Find and pull the hood release lever inside your car

The hood release lever is located on the driver's side of your dashboard, below the steering wheel. It is a black handle with a small hood icon printed on it. Pull this handle toward you with moderate force — it should click and release the hood latch.

After you pull the interior lever, you will hear or feel a click. This means the hood is now unlatched from the inside, but it is still held closed by a safety catch at the front of the car. Do not be alarmed if the hood does not pop open on its own; this is normal on most Honda CR-Vs.

Key Takeaways

  • The hood release lever is under the driver's side dashboard, marked with a hood icon, and requires a firm pull toward you.
  • After pulling the interior lever, walk to the front of the car and lift the hood slightly to release the safety catch.
  • The safety catch is a small metal lever located in the center of the hood opening, just below the windshield.
  • Prop the hood open with the support rod, which is attached to the underside of the hood and rests in a notch on the engine bay.

Walk to the front and release the safety catch

Once you have pulled the interior lever, go to the front of your CR-V and place your hands on the hood. Lift it slightly — about two to three inches — and you will feel resistance from the safety catch. This catch is a small metal lever located in the center of the hood opening, just below the windshield.

While holding the hood up slightly, use your other hand to push or lift the safety catch toward the center of the car. The exact motion varies slightly by model year, but the catch will release with a small amount of pressure. Once released, the hood will lift freely.

Lift the hood fully and find it with the support rod

After the safety catch releases, lift the hood all the way up. You will see a metal support rod attached to the underside of the hood on the driver's side. This rod is hinged at one end and free at the other.

Locate the notch or bracket on the engine bay frame where the rod is meant to rest. It is usually on the driver's side, near the edge of the engine compartment. Lift the free end of the support rod and place it firmly into this notch. The rod will hold the hood open at a safe working height. Do not rely on the rod alone to keep the hood up — it is a safety feature, but the hood is heavy and can fall if the rod slips.

What to do if the hood won't open

If you pull the interior lever and nothing happens, the cable connecting the lever to the latch may be broken or disconnected. Try pulling the lever again with more force, or have someone pull it while you push up on the hood from the front. If this does not work, you may need to access the latch from underneath the car or have a mechanic inspect the cable.

If the safety catch is stuck and will not release, do not force it. Forcing a stuck catch can bend the metal and cause damage. Instead, try gently rocking the hood up and down while pushing the catch, or spray a small amount of penetrating oil around the catch and wait a few minutes before trying again.

Closing the hood safely

Before closing the hood, remove the support rod from its notch and let it hang freely on its hinge. Make sure nothing is resting on the engine bay or in the way of the hood closing.

Lower the hood slowly until it is about six inches from closed, then release it and let it fall the rest of the way. It should latch automatically. If it does not latch, pull the interior release lever again to reset the latch, and try closing the hood once more. Do not slam the hood or force it closed, as this can damage the latch mechanism.

Model year differences you may encounter

Most Honda CR-Vs from 2007 onward use the same hood release system described above. However, some older models or specific trim levels may have slight variations in the location of the safety catch or the shape of the support rod.

If you cannot find the safety catch in the center of the hood opening, check the driver's side or passenger's side of the hood frame — on some models it is offset. The owner's manual for your specific model year will show the exact location with a diagram. You can find your manual online by searching "Honda CR-V [year] owner's manual" or by checking the glove compartment, where many owners keep a printed copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the hood release lever feels stuck or hard to pull?

A stuck lever usually means the cable inside the door panel needs lubrication or the latch mechanism is corroded. Try pulling the lever slowly and steadily rather than jerking it. If it remains stuck, spray a small amount of penetrating oil around the base of the lever and wait a few minutes, then try again.

Can I open the hood while the engine is running?

Yes, you can open the hood while the engine is running, but it is safer to turn the engine off first. If the engine is running, keep your hands and loose clothing away from the fan and moving belts. Never reach into the engine bay while the engine is on.

Is the support rod supposed to be tight or loose in the notch?

The support rod should fit snugly in the notch but not require excessive force to insert or remove. If it is too loose and keeps falling out, the notch may be worn or the rod may be bent. If it is too tight, do not force it, as you may bend the rod or damage the notch.

What should I do if the hood falls while it is open?

If the support rod slips and the hood begins to fall, move your hands and body out of the way when ready. Once it is closed, check the support rod for damage and make sure it is properly seated in the notch before opening the hood again. If the rod is bent or the notch is damaged, have a mechanic inspect it before using the hood again.