Hood release stuck, hood won't pop open

Symptoms

• Pulling the interior hood release lever does nothing or feels loose
• Hood doesn't pop up even slightly at the front
• Cable may feel disconnected or have no resistance
• Possible rust visible around the hood latch area if inspected from underneath

Likely causes

• CommonRusted or seized hood release cableCables exposed to moisture over years can corrode and stick or snap inside their housing.
• CommonBroken interior release handleThe plastic handle or its mounting can crack or break off, especially with repeated use.
• PossibleStuck secondary safety latchEven if the primary latch releases, a stuck safety catch under the hood edge can still hold it closed.
• PossibleDisconnected cable at the latch endThe cable can come off its attachment point at the latch even if it's intact at the handle end.

What to do

1. Try pulling the release firmly but don't force it hard enough to snap a cable that's simply stuck rather than broken.
2. With the release pulled, check at the front of the hood for a slight give or pop, which tells you the primary latch released even if it doesn't fully open.
3. If there's a slight pop, try reaching under the leading edge of the hood to feel for and release the secondary safety catch by hand.
4. If nothing happens at all, the cable itself may be broken or disconnected and will need to be accessed from the front of the car or through the wheel well/grille, depending on the vehicle.
5. Have a shop access a stuck hood without damaging the paint or grille if you can't get it open safely yourself.
6. Replace the hood release cable and/or handle once the hood is open, and lubricate the mechanism to prevent recurrence.

Tools and parts

• Flashlight

When to call a pro

A shop or mobile mechanic can often access a stuck hood from underneath through the wheel well or grille without damaging anything, which is risky to attempt yourself if you're not familiar with your specific latch design.

Safety