To open a car hood without using the release lever, you need to trip the latch and use a long and thin screwdriver to poke under the hood to find the latch location or assembly. If the release lever is not working, you can try using a wire, a screwdriver, or a pry bar to open the hood.
If the hood is stuck, you can open it by pressing down on the hood while someone else pulls the interior. You can also pull the lower left portion of the grill out and snake your hand up by the hood latch. Pull the bar where the latch cable goes and pull it. Call a tow company to come and open the door.
To release the hood latch without using the release lever, crawl under your vehicle and locate the hood latch above. You can manually release the latch by pressing a thin button. If the release latch inside the vehicle isn’t responding, go outside with a bent hook, such as a long welding rod. If the hood opens normally, try finding the interior latch key wire and pulling it. If the release doesn’t work, get an assistant and pull or press it to lift the hood 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) without causing damage.
If the hood doesn’t pop open, you can use an open end wrench (10mm) between the bumper and hood, jack the front of the car up in the air, and trip the latch to have the hood pop open. If possible, stick a wide-ish flat screwdriver in the latch hook and try to pop the latch hook.
📹 EASY FIX! How to open a STUCK HOOD LATCH!
Here’s a quick and easy way to cure a stuck hood latch. Don’t forget to grease it afterwards! Product link for latch grease: …
How do I open my hood if the latch is broken?
To fix a broken or stuck latch, use a metal tool at least 10 inches long to reach the latch and insert it between the latch and the attached metal piece. Press the latch away from the hood and check the direction of the wire running from the latch. If the hood doesn’t open, take your car to a mechanic. If the latch doesn’t open, use a spray lubricant, preferably lithium-based, with a bendable straw at the nozzle, and apply it generously to the latch.
How to open a frozen hood latch?
The speaker is able to lift the hood latch and conduct an examination of the situation by observing the man underneath it.
How do you manually unlock a hood?
The objective is to gain access to the engine compartment by pulling a cable that is connected to the locking mechanism, thereby releasing the lock and enabling the hood to be opened.
Is it OK to leave car hood open?
In the event of strong winds, the hood may become dislodged, potentially causing damage to the vehicle and endangering the driver and other road users. Furthermore, the hood may obstruct the driver’s view, thereby impairing their ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Is there another way to open bonnet?
To open the bonnet of a 2005 Jazz without a spare key, follow these steps:
Check if there is a spare key available. If not, locate the bonnet release between the bonnet and the grill. Slide a thin screwdriver against the lever, ideally pulling. Use a thin metal prob best, but the force should be on the end.
Remove the battery and charge it at home. If the key isn’t working, try using a different key or a different key to open the bonnet.
Can I drive with a popped hood?
The open hood can create wind resistance, which may affect the stability and control of the vehicle, potentially resulting in erratic steering and loss of control. The sudden and loud noise from the hood can have a startling effect on the driver, particularly when operating the vehicle at higher speeds. The abrupt diversion of attention can result in a loss of control, and the hood has the potential to inflict damage on other vehicle components, including the windshield and roof.
How do you open a hood latch from the outside?
To open a car’s hood, reach under the hood and pull the latch. Remove the car from the hood and feel for a latch or lever underneath. Some models press the latch to the bottom, while others open the hood by pulling a lever away from the lock. If the latch isn’t undone, refer to the vehicle’s instruction manual. If the hood doesn’t stay open, lift it and prop it up. Most modern vehicles automatically lock the hood in the upright position. If the hood swings freely, find a horizontal prop rod and insert the tip into the designated opening.
How to open bonnet without release?
To open the bonnet, use long-reach pliers to unlatch the bonnet release catch on some cars. Pull the release cable’s hook, ensuring it doesn’t damage the grille. If the grille isn’t accessible, use a trolley jack and axle stands to raise the front of the car. Reach an arm behind the front bumper and release the bonnet lever. Use a torch to peer through the grille, but look up from underneath for a better view. Do not use your car’s emergency jack.
How do you open a stuck engine hood?
