The hood release is inside your car, usually on the left side of the dashboard

To open your hood, sit in the driver's seat and look for a lever or handle beneath the dashboard on the left side, near your knee. It will have a hood symbol on it — typically a picture of a car with its hood up. Pull this lever toward you with moderate force. You should hear or feel a click as the hood latch releases.

Once you pull the interior release, the hood will pop up slightly but will not open all the way. You then need to walk to the front of the car, reach under the hood where it meets the grille, and locate the secondary safety latch in the center. Push or lift this latch (the direction varies by manufacturer) to fully release the hood, then lift it open.

Some newer vehicles have electronic hood releases that open automatically when you pull the interior lever, or that can be opened from a button on the key fob. Check your owner's manual if pulling the lever does not produce a click or if the hood does not pop up at all.

Key Takeaways

  • The hood release lever is located inside the car on the left side of the dashboard, below the steering wheel, and has a hood symbol printed on it.
  • Pulling the interior release lever causes the hood to pop up slightly; you must then reach under the hood and release the secondary safety latch by hand to open it fully.
  • The secondary latch is located in the center of the hood opening, where the hood meets the grille, and may require pushing, lifting, or twisting depending on your vehicle model.
  • If the hood does not pop up after pulling the interior lever, your vehicle may have an electronic release system that requires a different method, which your owner's manual will describe.

Locating the interior hood release lever

The interior release lever is almost always mounted on the left side of the dashboard, below the steering wheel and to the left of the brake pedal. Look for a handle or lever with a hood icon stamped or printed on it. In some vehicles it is a pull handle; in others it is a lever you push sideways. The exact position varies slightly by manufacturer and model year, but it is always within arm's reach of the driver's seat.

If you cannot find it in the expected location, check your owner's manual for your specific vehicle. The manual will have a diagram showing exactly where the release is located and how to operate it. Some luxury or high-end vehicles may use a button on the dashboard or a switch on the key fob instead of a traditional lever.

Understanding the two-step release system

Most vehicles use a two-step hood release for safety. The first step — pulling the interior lever — releases the primary latch inside the engine compartment. This allows the hood to pop up a few inches. The second step requires you to reach under the hood and manually release the secondary safety latch, which prevents the hood from flying open while you are driving.

This design exists because a hood that suddenly opened while the car was moving would block your view and could cause an accident. The secondary latch keeps the hood firmly closed until you intentionally release it from outside the vehicle. Without this two-step system, even a faulty primary latch could be dangerous.

Finding and releasing the secondary safety latch

After the hood pops up, walk to the front of your car and look at the center of the hood opening where it meets the grille. You will see a metal latch mechanism in the middle. This is the secondary safety latch. On most vehicles, you push this latch upward or to the side to release it. On some models, you may need to lift it or twist it slightly.

Once you release the secondary latch, the hood will be free to open. Lift it gently and, if your vehicle has a hood prop rod, locate it on the underside of the hood and insert it into the slot or bracket on the engine block to hold the hood open while you work. If there is no prop rod, some vehicles have a hydraulic strut that holds the hood open automatically.

What to do if the hood will not open

If you pull the interior lever and nothing happens, the primary latch may be stuck or broken. Try pulling the lever again with slightly more force, or try pulling it multiple times in succession. Sometimes the latch needs a firm, deliberate pull to engage properly.

If the hood still does not pop up, the cable connecting the interior lever to the latch may be broken or disconnected. This is a mechanical issue that requires professional repair. Do not force the hood open, as you may damage the latch mechanism further. Contact a mechanic or your vehicle's dealership to have the hood release system inspected.

If the hood pops up but you cannot release the secondary latch, the latch itself may be rusted, bent, or stuck. Spray the latch with penetrating oil (such as WD-40) and wait a few minutes, then try again. If it remains stuck, a mechanic can free it or replace it.

Electronic hood releases on newer vehicles

Some newer cars, particularly luxury models, have electronic hood releases instead of mechanical levers. These may be operated by a button on the dashboard, a switch on the key fob, or even a touchscreen control. When you press the button or switch, an electric motor releases the primary latch, and the hood pops up just as it would with a mechanical system.

You still need to release the secondary safety latch by hand, even on vehicles with electronic primary releases. Consult your owner's manual or the vehicle's infotainment system menu to find the exact location and operation of the electronic release button or switch. If the electronic release does not work, the battery may be low, the fuse may be blown, or the motor may have failed — all of which require professional diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the hood release lever?

Check your owner's manual first — it will have a diagram specific to your vehicle model. If you do not have the manual, search online for your vehicle's year, make, and model along with "hood release location." You can also contact your vehicle's dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and they can tell you exactly where it is.

Can I open the hood from outside the car without using the interior lever?

Not normally. The interior lever is the only way to release the primary latch from outside the engine compartment. If the interior lever is broken, a mechanic will need to access the latch mechanism directly, which usually requires removing panels or drilling. This is why a broken hood release requires professional repair.

Is the secondary safety latch supposed to be hard to release?

It should require firm, deliberate pressure, but not extreme force. If you have to use all your strength or if it does not move at all, the latch may be stuck or rusted. Spray it with penetrating oil and wait a few minutes before trying again. If it still will not budge, have a mechanic inspect it.

What should I do if the hood prop rod falls out while I am working?

Lower the hood gently and carefully — do not let it slam shut, as it could pinch your fingers or damage the hood. Reinsert the prop rod into its slot on the engine block and try again. If the rod keeps falling out, the slot may be worn or damaged, and you may need to hold the hood open by hand or have it repaired.

Do I need to do anything special to close the hood?

Remove the prop rod if you used one, then lower the hood gently until it is about six inches from closed. Release it and let it fall the rest of the way — it should latch automatically. Do not slam it shut with force. If the hood does not latch, the secondary latch may not have engaged properly, and you should open it again and check the latch position.