Why is the car hood opened but cannot be lifted?
3 Answers
The car hood is opened but cannot be lifted because, after the hood is released and pops up, you still need to reach into the gap to disengage the latch hook to fully open it. If the car hood cannot be opened, you can also try the following methods: 1. It might be due to insufficient lubrication of the hood latch spring. Add some lubricating oil. 2. There is a button under the steering wheel on the car's hood. If you pull the button in the car, the hood usually loosens. Lift the hood, reach inside, and pull a mechanical lever to open the hood. 3. Use a screwdriver to hook and open the hood. Crawl under the car, use a wire to pull from below the car engine to the hood keyhole, and then pull open the front hood. 4. Open the main driver's door, remove the door seal, then 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, and open the door. 5. If it really cannot be opened, you can only send it to a repair shop for a solution, which saves both money and effort.
When the car hood is open but cannot be lifted, it is usually due to a problem with the latch system. I often encounter this situation when repairing cars, and the most common causes are the cable not being pulled far enough or being broken. The cable is connected to the hood release lever—if you pull the lever but don't release the latch, the hood won't lift. Another possible reason is that the latch itself is rusted or jammed with debris, such as dust or small stones accumulated there. I recommend first trying to firmly close the hood and then operate the release lever again to see if it loosens. If that doesn’t work, check if the cable is intact or ask someone to help wiggle the release mechanism. Regularly applying lubricant to the latch can prevent this issue and ensure smoother daily use of your car. This problem may seem minor, but ignoring it could lead to the hood becoming loose while driving, posing a safety hazard—so don’t delay repairs.
Oh, this is such a common issue—I've been through it myself. When the hood won't budge after popping open, it's usually due to a loose or rusted release cable. Specifically, the cable connects to the interior handle; if it's worn or misaligned when you pull it, the latch won't fully disengage. In my case, severe rust and debris clogged the lock mechanism, jamming the hood shut. For a fix, first try operating the release lever a few more times, listening for a click to confirm the latch is freed. If that fails, get someone to gently jiggle the latch area or wipe away rust with a soft cloth. Regular maintenance with anti-rust spray can prevent this—never force it open to avoid hood damage. Annoying but easy to repair, timely action keeps you driving worry-free.
