Where is the hood pop button?

Typically, there is no universal “hood pop button.” In most cars you release the hood with a lever inside the cabin; some newer models use an electronic button, but the exact location varies by make and model.

Understanding how hood release works across vehicles

The release mechanism usually follows a two-step process: first, a primary latch inside the vehicle frees the hood enough to open slightly, then a secondary latch at the front edge is manually released to fully raise the hood. The control for the first step can be a traditional lever or an electronic button, depending on the vehicle.

The following locations cover the most common setups you’ll encounter across mainstream cars from the past couple of decades.

• Traditional manual lever: typically found under the left side of the dash, near the driver's knee or along the kick panel. You pull this lever to release the primary latch.


• Electronic hood release button: in many newer models, a button is located on the dash left of the steering wheel or on the center console or near the infotainment controls. Pressing this button releases the primary latch.


• If you’re unsure which system your car uses, check the owner’s manual or a vehicle-specific diagram printed on the inside of the glove box or near the hood area.

If you still can’t locate the release control, consulting the vehicle’s manual or contacting the dealership for your exact model is recommended.

How to open the hood safely after release

After the primary latch has been released, you’ll need to access the front edge of the hood to disengage the secondary latch and lift the hood fully. The exact action may vary slightly by model, but the general steps are consistent across most cars.

• Stand in front of the car and place hands on the hood near the center or sides, keeping your fingers clear of the latch mechanism.


• Locate the secondary latch along the front edge of the hood and move or lift it to the release position.


• Slowly lift the hood. If your vehicle uses a prop rod, insert it into the designated holder to keep the hood open; some newer cars have hydraulic supports that hold the hood open automatically.


• Make sure the hood is fully latched before walking away. When closing, remove the prop rod (if used) and gently lower the hood until it latches securely.

Safety note: never lean over the engine bay or place your face directly above the hood while releasing the latch. Ensure the engine is cool and the area around the hood is clear of tools or clothing that could snag on components.

Special cases and quick tips

Some luxury or performance models may hide the hood release behind a panel or integrate it with a digital interface. If you have an electric release, follow the on-screen prompts or warning indicators in the driver display. For older vehicles with purely mechanical systems, you’ll rely on the interior lever only.

Summary

In short, locating the hood release depends on your car’s design. Most vehicles use a manual lever under the dash on the driver's side, while many newer models employ a dash or center-console electronic button. If in doubt, your best reference is the owner’s manual, which will show the exact location and procedure for your model. Once the primary latch is released, always locate and disengage the secondary latch to fully open the hood, and secure it safely if your car uses a prop rod or hydraulic support.

Where to pop your hood?

The hood release is typically a lever found on the driver's side, inside the car near the floor or under the dashboard. After pulling the lever, you must go to the front of the car and find a secondary latch, often located under the front edge of the hood, which you'll need to push or pull to open it completely.
 
This video shows the location of the primary hood release lever inside the car: 30sGenuine Automotive & Diesel One, LLCYouTube · May 2, 2024
Inside the car

• Locate the primary release lever: Look for a lever on the driver's side of the dashboard or near the driver's side footwell, often close to the emergency brake. It's usually the only handle in that area. 
• Pull the lever: Pull this handle firmly. This will release the primary latch and cause the hood to pop up slightly. 

At the front of the car

• Find the secondary release: Walk to the front of the car and look under the front edge of the hood, usually near the center. 
• Locate the secondary latch: Feel for a secondary latch or lever. You may need to slide your hand under the hood's edge to find it. 
• Release the latch: Push or pull this secondary lever while gently pushing up on the hood. The lever will disengage the safety catch, allowing you to lift the hood fully. 

This video demonstrates how to find and release the secondary latch under the hood: 1mCheck It Out !!!YouTube · Apr 5, 2025
If you have trouble

• Consult the owner's manual: The exact location and operation can vary by vehicle, so the owner's manual is the best source for precise instructions.
• Search online for your specific vehicle: Searching online for "how to open hood [your car's make and model]" can provide instructions specific to your car. 

How to pop a hood without a key?

To pop the hood without a key, if the inside release cable is functional, you can often bypass a broken cable by reaching through the grille with a long tool like a screwdriver to trip the latch directly, as shown in this YouTube video. If the inside latch is broken or non-functional, you may need to remove the grille to access the latch mechanism. 
If the inside release cable is broken
This video demonstrates how to open a car hood with a broken release cable: 57sChrisFixYouTube · May 21, 2016

• Locate the latch: Look under the hood at the front center or slightly off to the side for a small metal lever or hook. You may be able to see it by looking through the grille. 
• Use a tool: Insert a long, thin, sturdy tool like a flathead screwdriver or a bent piece of wire into the grille openings and try to get the tip behind the latch mechanism. 
• Trip the latch: Push or pull the latch in the correct direction to release it. If you have trouble, try to find the direction the cable was pulling and replicate that motion. 
• Remove the grille: If you cannot access the latch from the front, you may need to remove the grille to get direct access to the mechanism, notes this YouTube video. 

If the car battery is dead
This video shows how to open the hood of a car with a dead battery: 56sITechYouTube · Aug 9, 2022

• Find the mechanical key: Most car keys have a hidden mechanical key for situations like this. Look for a small button or slider on the key fob to reveal the key, says a Quora post. 
• Unlock the door: Use the mechanical key to unlock the driver's door. 
• Pull the inside release: Once the door is unlocked, you can pull the hood release inside the car as you normally would. 
• Call for help: If you can't get the door open or the inside release won't work, it's best to call roadside assistance or a locksmith. 

Where is the button to pop the hood?

And pop the hood. Now you might have a button on the side. But often it's a mechanical lever that's down underneath the front. Now if you can't figure it out simply open your operator's. Manual.

How do you pop the hood in GTA 5?

And press X on this so this will either open it or close. It. Then we can go to the hood. And do the same thing right here. And then here is the trunk. Let's close the trunk or open it up.