Where Is the Button to Pop Your Hood?

In most cars, the hood release is a small lever with a hood icon located low on the driver’s side, under the dashboard near the door or footwell; pull it, then release a secondary latch at the front edge of the hood. Depending on the make and model, the lever can be in slightly different places, some vehicles require a double-pull, and a few newer cars and EVs use on-screen or electronic releases—so checking your owner’s manual is always wise.

The Most Common Places to Find the Hood Release

Automakers tend to cluster the hood release where the driver can reach it quickly without looking far from the road. Here are the locations you’re most likely to find first.

• Low left dashboard/kick panel: Just above the driver’s left knee, near the door hinge or footrest. Often marked with a hood icon.
• Under the lower dash lip: Reach under the steering column area to the left; some levers pull straight out, others swing.
• Driver’s door jamb/sill area: A pull handle on the lower trim by the door opening.
• Center-left of the footwell: A recessed lever or tab you pull upward.
• Right-hand-drive cars: The same areas but mirrored to the right side of the cabin.
• Trucks/SUVs: Still usually lower left of the dash; some require a firmer pull due to heavier latches.
• European exceptions: A few models (notably some older Ford Europe models) use a key-actuated release behind the grille emblem.
• EVs and luxury models: May use an on-screen command or electronic button; the secondary latch at the hood edge still applies.

If you don’t spot it immediately, sit normally and run your fingers along the lower edge of the dash and door-side trim; the lever is often black and blends in, but the hood icon is your giveaway.

Step-by-Step: How to Open Your Hood Safely

Once you’ve found the release, a quick, safe routine ensures you don’t damage the latch or the hood and that it stays secure when you’re done.

1. Park safely: Stop on level ground, set the parking brake, and switch the engine off.
2. Pull the interior hood release: You should hear a pop as the hood lifts slightly.
3. Find the secondary latch: Stand at the front of the car and feel under the front edge of the hood, typically near the center or slightly to one side. Slide or lift the latch to release.
4. Lift the hood: Raise it fully. Use the prop rod if equipped (usually clipped near the front), or let gas struts hold it up on newer cars.
5. Closing: Lower the hood to about 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) above the latch, then let it drop so it latches securely. Press once at the front edge to confirm it’s fully engaged. Never slam from height or press hard over the emblem.

If the hood doesn’t open after the interior pull, don’t force it—reseat the lever, pull again, and try gently pressing down on the hood while someone pulls the lever to relieve tension.

Brand-Specific Quirks and Where to Look

While the “low left” rule holds for many vehicles, a few brands and regions introduce variations. These quick pointers can save time.

• Honda/Toyota/Subaru/Mazda/Hyundai/Kia: Commonly a black lever low left with a hood icon; sometimes next to the fuel door release.
• GM (Chevrolet/GMC/Buick/Cadillac) and Ford (U.S.): Typically low left dash; after pulling, the secondary latch is often slightly offset from center. Some late-model F-150s use a bright-colored latch arm visible through the grille.
• European brands (BMW, MINI, Audi, VW, Mercedes-Benz): Many use a two-stage or “double-pull” interior lever—pull once to unlatch, pull again to release the safety catch, eliminating the need to reach under the hood.
• Volvo/Jaguar/Land Rover: Usually low left; some models use double-pull. The secondary latch is often a small tab slightly off-center.
• Porsche: Front trunk (frunk) releases are typically a button or switch at the driver’s door sill area or on the dash; the secondary latch works like a standard hood.
• Tesla and other EVs: Front trunk typically opened via the touchscreen or mobile app. For emergency procedures or if 12V power is lost, follow the vehicle’s manual; do not pry the hood.
• Right-hand-drive regions (UK, Australia, etc.): Locations mirror to the right side; terminology “bonnet” is used in manuals.

If your car deviates from these norms, the owner’s manual or an in-vehicle “Search” in the infotainment manual usually pinpoints the exact lever position and latch motion.

Electronic or Double-Pull Systems

On cars with double-pull designs (common on BMW, MINI, some Audi/Mercedes), pulling the interior handle twice replaces the external safety latch step. On EVs or vehicles with electronic releases, make sure 12V power is available; otherwise, consult the manual for the safe recovery method.

If You Still Can’t Find It or the Hood Won’t Open

Stuck cables and hidden levers are common. These checks resolve most issues without damage.

• Scan for the hood icon: A stylized car front with an open lid. It may be on a small black lever or a flush pull tab.
• Use a flashlight: Look along the lower dash edge and door-side trim; some levers sit recessed.
• Relieve tension: Have a helper press down on the hood while you pull the interior lever, then try the latch again.
• Cable stretch: If the lever feels slack, pull it while gently nudging the hood up and down at the front edge.
• Frozen or dirty latch: In cold or dusty conditions, a quick spritz of penetrating lubricant at the front latch area can help (avoid overspray on paint).
• Verify you’re not pulling the fuel/trunk release: They’re often adjacent; check the icon carefully.
• As a last resort: Consult the manual for your exact model or seek a technician—forcing the hood can bend the latch or crease the panel.