The speaker is able to lift the hood latch and conduct an examination of the situation by observing the man underneath it.
Can you drive with hood not latched?
A driver experienced a broken hood latch, which could pose a safety hazard as it could not be securely closed. The hood could suddenly release while driving, obscuring the road view. The issue could be caused by a broken cable between the hood release and the latch, which may have detached or frayed after multiple openings. If the cable isn’t kept lubricated, it can corrode and lock up. In this case, the corroded cable had to be replaced.
Often, a problem with the hood latch is not noticed until it breaks without warning. During routine maintenance, technicians often check for signs of hood latch issues to prevent getting “locked” out of the engine compartment.
How do you open a closed bonnet?
In order to start the vehicle, it is imperative that the handbrake is engaged and the ignition is deactivated. It is recommended that the engine be allowed to cool for approximately ten minutes. To open the hood, grasp the lever located beneath the dashboard and pull it outward. The bonnet should be lifted slightly, the release catch should be felt, and it should be slid to the left.
📹 Hood Stuck Shut? How to Diagnose Stuck Hood Latch on Your Car / Truck
Is your hood stuck shut? Does it not budge when you pull the release cable? Hood latches are in prime territory for getting rusty …
I had this same problem and was about to give up and head to a mechanic to swap out either the latch or the cable. But then I watched your article. So, I had my wife yank the hood handle all the way up, and I slid a shoe horn through the gap and lifted it. And bam, the hood popped open. I followed your advice, sprayed some WD-40 and grease, and boom, problem solved! Thank you so much!
I’m a 16 year old, driving my parents 2008 F150 around. The battery cable wires etc are fucked which makes it unable to start once in awhile like as if the battery is dead. This time though the hood couldn’t open which left me clueless until I came across your article, instead of getting a cousin to hold the hood release I used a wrench lol. THANK YOU
Great article, and I wonder how you could tell if the latch is frozen ? or rusted ? They both would cause the same problem tho. I live in Canada, and wonder if it would be wise to wait til the weather warms up, or somehow try to jimmy it, so the latch will release ? I can’t see how it would freeze up tho, if rain or snow can’t get under the hood to cause that ? It’s starting to warm up now going into spring so maybe I’ll wait til it warms up, and if the hood is still stuck closed, then it’s likely rusted shut, so it may need a little more force. Any suggestions ? Good article. Great idea to put something under the release handle, to put some pull force on the cable, while you try to pry it open. Would Vaseline work as a substitute for car grease ? You would think so ?
Omg your article helped me so much thank you. It’s been so cold lately my hood was definitely frozen shut. Holding the lever initially didn’t work for me so I started pulling the lever back and forth while someone else kept knocking the hood lid like you illustrated ….And like magic!! Open!! Thanks again
My car is a 2006 Chevy Aveo. I tried this, many times and it hasn’t worked for me. I called around town to a few mechanics and body shops, and the average charge is $200 f’n dollars. My car is acting up really bad and it starts to overheat, so I’m limited on how far I can drive to where I need. I can’t afford fixing the damn latch, let alone whatever the mechanic will charge for fixing whatever is wrong with my car.
The Nissan dealership did a safety recall on my 2013 Nissan Altima hood latch and returned it to me. Later that day I discovered I could not open the hood. The interior release lever had no tension on the wire to the latch. I tried to pry up the hood carefully but no success. I took it back to Nissan dealership and they were unable to get hood latch to release. They told me that they need to remove the front bumper to gain access to latch. I previously had to remove front bumper to remove and replace both headlight assemblies. There is no possible way to remove the front bumper without raising the hood in my opinion. They may need to break a hole in the grill to get access to release lever. What is your opinion on what they are suggesting? This mistake is going to cost them big $$
Useless info for me. Thanks Ok, I’m a ásshole. My Dakota has been sitting in my driveway for Over 10 years. Not been used. I got the bug up my ass to see if it would start. So I pulled what I thought was the hood release handle and I could not get it open. Went to store for WD-40. Sprayed the latch,still nothing. After ALOT of frustration, I went back to my interior and realized I was pulling the emergency brake handle. FUCK ME MAN ARE YOU KIDDING ME ? I’M AN ASSHOLE. The hood lifted right up once I pulled the correct lever !
okay, you mentioned the issue a few times then totally skipped over any solution. that little bar still moves to release the hood ( the one the cable attaches to) but the hood doesn’t move and stays closed. i can move the hood a tiny bit so the hood isn’t the issue. i need to know how to open the hood when the latch won’t let go of the hood.
