Where is the hood release button?

In most vehicles, the hood release is a small lever (often labeled with an open-hood icon) located under the left side of the dashboard near the driver’s footwell; pull it to pop the hood, then reach under the front edge of the hood to release a secondary safety latch. Depending on make, model, and whether the car is left- or right-hand drive, the lever may be near the driver’s kick panel, door jamb, or lower dash, and some European brands use a double-pull lever instead of an exterior latch. Electric vehicles often use a software-based “frunk” release. If in doubt, check the owner’s manual for the exact location and procedure.

Common locations across vehicles

The following list outlines the most typical places manufacturers put the hood release and how the secondary latch is accessed.

• Under-dash near driver’s left knee (left-hand-drive) or right knee (right-hand-drive), often on the lower dash or kick panel, marked with a hood icon.
• Driver’s footwell or A‑pillar trim area; sometimes tucked low beside the door jamb.
• Center console lower trim on some models, though less common.
• Passenger-side footwell or glovebox on a few older European luxury cars.
• Exterior latch under the front edge of the hood or behind the grille on older pickups and classics.
• Digital/soft release in EVs (for example, via touchscreen, key fob, or phone app); many also have a concealed manual/emergency release behind a tow-eye cover—consult the model’s manual.

While these cover most scenarios, exact placement varies by brand and year, so minor differences are common.

How to open the hood safely

Use the steps below to open and secure your hood without causing damage to the latch or the hood panel.

1. Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake. Turn the engine off.
2. Locate and pull the interior hood release. You should hear a click and see the hood lift slightly.
3. Go to the front of the vehicle. Slide your fingers under the hood’s front edge to find the secondary safety latch; push or lift the latch (direction varies) while gently lifting the hood.
4. Raise the hood fully and secure it with the prop rod (if equipped) or ensure the gas struts hold it firmly.
5. To close, lower the hood to 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) above the latch and let it drop to latch. Verify it’s fully latched by tugging up gently—avoid pressing hard on thin aluminum panels.

Following this procedure reduces the risk of bending the hood, damaging the latch, or leaving the hood partially secured.

Brand and region-specific notes

Some manufacturers and markets use distinctive mechanisms or locations; the points below highlight common variations.

• Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet: Lever typically under the left-side dash; exterior latch is usually at the center or slightly offset under the hood’s leading edge.
• Subaru, Mazda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia: Similar left-knee placement; the exterior latch may be slightly to one side of center.
• BMW, MINI: Often a double-pull interior lever; pull once to pop, twice to release the safety catch, then lift without searching for an exterior latch.
• Mercedes-Benz: Lever near the driver’s side; secondary latch is a small tab near the grille center. Some older models placed the lever in the passenger footwell or glovebox.
• Volkswagen, Audi: Lever near the driver’s footwell; secondary latch often behind the center badge area or a bit right of center.
• Volvo, some Saabs: Frequently use a double-pull interior release (no separate exterior latch).
• Tesla and other EVs: “Frunk” opened via touchscreen, app, or fob; if 12V power is lost, use the model-specific emergency release behind a trim or tow-eye cover—refer to the owner’s manual.
• Trucks/SUVs: Lever in the footwell; exterior latch can be stiff or offset. Older trucks may have an exterior-only pull under the grille.

These differences are normal; verify your vehicle’s exact method in the owner’s documentation if you’re unsure.

If the hood won’t open

If the hood sticks or the lever feels loose, try the practical tips below before forcing anything.

• Have a helper press down on the hood while you pull the interior lever to relieve spring tension on the latch.
• Firmly tap the front edge of the hood with your palm near the latch to free a stuck catch; avoid tools that can dent paint.
• Make sure the vehicle is unlocked; some latches interact with central locking on certain models.
• Spray a penetrating lubricant into the latch area through the grille; wait a few minutes and try again.
• Check whether your car requires a second interior pull (BMW/Volvo style).
• If the cable has snapped or there’s no resistance, access the latch from underneath or through the grille with a long tool—this is often best handled by a professional to prevent damage.

If none of these steps work, a qualified technician can open the hood without harming the latch, grille, or paintwork.

Safety tips

Keep these safety considerations in mind whenever operating or working around the hood.

• Never drive with the hood on the safety catch only; it can fly up and block your view.
• Keep fingers clear of latch areas when closing; don’t press hard on thin sheet metal or aluminum panels.
• Always secure the hood with the prop rod or verify struts are holding before working in the engine bay.
• After any service, confirm the hood is fully latched by lifting gently to test it.

These precautions help prevent injuries and avoid costly body or latch repairs.

Summary

Most cars place the hood release lever under the driver’s side of the dashboard near the footwell; pull it, then release the secondary latch under the front edge of the hood. Some European brands use a double-pull interior release, and EVs often rely on touchscreen or key-fob controls with model-specific emergency procedures. When in doubt—or if the hood sticks—consult the owner’s manual or a professional for your exact vehicle.

How to open a hood without a hood release?

Well on this particular vehicle you just take this screwdriver stick it in behind the latch and you pop it just like that. And it’s open i’ll do it one more time. See then you can lift it up.

Where is the hood release located?

The hood release lever is typically located inside the vehicle, usually on the driver’s side, near the kick panel or under the dashboard. It’s a handle or lever that you pull to disengage the hood latch mechanism. Some vehicles might have a release button instead of a lever. 
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
General Location:

• Driver’s Side: The hood release is most often found on the driver’s side of the vehicle’s interior. 
• Kick Panel or Dashboard: It’s usually located near the driver’s side kick panel (the area by your left foot when seated) or under the dashboard. 
• Lever or Button: Look for a handle or lever, or sometimes a button, that has an image of a car hood or the word “Hood”. 

How to Find It:

1. Check the kick panel: Look at the lower part of the dashboard near the driver’s door. 
2. Check under the dashboard: If it’s not on the kick panel, check under the dashboard, especially on the left side. 
3. Look for labels or symbols: The lever or button is often marked with a hood icon or the word “Hood”. 
4. Consult the owner’s manual: If you can’t find it, your car’s owner’s manual will have the exact location. 

After Activating the Interior Release:

• Secondary Latch: . Opens in new tabAfter pulling the interior release, you will need to locate a secondary latch or release mechanism under the hood itself, usually near the front center. 
• Lift the Hood: . Opens in new tabOnce you’ve released both the interior and exterior latches, you can fully lift the hood. 

How to release a Ford hood?

Here. So if you pull this up a little bit reach under there then you can feel the lever push it over and then the hood will come right up.

How to release a hood lock?

In most vehicles, the hood release latch is under the dash on the driver’s side, although its exact location may differ from make and model. Look for a handle with a popped hood logo on it. Pull this all the way out and you should hear your hood unlock.