Where the bonnet release is on a Honda CR-V

The bonnet release lever on a Honda CR-V is located on the left side of the dashboard, below the steering wheel. You'll find it as a small horizontal lever or handle that you pull toward you. The exact position varies slightly between model years — on newer CR-Vs (2017 onwards) it sits lower and closer to the door frame, while on older models it's positioned a bit higher on the dash panel.

Once you pull the interior lever, the bonnet will pop open slightly but won't fully release. You then need to walk to the front of the vehicle, locate the secondary release catch under the bonnet's center edge, and lift it upward to fully open the hood.

Key Takeaways

  • The bonnet release lever is on the left side of the dashboard below the steering wheel, pulled toward you to pop the hood open partway.
  • After pulling the interior lever, you must manually lift the secondary catch under the bonnet's center edge to fully open it.
  • The interior lever position varies between model years, so check your owner's manual if you can't locate it when ready.
  • If the interior lever doesn't pop the bonnet, the cable may be disconnected or broken, and you'll need to access the secondary catch from underneath.

Step-by-step process for opening the bonnet

Start from inside the vehicle with the engine off. Sit in the driver's seat and look to the left side of the dashboard, just below the steering wheel. Pull the bonnet release lever firmly toward you — you should hear or feel a click as the bonnet unlatches.

Exit the vehicle and walk to the front. You'll see the bonnet is now slightly ajar. Place your hand under the center of the bonnet's front edge and locate the secondary release catch — it's a small metal or plastic lever that runs horizontally across the underside. Lift this catch upward, and the bonnet will swing open freely. Some CR-Vs have a prop rod stored on the underside of the bonnet itself; use this to hold the bonnet open while you work.

Differences between CR-V model years

Honda made minor changes to bonnet release placement across generations. On 2007–2011 CR-Vs, the interior lever sits higher on the dashboard and has a more pronounced handle. On 2012–2016 models, the lever moved slightly lower and became more integrated into the dash panel. From 2017 onward, the lever is positioned even lower, closer to the left door frame, and the design is more streamlined.

The secondary catch under the bonnet has remained largely the same across all generations, so once you've opened the bonnet partway, the process is identical. If you're unsure where your specific model's interior lever is located, your owner's manual includes a diagram showing its exact position.

What to do if the bonnet won't open

If you pull the interior lever and nothing happens, the release cable may be disconnected or broken. In this case, you'll need to access the secondary catch from underneath the bonnet. You can sometimes reach it by reaching up from below the front bumper or by removing the plastic trim panel on the underside of the bonnet area — your owner's manual shows which fasteners to remove.

If the bonnet is already slightly ajar but won't open fully, the secondary catch may be stuck or corroded. Try gently tapping the center of the bonnet with a rubber mallet while lifting the catch, or spray penetrating oil around the catch mechanism and wait a few minutes before trying again. If neither works, the catch may need replacement, which typically requires a mechanic's help.

Maintenance and safety while the bonnet is open

Always may support the engine is cool before opening the bonnet, especially if you've been driving. The radiator, engine block, and coolant hoses can reach temperatures high enough to cause burns. Wait at least 15 minutes after driving before opening the bonnet for routine checks.

When the bonnet is open, keep the prop rod firmly seated in its slot to prevent the bonnet from falling. Never lean on the bonnet or allow children to play near it while it's open. Before closing, check that no tools, rags, or loose parts are resting on the engine or inside the engine bay. Close the bonnet gently and may support it latches fully — you should hear a solid click and feel resistance when you try to lift it again.

Common reasons to open the bonnet

Most CR-V owners open the bonnet to check or top up engine oil, coolant, or windshield washer fluid. These checks take only a few minutes and don't require tools. Your owner's manual shows the location of each fluid reservoir and the correct fluid type for your model year.

You may also need to open the bonnet to inspect the air filter, check battery terminals, or locate fuses during troubleshooting. If you're unfamiliar with any of these tasks, your owner's manual includes step-by-step instructions and diagrams. For more complex work — such as replacing spark plugs, belts, or hoses — a mechanic is usually the safer choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to open the bonnet if the interior lever breaks?

Yes. You can access the secondary catch from underneath the bonnet by reaching up from below the front bumper area, or by removing the plastic trim panel on the underside of the bonnet area. Your owner's manual shows which fasteners to remove. Once you reach the secondary catch, lift it upward to open the bonnet fully.

Why does my bonnet pop open but not fully release?

This is normal — the interior lever is designed to pop the bonnet partway only. You must manually lift the secondary catch under the bonnet's center edge to fully open it. If the bonnet won't open even after lifting the secondary catch, the catch may be stuck or corroded.

Can I open the bonnet while the engine is running?

You can, but it's not recommended. Always turn off the engine and wait for it to cool before opening the bonnet. This protects you from burns and prevents accidental contact with moving engine parts like the fan belt.

Where is the prop rod stored?

The prop rod is usually clipped to the underside of the bonnet itself, near the center. Once you've fully opened the bonnet, locate this rod, unclip it, and insert the end into the slot or hook on the underside of the bonnet frame to hold it open safely.

Do I need tools to open the bonnet?

No. The bonnet release requires only your hands — pull the interior lever and lift the secondary catch. You don't need tools unless the catch is stuck or corroded, in which case penetrating oil may help loosen it.