What to Do If the Hood Won't Open?
3 Answers
If the hood won't open, it is recommended to take the car to a 4S shop for repair. The engine operates in a high-temperature, high-pressure, and flammable environment, where accidents such as explosions, fires, or leaks may occur due to overheating or unexpected component failures. The hood effectively blocks damage caused by explosions, acting as a protective shield. Most hood release levers are located under the dashboard on the driver's side. There is a handle that, when pulled gently, will cause the hood to pop slightly. Then, locate the protruding switch near the hood to open it. If the hood still won't open, try using a sturdy tool to pry it open. If prying doesn't work, it is advisable to take the car to a 4S shop for repair.
Don’t force the hood open if it won’t budge! Last time I encountered this, I first checked if the release handle under the driver’s seat was stuck. If pulling it feels loose with no resistance, chances are the hood release cable is broken or detached. In that case, you’ll need someone to reach through the front gap to feel for the latch or use a wire hook to unlock it. If the handle moves but the hood stays shut, the latch might be rusted and jammed. Try pressing down hard on the front edge of the hood a few times while a friend pulls the interior handle to shake loose the rust. If that doesn’t work, spray some WD-40 into the lock hole and wait half an hour before trying again. In winter, remember to remove ice first, as freezing can also lock the latch. If none of these methods work, don’t hesitate to call a tow truck—forcing it open can damage the paint and hinges.
I've encountered a stuck hood three times. The first time was due to rusted cable wires, took half an hour to hook the latch from the right side of the engine bay. The second time was even worse—a small spring in the lock assembly snapped, ended up removing the grille to open it. Now I've learned my lesson and always keep needle-nose pliers and rust remover in the car. My advice: first crouch down and check the gap at the front of the car, use a flashlight to locate the latch. If you can see the metal latch, slide a thin metal piece in at an angle to wiggle it. Avoid using a screwdriver to pry—it'll scratch the paint! If it's completely invisible, reach in from the wheel arch liner; most cars have accessible cables there. Modern cars are getting trickier—last time fixing a BMW required removing the front bumper. If DIY efforts fail after two hours, save time and head straight to the repair shop.
