Categories: Car Problems

How to Unlatch a Stuck Car Hood

Luckily, a stuck hood is relatively easy to fix once you become familiar with the simple device that allows the hood to open.

When your car engine needs regular servicing or requires immediate attention, a stuck hood will delay matters, and it could affect your car’s performance. That’s why it’s best to mend a car hood as soon as it begins to stick.

Car hoods are closed with two latches, the primary and the secondary latch. Both must be undone for the car hood to open. If you have found and pulled the release latch located under your driving wheel and the hood has not released even a little, then your hood has malfunctioned.

How to Unlatch the Hood

Hoods have two latches for safety reasons. If you inadvertently release the first latch while driving, the second latch will keep the hood in place so that it doesn’t fly up, blocking the windshield and your vision.

When you pull the inside lever, the hood pops open just a little bit. It is still, however, held in place by the second latch. You must release the second latch manually for the hood to open all the way.

If one or both of the latches or their attendant parts is broken, the hood will either stick or refuse to close. At this point, take your car to a professional repair shop.

Reasons Car Hoods Won’t Open

Most cars have a lever that releases the hood. If you can’t find it, you won’t be able to open the hood. Also, older cars require that you physically pull the hood up after you’ve released the second latch.

Often the lever that opens the hood won’t work because a cable that’s part of the release mechanism is damaged or has become disconnected. It’s easy to tell when a cable isn’t working properly. When you pull the lever, there will be no resistance. What does this mean? Either the cable has come loose from the release device or there’s a break in it.

Some latches won’t open because of rust. Others may freeze shut in cold temperatures. If either of these is the problem, you can open your hood easily with the help of a friend. Simply pull it while your partner pushes the release lever inside the car.

Fixing your car hood could be an easy job, what is important is not to overreact and end up damaging your vehicle. If your hood won’t open no matter what you try, don’t force it. Doing so could damage the mechanism and cost you more money in repairs.

Instead, take your car to a mechanic.

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About Us

I am Derek Patrowsky, editor of AutoSportCatalog.com. I have over 17 years of experience in the automotive service industry and am part owner of a service facility in his hometown. Together with other writers, I hope this website will help you with your auto repair needs making better decisions when it comes to your vehicle.

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