How to open the hood of a Cavalier?
3 Answers
Here are the steps to open the front hood of a Cavalier: 1. The hood release switch is located below the steering wheel on the left side. Pull it to release the first lock, then locate the second lock directly below the car emblem to fully open the front hood. 2. To open the trunk, press and hold the trunk release button on the key fob, or press it twice quickly. Note that there is no external button or keyhole for the trunk on the Cavalier. 3. The fuel tank cap release switch is located below the seat on the left side. Pull it upward to open. 4. Opening the engine hood requires a two-step unlocking process. First, pull the release lever inside the engine compartment (located on the panel above the driver's left foot), then go to the front of the engine hood and pull the release lever to open it.
Opening the hood of the Cavalier is the first step I take every time I perform maintenance. Remember to sit firmly in the driver's seat and locate a small lever near the floorboard by your left foot, close to the door—that's the release lever. Pulling it will slightly loosen the hood. But don't rush to open it yet. Next, go to the front of the car, where you'll find a small hook-like mechanism in the center or on the side of the hood—that's the safety latch. You'll need to push or twist it open with your hand, then slowly lift the entire hood. Older cars are prone to rust, so applying some lubricant beforehand can save effort. I drive it daily for commuting and check the oil and radiator every weekend to prevent small issues from becoming big ones. I recommend beginners keep a flashlight handy in case of poor lighting. And remember, don't use excessive force to avoid damaging the hood or wiring.
When I first drove the Cavalier, even opening the hood was a bit tricky. Simply put: sit in the driver's seat, look down near your left foot, and you'll find a small plastic lever positioned quite forward. Gently pull it, and you'll hear a 'click' sound indicating the hood is released. Then, get out of the car, walk to the front, and slide your hand into the gap between the hood and the front of the car. Feel for a small protruding part—that's the safety latch. You need to press it inward or flip it up/down to release it. Only after confirming it's unlocked can you steadily lift the hood. My first few times, I always forgot this latch step, resulting in the hood not staying open and snapping back. Regularly wiping the handle with a towel helps reduce grease buildup. Developing a habit of checking things like windshield washer fluid is practical and not hard—just takes a few tries to get the hang of it.
