How to pop the hood on a 2017 Ford F150?

[TuckerMarie]

To open the hood on a 2017 Ford F-150, you need to operate two levers: first, the primary release inside the cabin, then the secondary safety latch under the front grille. The process is straightforward and takes less than a minute when you know the locations.

The interior release lever is under the dashboard on the driver's side. It's positioned near the parking brake release and the left side of the steering column. You don't need to look for it; you can easily feel for the handle with your hand. A firm, steady pull is all that's required. When you pull it correctly, you'll hear a distinct audible click and see the front edge of the hood pop up slightly, releasing the primary latch.

Next, walk to the front of the truck. You need to release the secondary safety catch before you can lift the hood. Reach your fingers into the gap between the raised hood edge and the grille, right in the center above the Ford emblem. You will feel a metal latch. For the 2017 model year, this latch is typically painted bright yellow for high visibility. To disengage it, you must slide or push this latch to the left (toward the driver's side of the vehicle). It requires a firm push but not excessive force.

Once the safety latch is released, you can lift the hood fully. The 2017 Ford F-150 is equipped with gas-charged hydraulic struts (lift cylinders) on both sides. This means the hood will lift smoothly and stay open on its own—no manual prop rod needs to be engaged or stored. Simply lift it to its full height; it will lock securely in the open position.

If you encounter resistance, double-check both steps. A common issue is not pulling the interior lever completely, which fails to fully disengage the primary latch. Another is pushing the secondary latch in the wrong direction; it must move laterally to the left. Never force the hood open, as this can damage the latch mechanisms. For visual learners, the process is standard and matches demonstrations in the official owner's manual and numerous verified tutorial videos from automotive channels.

Closing the hood is simple. Pull it down from about a foot above the latch and let it drop under its own weight to engage the primary latch. Then press down firmly on the center front edge until you hear a solid click, confirming both latches are securely engaged.

[Adrian]

I remember the first time I needed to check the oil on my '17 F-150. I sat in the driver's seat looking for a hood release for a solid minute. My buddy just laughed and said, "Feel under the dash, left of the steering wheel." Sure enough, there it was.

Pulled it, heard the pop from outside. Went to the front, fumbled around a bit under the hood's lip until my fingers found that yellow tab. Gave it a push to the left, and the hood lifted right up. The hydraulic arms are great—no wrestling with a rusty prop rod. Now it's second nature. Just two pulls: one inside, one outside.

[Edmund]

As a mechanic who sees these trucks daily, the 2017 F-150's hood release is one of the more user-friendly designs. The interior lever is robust, and the external safety latch is consistently placed. From a technical standpoint, the dual-latch system is a critical safety feature to prevent accidental opening while driving.

The yellow color-coding on the secondary latch is a smart manufacturing touch for quick identification. When customers complain the hood won't open, 99% of the time it's because they only pulled the interior lever and didn't locate the front safety catch. The other 1% might be a frozen latch in winter, which a bit of silicone spray can prevent.

The hydraulic struts are a premium feature on a workhorse truck. They're rated for thousands of cycles, but if the hood ever starts to sag when open, those struts are the likely culprit and are a simple, inexpensive replacement.

[LeWeston]

Here’s the fastest way to get under that hood:

1. Sit in the driver’s seat.
2. Left hand, reach under the dash. Find the handle. Pull it hard.
3. Get out, walk to the front.
4. Slide your hand into the gap at the front center of the hood.
5. Feel for the yellow latch. Push it to your left.
6. Lift the hood. It holds itself up.

Done. Key things: Don’t overthink the interior pull. Don’t look for a button. It’s a mechanical lever. The front latch moves sideways, not up or down. If it’s stuck, jiggle the hood slightly while pushing the latch.

[LeElisa]

My perspective is from a long-term owner who’s done this hundreds of times. The initial action inside the cab requires a confident, full-motion pull. A tentative tug might not release the primary catch. You’ll know it worked when you see a consistent half-inch gap along the entire front edge of the hood.

The front safety latch operation is purely by feel. I don’t even look anymore. I reach in, my index finger finds the side of the yellow lever, and I apply pressure laterally. There’s a satisfying, solid clunk when it releases. Then, I place my hands on either side of the hood, near the front corners, and lift evenly.

The beauty of the hydraulic system is the controlled, heavy feel. It doesn’t fly open. It rises steadily and locks into place with authority. When closing, I make it a habit to clean the latch areas with a cloth every few months to prevent dirt buildup, which can cause sticking. This whole routine is a testament to the truck’s well-thought-out, practical design.