How do you pop the hood of a Subaru?

Opening the hood of your Subaru is a straightforward process that allows you to access the engine compartment and perform various maintenance tasks. Whether you need to check the fluid levels, replace the air filter, or troubleshoot an issue, knowing how to properly pop the hood is an essential skill for any Subaru owner.

Steps to Pop the Subaru Hood

1. Locate the hood release lever. This is typically located on the driver's side of the dashboard, near the floor.


2. Pull the hood release lever to unlatch the hood.


3. Approach the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary hood latch, usually situated near the center of the grille.


4. Use your hand to firmly push up on the secondary latch to release the hood.


5. Carefully lift the hood, ensuring it is fully open and secured in the raised position.

By following these steps, you can safely and easily pop the hood of your Subaru, providing access to the engine compartment for various maintenance and repair tasks.

Reasons to Pop the Subaru Hood

• Fluid Level Checks: Regularly checking the levels of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and other fluids is essential for maintaining your Subaru's health. Popping the hood allows you to access these components and ensure they are at the proper levels.


• Air Filter Replacement: The air filter in your Subaru's engine plays a crucial role in keeping the engine clean and efficient. Popping the hood gives you access to the air filter, enabling you to replace it as recommended by the manufacturer.


• Troubleshooting: If you're experiencing an issue with your Subaru, such as a strange noise or a warning light, popping the hood can help you visually inspect the engine compartment and identify potential problems.


• General Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks, such as checking belts, hoses, and other components, require access to the engine compartment, which is achieved by popping the hood.

Knowing how to properly pop the hood of your Subaru is an essential skill that will help you maintain your vehicle's performance and longevity. By following the steps outlined above, you can safely and efficiently access the engine compartment and perform various maintenance and repair tasks.

How to pop the hood on a 2010 Subaru Outback?

To open the hood of a 2010 Subaru Outback, first, pull the release lever located on the driver's side under the dashboard, near the steering column. Then, go to the front of the car, find the secondary release lever located just above the Subaru emblem on the grille, push it to the left, and lift the hood.
 
This video shows how to open the hood of a 2010 Subaru Outback: 1mClay AutoYouTube · Jun 22, 2025
Step 1: Pull the interior release lever 

• Open the driver's side door. 
• Look under the dashboard, to the left of the steering column, for a lever with a hood icon on it. 
• Pull the lever towards you to release the primary latch, which will make a "pop" sound. 

Step 2: Open the hood from the outside 

• Go to the front of the vehicle and look for the Subaru emblem on the grille. 
• Locate the secondary release lever just above and to the right of the emblem. 
• Reach under the hood and push this lever to the left with your fingers. 
• Lift the hood to open it. 

How do you pop the hood on a Subaru?

To pop the hood on a Subaru, first pull the primary release lever inside the car, located on the driver's side by the footwell. Then, go to the front of the car, find the secondary latch under the hood (near the Subaru emblem), and move it to the side to fully open the hood.
 
This video demonstrates how to open the hood of a Subaru Impreza: 55sRobert CoxYouTube · Jun 8, 2020
Step 1: Pull the interior release lever 

• Open the driver's side door. 
• Look for the hood release lever on the dashboard, to the left and near the driver's feet. It often has a picture of an open hood on it. 
• Pull the lever towards you until you hear a click. This releases the primary latch. 

Step 2: Release the secondary latch 

• Go to the front of the car. 
• Locate the secondary release lever, which is usually in the center of the hood, just above the Subaru emblem. 
• Slide or push this lever to the side (typically to the left) with your hand. 

This video shows the location of the secondary release latch: 44sWilsonville SubaruYouTube · Sep 22, 2023
Step 3: Lift the hood 

• Lift the hood up. It should now be free to open. 
• Locate the support rod to prop the hood open securely. 

How does a Subaru hood latch work?

If you reach up underneath. There is a little lever that you can pull once you pull that uh back towards you come back out. Here.

Where is the hood release button located?

The hood release is typically a lever inside the car, located on the driver's side near the floor or dashboard, often with a picture of a hood on it. After pulling this lever, you will need to find a secondary release on the outside of the car at the front of the hood, usually a small lever you push with your hand to fully open it.
 
This video demonstrates how to find and pull the hood release lever inside the car: 56sLearned From DadYouTube · Aug 10, 2024
Step 1: Find the primary release lever 

• Location: Sit in the driver's seat and look to the left, near your feet. It is commonly under the dashboard, near the steering wheel, or on the kick panel. 
• Appearance: The lever is often a plastic handle that may have an icon of a car hood on it. 
• Action: Pull the lever firmly toward you to hear the hood pop open slightly. 

Step 2: Find and release the secondary latch 

• Location: Go to the front of the car and look under the edge of the hood. You will see a small, separate latch that needs to be released. It is often just to one side of the center of the hood.
• Appearance: The secondary latch is a metal lever or bar that you can slide, push, or pull.
• Action: While the primary lever is still pulled (or after it has already released), find and manipulate the secondary latch, then gently lift the hood to open it completely. 

This video shows how to locate and disengage the secondary latch under the hood: 58sCheck It Out !!!YouTube · Apr 5, 2025
Step 3: Consult your owner's manual

• If you can't find the release or have trouble with the secondary latch, the best resource is your vehicle's owner's manual. It will have specific instructions for your car model.