If the hood opens, your cable may have slipped or stretched. Try to adjust it at the front end, or replace it if you see any damage. (Less commonly, your interior release latch could be broken. ) If you feel no tension at all, the cable is no longer attached to the front latch. Continue to the next step. Once you open the hood, check to see whether you can slip it back on, or whether the cable has snapped and needs replacement.
Alternatively, the latch may be accessible from the driver’s side fender well. In many cars, such as Hondas, the latch cables are run through the inner driver’s side fender well. Remove the inner fender well clips and reach in. Pull the cable to pop the hood open. This will only work if the cable itself is still attached to the hood latch.
You can remove the grille to get more direct access. Even replacing a non-removable grille might be cheaper than taking the car to a mechanic, depending on your model.
Warning: if the engine was on recently, let the car cool off before reaching under the hood. If this doesn’t work, take the car to a mechanic. Removing the front bumper yourself may end up more expensive than paying for a repair.
Some older cars only have an exterior release. Look for a latch under the front lip of the hood. If you are locked out of the car, skip ahead to fixes that do not require interior access.
If the hood does open partially, all you need to do is press the exterior latch at the front of the hood. This latch is usually at the center or just to one side, and may depress upward or to the side.
Take care not to dent your hood. You may need to use force, but keep your hand in an open palm position.
If the hood still won’t open, the cable or latch mechanism might be at fault. Continue to the next section to keep troubleshooting.
It may also help to lubricate the cable with a spray lubricant. Insert the straw nozzle at the cable’s end, between the inner cable and outer sheath. Pinch the area with a cloth and spray. Do not use silicone spray under your hood. It can contaminate the oxygen sensor, throwing off engine performance.