Lynn, you are a great instructor. My 2001 Suburban hood latch was stuck on the same day it had a dead battery. I am a 65-year-old woman fully capable of jumping the battery but unable to get the hood open. Your article showed concise views and specific verbal information. My hood is up and I am good to go. Thank you!
With the help of this article, I was able to understand the hood release mechanism on my 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The hood release mechanism was stuck in the “open” state, not allowing me to close the hood. I was able to take off the large spring that works the piton grabbing mechanism, so that I could see and access the release mechanism and pull cable that comes from the cab. I spayed the pivot pint with WD-40 followed by a spray lithium grease. It works now, and even if it gets fussy again, I know what small part to push to get it to work again. Thanks!
Since I have an old beater of a 97 Lumina, I think I’ll just cut a hole in the hood so I can pull up on the release mechanism under the hood.I’m not worried if the car looks bad with a small hole in the hood. ( car has lots of rust). I live in Canada, and it’s very cold out, just coming out of winter, so I don’t know if it’s frozen or rusted, and the car is not worth much, so I think I’ll do this, rather than have some guy charge me, more than the car is worth.
Followed your demonstration on my Vauxhall Mokka SE and it worked on the 3rd attempt after spraying all 3 coils with WD40, leaving overnight, spraying a second time just before noon, then finally at 9pm today, after poking away the black gunk from between all 3 spring coils with a small flat blade screwdriver. I then levered the release cable back and forwards where it meets the metal flange using small pliers to grip it. Such a relief when the bonnet finally closed. Thanks.
I love Len, his energy is amazing – also, great vid on showing how to do this adjustment. Just got a new aftermarket hood that came with and adjustable latch bar “thingy” that mimicks the oem style but was having trouble getting it to engage and let the hood sit in the lower position when it’s engaged in place like an oem hood…….
Thank you Len!!! I went outside to my car super prepared with everything including WD-40 the long screwdriver. I’m a 75 year old woman but I like to try things myself first. The release always worked the hood went up a little so something was wrong with the latch so I did try first slapping the hood real hard and then I lifted the hood up and down with two hands real quick one two three four five six seven. That worked I guess releasing some heavy duty road dirt and possibly rust starting to build up. So I sprayed it real good WD-40 tried it a few times and it kept working. But thank you very very much at least I was prepared for other methods of looking into the grill with the long screwdriver.
My hood would unlatch and only come up a few inches. I tried closing it tight and it would not do so. I drove 25 miles at 65 mph and it was bouncing but not flying up. I tried to lift it again and it unlatched. I soaked it good with WD-40 and it closed down tight. It’s a 2000 Chevy Lumina. Thanks for your article.
All the fix it vids on YouTube are dealing with the latches. No one addresses the problem of not being able to actually open the hood after releasing the latch. One night in a big wind storm my hood was fast & furiously blown open after I had left it cracked. After that the darn thing only partially opens (like about 8″ or so). You can forcefully open it, but it takes a lot of effort & it makes a loud thud when you do so like something is catching. So it must have somehow screwed the hinges up, bent something on the hinges or whatever. So help! I need some advice on how to fix this. Thank you.
I use brake cleaner, any degreasing dishwashing fluid, spray some water, clean with a brush, rinse with water, dry it off and lubricate with a dry lube like graphite but lithium and silicone works as well, they just attract more dirt in time. The key is regular maintenance is important to any repair. Good luck and thanks for the article 1A Auto!
