What to Do When the Hood Release Lever Pops Back but the Hood Won't Open?
3 Answers
It might be due to insufficient lubrication of the hood latch spring. Apply some lubricating oil. Lift the hood, reach inside, and pull a mechanical release button to open the hood. Use a screwdriver as a hook to open the engine hood. Crawl under the car, use a wire to pull from beneath the engine to the hood keyhole, and then pull to open the front hood. Open the main driver's door, remove the door seal, make a hook with a thick wire about one and a half meters long, place the hook into the lower right corner of the door motor to open the door, and then the hood can be opened.
I've been driving for decades, and several times I've pulled the hood release lever only for it to pop up but not open. It's most likely due to a loose hood cable, a stuck primary latch, or rusted hinges. Don't panic—first, try gently pressing down on the center of the hood while someone inside the car pulls the release lever; this can help disengage the locking mechanism. If that doesn’t work, check for any debris blocking the edges of the engine bay or spray some WD-40 to lubricate the hinges, but avoid forcing it open to prevent scratching the paint or injuring yourself. Safety first—if this happens while driving, pull over immediately, turn on your hazard lights, and call a mechanic for assistance. Never try to make do, as it could lead to bigger issues. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubricating these components, can reduce the chances of this happening.
As a new driver, I'm particularly frustrated when the hood release lever is pulled but the hood won't pop open. My friend told me it might be due to a disconnected cable or debris stuck in the latch. The first step is to check for leaves or small stones in the hood gap using a phone flashlight. Then try pulling the release lever while sitting in the driver's seat and have someone gently tap the corners of the hood from outside to see if it loosens. If that doesn't work, try spraying some lubricant. But it feels a bit risky, and I'm afraid of causing damage, so when this happens, I immediately pull over and seek professional help. Don't randomly follow DIY methods online, as you might end up damaging parts and costing more money. During regular maintenance, have the mechanic check the cable system to prevent recurrence. Safety is more important than anything else.
