How to Open the Mazda Hood?
3 Answers
Locate the hood release lever in the lower left corner of the driver's compartment. When opening, the hood will make a sound. Gently lift the hood by hand and raise it upward. Find the hood support rod in the engine compartment and pull it out. Position the rod in its designated place; typically, when the rod is upright, there should be a corresponding socket on the hood to insert it into.
When I used to drive a Mazda6, I also figured out how to open the hood. It’s actually quite simple and involves two steps. First, sit in the driver’s seat, bend down, and look for the hood release handle under the left side of the steering wheel. There’s a clear front hood icon—just give it a firm pull, and you’ll hear a click as the hood pops open. The second step is crucial: walk to the front of the car, reach into the gap of the slightly lifted hood, and feel for a horizontal metal lever about five centimeters behind the emblem. Use your index finger to push the lever to the right while lifting the entire hood with your other hand. Remember to hold it until the angle exceeds 45 degrees before letting go—the hydraulic strut will then hold the hood in place. If the metal lever feels sticky on rainy days, wear gloves for better grip. Also, when closing the hood, release it from about 30 cm—don’t slam it shut, as that could damage the latch.
I recommend that beginners first park the car firmly and engage the handbrake before opening the Mazda's hood. Near the left knee area on the driver's side, there's a plastic handle with an arrow symbol—you need to grip it firmly with your whole hand and pull upward. Note that it's not just a light touch; you'll need to apply some force to release the first lock. Then, move to the front of the car. There's a three-finger-wide gap in the middle of the hood—focus on the right side, where you'll find a crescent-shaped metal latch. When operating, use your left hand to support the bottom of the hood while using your right index finger to push the latch sideways. Once you hear the second click, you can fully lift the hood. For older Mazda 3 models, it might be harder to locate—here's a tip: shine your phone's flashlight into the gap to spot it. Also, always double-check that the hydraulic strut is securely locked before leaning in to inspect the engine. Once, my neighbor’s support rod wasn’t properly secured, and the hood nearly hit his face.
