What Could Be the Reason If the Car Hood Won't Open?
2 Answers
The reasons why a car hood won't open are as follows: 1. The car hood switch is damaged. 2. The hood release cable is detached or broken. 3. Insufficient lubrication of the car hood latch spring. Solutions for a car hood that won't open: 1. If the car hood latch spring lacks lubrication, add lubricating oil. 2. There is an engine hood button under the steering wheel; pulling this button inside the car will loosen the engine hood. Lift the engine hood, reach inside, and pull a mechanical latch to open the hood. 3. Use a screwdriver to hook and open the engine hood. Crawl under the car, use a wire to reach the hood lock hole from below the engine, and pull to release the front hood. 4. Open the driver's door, remove the door seal, make a hook with thick wire about one and a half meters long, insert it to hook the door motor, and the engine hood can then be opened.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered the issue of the hood not opening several times. The main reasons are quite simple. The most common is the latch getting stuck due to dust or rust, especially after rain or in humid weather when metal parts are prone to oxidation and blockage. Another issue is the aging of the release cable—if it feels loose when pulled, it might be broken or detached. A faulty hood release handle is also common; I've experienced cases where plastic parts cracked and couldn't reset. Additionally, parking on uneven ground or misalignment between the hood and the latch hole can prevent opening. Regular cleaning and applying lubricant to the latch area can help prevent these issues. If the hood won't open, avoid forcing it to prevent damaging the paint or components. First, check if the car is unlocked or have someone gently press the hood to help align it. If all else fails, driving to a repair shop is the safest solution.
