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Why Wont My Car Hood Open?

August 8, 2023

So, your car hood won't open. You've pulled the tab in your vehicle and hear that click, but that hood isn't budging. Or perhaps even worse, you don't hear a click at all when pulling the handle! What will you do when it's time to refill your wiper fluid or get your oil changed? As frustrating as all this can be, it may be an easier fix than you think! Fret not, and follow this quick guide to help you determine why your hood may not be opening and what you can do about it.

Why Your Car Hood Latch Won't Open

Opening the hood of your car is a pretty simple process. Pull the handle in the cabin of your vehicle, commonly located near or on the driver's side door. Once the handle releases, or "pops" the hood latch, reach in between the hood and your vehicle's frame, and find and press the latch until the hood releases all the way.

If your hood isn't opening via this process, there are usually two likely reasons for what's going on:

  1. The hood latch cable is broken or disconnected
  2. The latch mechanism is broken or damaged

    Both of these issues can be relatively simple fixes, though it's important to know which issue your vehicle has before ordering new replacement parts from INFINITI Parts.

    Your Hood Latch Cable Is Disconnected or Broken

    The hood latch cable runs from the hood release handle inside your INFINITI to the hood latch mechanism that keeps the hood locked in place. When you pull the handle, it pulls on the cable, engaging the latch mechanism and releasing the hood. The hood typically makes a popping sound when it's released, hence the phrase "pop the hood."

    If the cable is disconnected from the latch mechanism, you likely won't feel any tension or hear a click when you pull the handle. The cable may become disconnected from a minor collision or while repairing or replacing other components near the cable under the hood. As long as both the latch mechanism and the cable are undamaged, you should be able to reconnect the cable to the latch mechanism.

    Since it is metal, the hood release cable can rust if it's exposed to the elements for a long period of time. If the cable is broken due to rust, collision damage, or something else, have the release cable replaced with a genuine OEM replacement part at your local authorized INFINITI service.

    How to open the hood of your car with a broken release cable

    If your hood release cable is broken but you need to open your hood to check your oil, top off your windshield wiper fluid, or perform other important routine maintenance services, for instance, it might take some work and a few special tools. Depending on the model and year of your INFINITI, it can be difficult to access the latch from the outside of the vehicle since you'd likely have to go in from underneath the vehicle and work around many different parts before reaching the latch.

    If your hood latch cable is broken and you need to pop your hood, it's best to bring your vehicle into a service center near you for professional help with the right tools.

    The Latch Mechanism Is Damaged or Broken

    At times, the latch mechanism can get damaged, either from slamming the hood down incorrectly on the latch, closing the hood on a piece of debris stuck in the latch, or from a front-end collision. A damaged or broken hood latch can be dangerous since the hood can potentially fly open while you're driving. This may also cause further damage to the hood hinges, your windshield, or the structural integrity of the hood.

    If the latch mechanism is broken or damaged, you may still feel tension on the hood release handle and may even hear a click or pop when the handle is pulled. However, the hood may not release all the way from the latch or it may not be able to close fully.

    If this scenario sounds familiar, head to your nearest INFINITI service center for professional hood latch replacement to ensure your hood stays secure while you drive.

    Fix Your Hood Latch With Genuine INFINITI Parts

    Is your INFINITI’s hood giving you trouble? Get it working as it should again with genuine replacement parts from INFINITI Parts & Accessories. Order a new Genuine OEM hood latch or hood release cable that's made to fit your specific model and year. Search for the part you need for your vehicle! Take your new OEM replacement part to your local Authorized INFINITI service center for professional installation* and Genuine INFINITI Parts limited warranty** to give you peace of mind.

    *Some accessories may require installation, which is not included in the MSRP. Retailer sets actual price.

    **Genuine INFINITI Accessories are covered by INFINITIs limited warranty on Genuine INFINITI Replacement Parts, and Genuine INFINITI Accessories for the longer of 12 months/12,000 miles (whichever occurs first) or the remaining period under the 48 months/60,000-mile (whichever occurs first) new vehicle limited warranty. Terms and conditions apply. See retailer, warranty information booklet, or parts.infinitiusa.com for details.