How to Open the Hood of a Volkswagen?
3 Answers
To open the hood of a Volkswagen, follow these steps: 1. Pull the hood release cable located near the driver's knee area; 2. The hood will automatically open slightly, then reach under the hood edge to find and release the spring-loaded latch to fully open the hood. Volkswagen models include: Volkswagen Phaeton, Volkswagen Magotan, Volkswagen Lavida, Volkswagen Sagitar, Volkswagen Bora, etc. Taking the 2013 Volkswagen Phaeton as an example, it is a full-size sedan with dimensions: length 5179mm, width 1903mm, height 1450mm, wheelbase 3001mm, fuel tank capacity 90 liters, and curb weight 2260kg.
I'm quite familiar with opening the engine hood, having driven Volkswagens for over a decade. The standard procedure is: First, sit in the driver's seat, make sure the engine is off, gear in P or N position, and the handbrake is firmly engaged - safety comes first. Then look down at the floor area near your left foot, there's a small lever near the steering column, give it a firm pull and you'll hear a click, which releases the first lock. Get out of the car and walk to the front, below the Volkswagen logo there's a small gap, reach in and feel for a lever or button, lift it up or push it in to open the hood. This dual-lock design prevents accidental opening. Regularly check that the release cable isn't stuck or rusty, and apply some lubricant for maintenance. It's best to perform this operation on level ground to prevent the car from rolling, and avoid doing it in front of children to prevent them from imitating and getting fingers pinched. Remember the locations are generally similar across different Volkswagen models, and the manual provides helpful illustrations.
I think opening the hood shouldn't be rushed, safety comes first. Sit in the car, turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and firmly press the right foot. Find the small lever near the left foot on the driver's side, pull it until you hear a sound, and the first lock will release. Get out of the car and go to the front, feel for a small latch in the gap below the emblem, lift it to open the hood. Throughout the process, keep hands or head away from under the hood to avoid burns, especially in summer when the engine is still hot right after stopping. Also, regularly check if the lever moves smoothly; if it's too tight, it might be rusted—spray some lubricant to fix it. For a new car, it might be a bit stiff at first, but pulling it a few times will make it smoother. Volkswagen's design is quite reliable, with good protection against wind and rain.