After I replaced the broken cable I realized that was not the only issue because the problem persisted. Afer a few open and closing the hood shut and it’s worse now. I went under the car and although I can swing the latch with long prybar I can’t get to that “click” sound that tells you that the latch was released. Nothing happens and the hood remains closed. Any ideas?
What if it’s a pre-cable type latch. My 79 Vandura doesn’t have a cabin hood release (it was an optional feature at that time) so you pop the hood from just behind the grill. My lever is still moving, but it’s not letting go. (Probably an alignment prob as I just learned from you!!) Is there an emergency release lever on the old style hood latches too??
Omg mine is popping sometimes a loud thump at times No thump but in either case i do get the two inch release But no luck at the metal lever at the outside grill I slammed the hood yesterday and when this horror began I do notice the outside lever at the grill is kinds loose never noticed that before As I often have to open my hood that’s another issue( long story) This Is driving me mad and if I get it open again I’m never closing all the way again till can get fixed properly it does sometime release the hood those 2 inches without the loud thump ( crazy ) but pulling upon the Metal release does nothing this just started I did slam the hood and that when all this issue started . I had someone hold the inside latch while I pulled up on the outside latch worked a couple times then back to square one
In case anyone perusal this has the same struggle i have, neither this article or the other articles i watched hit my problem and solution precisely so i would like to share how it took 3 people to resolve it for me. One inside to pull the release, one on the driver side of the hood, that side would pop open and the middle latch worked, but the left side had to be pryde open gently with a heavy flat head screwdriver while the right side was lifted, carefully but firmly all three at the same time and the the left side release popped free. I felt utterly alone struggling with this for days but by a miracle, family stopped by and helped. We oiled it but that did not resolve the problem. That piece has to be replaced. I dont know what it is called. I dont know how to share a pic. I posted a pic on my website in the community section.
Really appreciate how thorough ur diagnoses are. LOTS of potential scenarios are covered here and covered all possibilities. This is way better than other articles on the topic . Wish there was a demo of removing the cable, so I could tell if I could buy a cable (if necessary) and replace it myself. my old Hyundai Accent has a metal front casing on the latch, and not enough room to slide it forward, so i can’t see the stuff in the back and can’t tell if I’m pulling on a solid or movable part. 🙁
Hey Len…..this is off subject of the current article but I need advice from y’all. My cruise control doesn’t engage. I can turn it on, the light shows but it doesn’t engage. I want to troubleshoot before trying to take it in. Being female and all I don’t want to be taken advantage of. You guys helped to replace my heater fan, which saved me tons! 😀
97 f350, hood won’t open because of pressure. Wind caught the hood, flipped it back amd I didn’t realize when I closed it that it bent part of the hood where it attaches to the hinge. Now there is so much pressure I can’t get the hood open. I’ve tried tapping against the lever to try and pop it open (long extension and hammer taps). I’ve tried to loosen the passenger side 10 mm bolt but cannot get leverage to break the bolt free. Anyone have a 3′ 10 mm open end lol. I tried find a secret latch opening on the driver side of the latch to pull towards the driver side, no go. Tried a screwdriver coming in from the passenger side of the latch, no go…any other ideas? mY spring pivots but gets stopped about half way…if I could just make it past that 1/2 way mark lol.
What do you do if the catch on the hood itself is broken? On my e-350 schoolbus the latch mechanism is fine but the piece of sheetmetal on the hood that’s supposed to engage the latch looks like it cracked and there is now a hole where the latch is supposed to engage with the hood. How do you fix that?
