How to Open the Engine Hood?
2 Answers
Method to open the engine hood: 1. Open the car door, sit in the driver's seat, and locate the engine switch lever on the left side of the driver's seat; 2. Pull the car engine lever by hand; 3. When you hear a 'click' sound; 4. Check if the car engine hood has been opened; 5. If there is a noticeable gap, it means the car engine hood has been opened; 6. Reach your hand into the central position at the front end of the engine compartment cover; 7. Feel for the auxiliary latch handle of the engine compartment cover; 8. Lift the latch upward and hold it; 9. Simultaneously lift the engine compartment cover upward and prop up the support rod.
I often do DIY car inspections, and popping the hood is pretty straightforward. First, sit in the driver's seat and locate the hood release lever under the steering wheel on the left side, just above knee level—it's marked with an engine icon. Give it a firm pull outward, and you'll hear a 'click' from the front, releasing the first latch. Close the door and walk to the front; the hood will now have a slight gap. Slide your hand into the middle slit of the front grille to feel a metal lever. Push the lever left with your index finger while lifting the hood with your palm, and quickly support the bottom edge with your other hand to raise it fully. Newer cars use hydraulic struts—once lifted to 45 degrees, they'll hold automatically. Older models require manually inserting the support rod into its slot—make sure it's securely locked. When closing, retract the support rod first, then release the hood from about 30 cm high, letting it drop freely until you hear a solid 'thud' confirming it's latched. Be cautious of hot coolant when working on a warm engine, and shield the engine bay from rain if opening the hood in wet weather.
