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How to Repair a Car
/ How
to Open Car Hood
How to Open a Car Hood
READ COMPLETELY BEFORE BEGINNING:
Opening your vehicles hood is a relatively simple task that can be done in a
few minutes with no tools required. It is a good idea to know how to open your car's hood. Once the hood is open
it can help gain access to the inner workings of your car's engine and other
accessories. This is mandatory for anyone needing to perform a service, repair
or maintenance there vehicle. The hood release consists of two separate latches
that include a primary and secondary latch. Most vehicles are equipped with an
inside primary latch and a outside secondary latch. Both must be activated to
open the car hood. The latch used to open your hood is usually located in the
passenger compartment on the driver's side, under the dash or built right into
the dash. Once the primary latch has been located pull the hood
release and the hood will pop up a noticeable amount. Then, located the secondary latch, push the
hood down slightly and move the secondary latch and lift the hood into the
upright position. This secondary latch is a safety device so that if the hood is
accidentally released while driving the hood doesn't open completely and cause
vision obstruction. Always make sure the hood is properly secured by using the
prop rod or helper springs before removing your grip. If your hood is equipped with a "prop rod" you will need to
install it in the designated position to hold the hood up properly. Some hoods
are held in the upright position with hood elevation springs or shocks. These springs
or shocks help
lift the hood and then hold the hood in position until closed. To close this
style of hood holder simply pull down on the hood slightly. If a hood is
slightly damaged or just sticky it can cause the hood not to "pop" open, in this
case you might need a helper to pull up on the hood to allow the primary latch
to release.
Open Hood
Sometimes it will take a small rap with your hand on the hood near the latch
to allow the hood latch to release. When performing this action use caution to
not dent the hood. Sometimes once a hood has been opened and you are tiring to
close the hood but it wont stay down it could be because the latch has fallen to
the closed position. If this is the case you must pull the hood latch while the
hood is in the open position and make sure the latch is in the open position. If
this doesn't help you might have to help the latch open by using a screwdriver
to help the latch open. Once the latch has re-opened the hood can now be closed
into it normal closed position. Remember to close the hood firmly and recheck
the latches ability to keep the hood closed by pulling up on the hood to confirm
closure. If you have pulled the hood release and have a helper pulling up on the
hood but it still won't open it could be the cable the actuated the hood has
broken or is maladjusted. In this case the hood latch must be opened manually
from the outside of the car. To do this it takes some imagination because there
are many different ways to perform this action. Sometimes you can retrieve the
activation cable through the front grill while other times the only way to
activate the hood release is to gain access to the latch from underneath the
vehicle.
How to Open a Car's Hood Guide:
Potential Tools Needed to Release a Stuck or Sticking Hood
- Long Flat Bladed Screw Driver
- Pliers
- Flashlight
- Long pry bar
To open a car's hood in most cases is a very simple operation that almost
anyone can perform. Start with your car on level ground, in park with the
emergency brake on. Then, locate the primary hood latch on the inside of the car
on the drivers side. This primary latch location can vary because every
manufacturer is different. Most primary latch locations are on or near the left
kick panel, but they can be in the dash or under the steering column also. Most
hood release handles are clearly marked with a white illustration of an open
hood. If you cannot locate the primary or secondary release consult one of our
technicians in our car repair forum,
we are happy to help or or check out an
online car repair
manual.
- Step 1: Locate and pull the primary hood release until
the hood "pops" open exposing the secondary latch
- Step 2: Locate the secondary latch
- Step 3: Push down slightly on the hood and active the
secondary latch
- Step 4: Lift hood into the full open position
- Step 5: Properly install hood prop rod to hold the hood
in the open position (If your car is equipped with a helper spring or shock
skip this step)
- Step 6: Once the service or repairs have been completed
remove the prop rod or simply push down on the hood to lower.
- Step 7: With a firm burst of energy push the hood to
the latched position
- Step 8: Grasp the hood and try to pull up, the hood
should stay in the complete down position, if not repeat this procedure
If you follow this replacement procedure and you need further assistance please submit a question to our
car repair forum. Our
professional car repair technicians will be happy to help you.
How to Replace Wiper Blades Video: In foul weather is it a must to have new wiper blades to ensure proper windshield
vision and to help you control the car. Replacing car wiper blades is relatively simple and
can be done with everyday tools.
Open Hood Video
Common Problems:
- Once the primary latch has been activated the hood will not "pop" to the
semi open position due to a sticky latch
- Primary hood activation latch cable fails, leaving you to open the hood
manually from the front or underneath the car
- Hood will not close due to the latch failing closed while the service or
repairs are being performed
How to Repair a Car
/ How
to Change Wiper Blades
Additional Resources
Additional "How to" Car Repair or Services
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