Can the car start with the hood open?

[DelLawson]

It can start normally, but there is a certain degree of danger. Cooling the engine and removing dust completely: First, park the car in an open and shady location, turn off the engine and all electrical equipment, and wait for the engine to cool down. Then, remove the decorative panel of the engine and use a soft brush to clean the floating dust in the engine compartment. If dust remains after cleaning, you can use an air nozzle to blow it away. Starting the car for cleaning and wiping: Spray professional foam cleaner on areas with excessive grease, but be careful not to spray it on wire connectors or fluid inlets in the engine compartment. Ensure the engine is idling during cleaning. Once the foam cleaner has coated the dirt, simply wipe gently with a damp towel, and the engine compartment will be clean.

[Dante]

I suggest it's best not to start the car with the hood open—it's no joke. Technically, there's no major obstacle to starting the car with the hood open; the ignition system operates independently. As long as the battery has power, the starter motor will turn over just fine. But the risks are too high. If small animals or debris fall into the engine bay, the rotating belts during startup could pull them in and cause a jam, leading to a major incident. I’ve even seen a friend forget to close the hood—after starting, oil splattered everywhere, dirtying the entire engine bay, and cleaning it up was time-consuming and costly. So, unless you’re temporarily checking for sounds or the fan during repairs and close the hood immediately after starting, it’s better to develop the habit of closing the hood before ignition—it saves hassle and trouble. Don’t assume it’s fine and take chances; if something goes wrong, regret won’t help. Safe driving starts with the details.

[DeConnor]

Starting the engine with the hood open is generally not a problem, as vehicle design ensures ignition isn't directly affected by the hood position. I've tried it multiple times myself—like during maintenance when starting with the hood up to check fans or circuits—and the car responded normally without issues. However, note that newer models may have sensors that trigger warning lights or prevent startup if the hood isn't securely closed. This isn't a malfunction but rather a safety reminder.

Regularly starting with the hood open exposes the engine bay, allowing moisture or dust to accumulate and potentially corrode wiring, while summer heat can accelerate component aging. I'd recommend a quick visual check for debris before ignition, then closing the hood promptly after startup to minimize exposure. This simple habit protects the engine and reduces safety risks, potentially saving costly repairs down the road.

[VonRosalie]

You can start the car with the hood open, don't worry about damaging it. I used to do this often when repairing cars to observe component operation, and the ignition starts normally. However, the potential risk is that if something falls in and gets stuck in the belt or fluids splash out, it can be dangerous, so it's not recommended to start the engine with the hood open for extended periods. It's best to develop the habit of closing the hood—safety first.