Most problems trace back to a misidentified lever or a sticky latch; patience and a methodical check usually solve it without tools.

Frequently Overlooked Details

These small differences can change how you approach the release.

• Secondary latch direction varies: Some push left, others right, up, or straight back—feel for spring-loaded movement.
• Prop rod location: Often clipped under the hood with a marked hole on the radiator support; don’t let the hood rest on unmarked areas.
• Aftermarket alarms/remote starts: May add switches or covers near the latch; be cautious not to snag wiring.
• Service-mode positions: Some vehicles have a “service” hood height; ensure the latch fully re-engages after closing to prevent warning lights or hood flutter.

Taking a moment to learn your car’s specific latch motion and prop setup will make future checks quicker and safer.

Summary

The hood release is usually a lever low on the driver’s side near the footwell or door, marked with a hood icon. Pull it, then release the secondary latch at the front edge of the hood before lifting. Some European models use a double-pull interior lever, and some EVs rely on a touchscreen command. When in doubt—or if the hood sticks—consult the owner’s manual and avoid forcing the latch to prevent damage.

What is the hood release latch?

Under the hood of most cars, trucks, vans and even tractors is a latch. Known as a hood latch, it temporarily holds the hood down. Hood latches are connected to a handle. When you pull or engage the handle, the hood latch will release.

How to pop a hood from the outside?

Two reach under the front of the hood. And pull the latch get out of your car and walk to the front of the vehicle. Under the center of the hood.

How to open the hood of a car with a dead battery?

To open a car hood with a dead battery, first, try to access the mechanical key in your key fob to unlock the door and then the hood release lever inside the car. If the doors are locked or the release isn’t working, get external power to the car’s electrical system by connecting a jumper cable or power bank to the exterior lighting or fuse box and the car’s chassis to activate the electric hood release. Alternatively, for some models, you can manually release the hood by accessing the latch mechanism through the grille or under the car using a slim tool. 
1. Get Power to the Car 

• Use an external key: . Opens in new tabMost key fobs have a hidden mechanical key for emergencies. Use it to unlock the driver’s door, then pull the hood release lever inside the car. 
• Connect a jump box or external battery: . Opens in new tabIf the doors are locked, you’ll need to provide external power. Connect the positive (red) cable of a jump box to a dedicated positive contact point, often found on the exterior lighting or in the fuse box. Then, connect the negative (black) cable to a metal part of the car’s chassis or frame, like the door strike, to complete the circuit. 
• Activate the hood release: . Opens in new tabOnce power is restored, use the now-powered key fob to unlock the door. You can then pull the manual hood release lever located under the driver’s side of the dashboard. 

2. Manual Access (If External Power Isn’t an Option) 

• Locate the hood latch: . Opens in new tabSome vehicles have an accessible hook or release cable behind the front grille. You might be able to use a thin, flat tool to reach and pull the latch through a hole or opening in the grille.
• Access through the grille: . Opens in new tabFor some models, such as the Prius, you may be able to find a small slot in the grille to manipulate the latch mechanism with a screwdriver, according to this YouTube video.

3. Call for Assistance 

• Contact roadside assistance: If you’re unable to open the hood yourself, a professional roadside assistance service can help. They have the tools and expertise to open the door or hood without causing damage to your vehicle.

Where is the hood release button located?

The hood release lever is typically located inside the car, near the driver’s side, under the dashboard or in the kick panel area. Once located, pull the lever to release the hood, which will then pop open slightly. You will then need to go to the front of the car and manually lift the hood and secure it with a prop rod. 
This video demonstrates how to locate and activate the hood release lever inside the car: 30sGenuine Automotive & Diesel One, LLCYouTube · May 2, 2024
Detailed Steps:

1. Locate the hood release lever: It’s usually found near the driver’s side, either under the dashboard or in the kick panel area. Some cars may have it under the steering wheel. 
2. Pull the lever: Once you’ve located the lever, pull it firmly to activate the hood latch. 
3. Go to the front of the car: The hood will pop open slightly. 
4. Release the secondary latch: You’ll need to locate a second latch, usually a small lever or tab under the hood, near the front center. 
5. Lift the hood: Once the secondary latch is released, you can fully lift the hood. 
6. Secure with the prop rod: Most cars have a prop rod that you can use to hold the hood open. Find its location and secure it. 

This video shows how to find and operate the hood latch located at the front of the car: 1mGet There FasterYouTube · Feb 28, 2022