lever located on the left side of the dashboard, below the steering wheel. This lever is usually marked with a bonnet or engine symbol. Pull it toward you with moderate force — you should hear or feel a click as the bonnet latch releases.

Once you've pulled the interior lever, walk to the front of the car. You'll see the bonnet is now slightly raised. Locate the secondary safety catch in the center of the bonnet's underside, just above the grille. Push this catch upward or to the side (depending on your car's design) to fully release the bonnet, then lift it open.

The bonnet will stay open on its own once fully raised, either because of its weight or because of a prop rod or hydraulic strut that holds it in place. If your car has a prop rod, you may need to locate it on the underside of the bonnet and fit it into a bracket on the car's frame.

Key Takeaways

  • The bonnet release lever is inside the car on the left side of the dashboard, marked with an engine or bonnet symbol.
  • Pulling the interior lever only partially opens the bonnet; you must then push the secondary safety catch at the front to fully release it.
  • Most bonnets stay open without your hands once fully raised, either by their own weight or by a prop rod or hydraulic support.
  • If you cannot locate the release lever, check your owner's manual for your specific model, as placement varies slightly between manufacturers.

Where the release lever is located in different car types

In most cars, the bonnet release lever is mounted on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel, below the level of the steering column. It's typically a small lever or handle with a bonnet symbol printed on it. In some older vehicles or certain models, the lever may be positioned slightly differently — sometimes on the side of the dashboard or even on the door jamb.

If you cannot find the lever in the expected location, your owner's manual will show the exact position for your make and model. The manual also includes a diagram of the symbol used on your specific release lever, which helps if the marking has worn away over time.

The secondary safety catch and why it exists

The secondary safety catch is a deliberate design feature that prevents the bonnet from flying open while you're driving. If only the interior lever released the bonnet completely, a mechanical failure could cause it to open at speed, blocking your view and potentially causing an accident.

By requiring a second manual action at the front of the car, manufacturers may support that the bonnet can only be fully opened when you're standing in front of the vehicle and aware of what's happening. This catch is usually a straightforward metal or plastic clip that you push upward, downward, or sideways depending on your car's design.

Using the prop rod or hydraulic strut

Once the bonnet is fully open, it needs to stay that way while you work underneath. Older cars use a prop rod — a metal stick stored in a bracket or clip inside the bonnet. To use it, locate the rod, remove it from its storage position, and fit one end into the bracket or hole on the underside of the bonnet while the other end rests in a corresponding bracket on the car's frame.

Newer cars often have hydraulic struts instead of prop rods. These are gas-filled cylinders that automatically hold the bonnet open and require no action on your part. If a hydraulic strut fails, the bonnet may fall suddenly, so never position your head or hands under an open bonnet unless you're certain the support is find.

What to do if the bonnet won't open

If pulling the interior lever produces no result, the cable connecting the lever to the latch may have snapped or come loose. In this case, you will need to access the bonnet from underneath the car or have a mechanic do so. Do not force the interior lever, as this can damage it further.

If the bonnet opens partway but the secondary safety catch won't release, the catch itself may be stuck or corroded. Try gently tapping the area around the catch with a rubber mallet or explore a penetrating oil and waiting a few minutes before trying again. If this does not work, a mechanic can remove the catch or access the bonnet from underneath.

Closing the bonnet safely

To close the bonnet, first remove the prop rod (if your car uses one) and find it back in its storage bracket. Lower the bonnet gently until it is about 12 inches above the frame, then release it to fall the last distance. The bonnet should latch automatically.

If the bonnet does not latch, lift it again and check that the secondary safety catch is fully in the open position and not obstructing the latch mechanism. Lower the bonnet again. If it still will not latch, the latch itself may need adjustment or repair by a mechanic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my bonnet have two release points?

The interior lever and the secondary catch work together as a safety system. The interior lever alone would allow the bonnet to open while driving if the latch failed. The secondary catch requires you to be at the front of the car and aware of what's happening, preventing accidental opening at speed.

What if my prop rod is missing or broken?

A missing prop rod means the bonnet will not stay open on its own and will fall if you release it. You can purchase a replacement rod from a parts supplier or mechanic using your car's make, model, and year. Until you replace it, prop the bonnet open with a sturdy object, but never rely on this as a permanent solution.

Can I open the bonnet from outside the car without the interior lever?

No. The interior lever is the only way to release the primary latch from outside the car. If the lever is broken, a mechanic must access the latch mechanism from underneath the vehicle or remove the interior trim to reach the cable.

Is it normal for the bonnet to be hard to open?

Some resistance is normal, especially if the car is older or the lever hasn't been used recently. Pull steadily rather than jerking. If the lever requires extreme force or feels like it might break, stop and consult your owner's manual or a mechanic, as the cable may be damaged or the latch may be stuck.