OK so that last latch that you were pushing with a screwdriver freely moves under my hood. The hood still locked down super tight. Everything seems to be moving fine.The cable is fine and released. it’s just not lifting. Any suggestions? From anyone? It seems like I’m going to have to take the grill off or something to get to it
STRAIGHT UP AWESOME STEP BY STEP HANDS ON WITH EXCELLENT EXPLANATIONS. THIS article DEFINITELY WILL NOT ONLY SAVE U A TRIP 2 THE LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE SHOP! IT ALSO HELPS WHEN IT COMES 2 ACTUALLY SAVING MONEY INSTEAD OF HAVING 2 PAY A RETAILER . SAVING TIME, MONEY AND ACTUALLY BEING ABLE 2 SAY HEY THANKS TO 1A AUTO REPAIR I FIXED MY RIDE . PS HEY IM NOT YELLING I USE CAPS FOR THE SIMPLE REASON !! IT MAKES IT EASIER 2 READ ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO NEED A LITTLE HELP WHEN IT COMES TO READING . ITS A RESPECTFUL GESTURE. BY THE WAY TRUST ME U DON’T WANNNNNNNNNNA HEAR ME YELLING LOL GREAT article . RESPECT JJ ONTARIO S L E E T ROEKA
📍 THANKS..BEST article !! Driving me Crazy. Auto body shops seem to be able to help the most. They have shown me,but I’m just not getting it. Seems simple 🙃 Car needs Oil. Think I’m too stressed. U did a Great job showing The Part. Appreciate it. Hey,At least I have something to show, someone willing to Help🙏
Okay I’ve got a 2007 Kia Sorento with the hood stuck shut. The release cable came loose at the latch under the hood. The hood front and grill is all one piece that stop’s on top of the bumper cover. Impossible to get it from the bottom even after pulling off the skid plate. Tried and removed 2 exposed bolt’s that appears to hold the latch on thinking I could raise the hood and the latch as one piece. WRONG!!!! Short of taking the grill out with a hammer, do you have any suggestions? P. S. Can find no article anywhere online that shows how to get this hood open for this year and model.
UPDATE fixed it. Ok so the pop up latch works ok; it was the second latch that didnt open fully the hood. The fix. On you tube I found a vid that shows the direction the second latch must be directed to open. Ok I tried. No luck. I have on the shelf PB Blaster catalyst spray and PB Blaster silicone spray. IN the dark mind you I pop the hood and used my flashlight to open the widest gap and held it there. I then flooded the lock unit (limited view) with PB Blaster. Waited about 5 minutes and then flooded it with PB Blaster silicone spray. Then I proceded to wiggle the latch up and down until eventually voila it unlocked. I opened the hood and shot PB silicone spray at every area of the assembly where movement, friction,… that can be reached. I even shot the Hood hinges at the pivot. Alert!!! the lever is weak, so when you open the latch pushing up, the latch will push backward simulteanously and rub against itself, Evidence the friction marks, and may prevent itself, that way, from opening. When opening up the latch push up while trying to move the lever toward you instead, thereby preventing the friction that can prevent the lever from fully disengageing. Blessings to all.
Broseph….there are 900 articles on stuck latch SOLUTIONS….. I wish my hood were stuck closed! I’m wondering why, in the name of zues’ BUTTHOLE, is there not ONE article for a solution for a latch that will not ENGAGE? I am good on getting the latch unstuck…. K….. I’m covered on that solution. **SOLUTION FOR NON-ENGAGING LATCH**
Thanks for information, but your hood is already open, but I cannot get my hood to lift at all…. I can pop the hood from inside the vehicle, but the the secondar latch in the middle of the hood is frozen in place, and so will not budge. As such there is no way to even open the hood at all, thus not able to even look at the latch. Can I just break the secondary latch safely?? Since you have to release the hood initially from inside the vehicle, the secondary latch is mostly just an unecessary extra step!!
I have a 03 Toyota Avalon with the hood latch completely rusted stuck,I unbolted everything, the latch is free I even busted the bottom open to access to stuff easier no matter what I do it won’t open..I’m afraid I’m going to have to cut the hood open at this point idk what else to do if I had a die cutter I would’ve at this point. Any ideas besides getting a grinder or plasma cutter and cut something off..
What an amazing informative article! I have a Ford-150 1997 and mine has the same issue. Although after perusal your article twice, I still couldn’t fix it (but I have not given up). Mine does not look like any of them that you have shown in this article but by perusal your instructions, I have a much better understanding of how these latches work which is really helpful. I appreciate you more than you know. Thank you!