Opening the hood of a Jeep Cherokee might seem like a basic task, but it’s not always straightforward, especially for new owners. We’ve had our fair share of moments scratching our heads, trying to figure out the exact steps. Whether you have a 2014 or a 2019 Jeep Cherokee, the process can be a bit tricky but totally manageable.
To open the hood of your Jeep Cherokee, start by pulling the interior hood release latch. This is usually located near the driver’s seat, under the dashboard. Once you’ve done that, head to the front of your SUV. Here comes the slightly tricky part—releasing the safety latch. You’ll need to reach under the partially opened hood and locate the latch, which you might have to slide, lift, or press depending on your model.
We know the frustration of the hood getting stuck even after releasing the interior latch. To tackle this, you can try gently banging on the hood or pulling it up to pop it open. Once it’s open, just use the prop rod to keep it safely lifted. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to make this work smoothly every time!
JUMP TO TOPIC
How To Open Jeep Cherokee Hood
Opening the hood of a Jeep Cherokee might seem tricky at first, but it’s pretty simple once we know the steps. 🔧 Here’s a quick guide to help us.
First, find the interior hood release lever. This is usually on the driver’s side, under the dashboard, and near the steering column. Look for a lever with a hood icon on it. Pull this lever to pop the hood slightly.
Next, we need to go to the front of the vehicle. Stand in front of the hood and feel for the safety latch. This latch is usually in the center of the hood or slightly to the side. Slide your hand under the hood and move the latch to one side to release it.
Once the safety latch is released, we can open the hood fully. Lift the hood up and secure it with the hood prop rod or the automatic hood lift. 🛠️
If the hood doesn’t open easily, don’t force it. Check that the interior release lever is fully pulled. Sometimes, older models might need extra help, like using a coat hanger to reach through the front grille.
Always be careful when working under the hood. Make sure the vehicle is turned off and parked safely.
Tools Needed For The Task
Opening the hood of a Jeep Cherokee is a straightforward task but using the right tools ensures safety and prevents damage. Different situations require varying tools; we’ll highlight what’s most important.
Standard Tools
For the basic job of opening the hood, you usually won’t need many tools.
However, having a few basic tools on hand can help in case anything goes wrong:
- Flashlight (🔦): Useful if you’re working in low light.
- Flathead Screwdriver: This can help in prying open a stuck latch if needed.
- Gloves (🧤): These protect your hands from sharp edges.
- WD-40 (🛠️): Great for lubricating the latch mechanisms if they are stiff.
- Safety Glasses (🕶️): Protect your eyes when inspecting the hood latch.
Using these tools ensures we can address minor problems without causing further damage to the vehicle.
Specialized Tools
If the standard approach doesn’t work, there might be deeper issues requiring specialized tools.
Some scenarios may need:
- Hood Release Cable (⚙️): If the original one is broken, a replacement might be necessary.
- Mechanic’s Hook or Pick (🔧): For reaching tight or tricky spots.
- Open-End Wrench Set (🔩): Handy if we need to remove or adjust any parts.
- Diagnostic Tool: If a broken hood release is part of a larger issue, this helps in pinpointing the problem.
- Lubricant Spray (⛽): Special formulations work best for tricky or rusty parts.
By having these specialized tools on hand, we can handle more severe issues like a broken hood release or malfunctioning latch, which ensures smooth access to the engine compartment for routine maintenance or repairs.
Understanding the need for these tools helps maintain the Jeep Cherokee in top condition, ensuring our vehicle remains safe and reliable.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Opening the hood of a Jeep Cherokee involves a few key steps. It’s important to know how to find and use the hood release lever and the safety latch. Here’s how we do it:
Locate The Hood Release
First, let’s find the hood release lever. It’s located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. You might see it near the left side, close to where your left knee would be when sitting. Look for a small lever with a hood icon.
If you have an older Cherokee, the location might differ slightly. For most models, it’s still within reach from the driver’s seat. Knowing its exact placement saves you from fumbling around.
Keep an eye out for any signs of damage, like a broken hood release cable. This might make the job a bit trickier.
Pull The Hood Release Lever
Once we locate the lever, we need to give it a firm pull. This releases the primary latch holding the hood. You’ll probably hear a “click” sound when it disengages.
After this, move to the front of the car. The hood will pop up slightly, showing that it’s ready for the next step.
If the lever feels stuck, don’t force it too hard. The cable could be stuck, and forcing it might break it. If it seems broken, consider using a coat hanger to manually pull the cable from outside.
Release The Safety Catch
Now, standing in front of the vehicle, find the grille. Reach under it to locate the safety latch. This is a secondary latch that keeps the hood from flying up while driving.
It’s usually positioned in the center, right under the grille. Slide your fingers under the hood until you find a small lever or pin.
Pull upward on this secondary release latch. Be cautious, the engine components might be hot, and you don’t want to burn your fingers. ⚠️
Lift The Hood
With the safety latch released, we can now lift the hood. It can sometimes be a little heavy, so brace yourself.
Use your other hand to locate and engage the prop rod, which is used to hold the hood open. Insert the prop rod into the slot designed for it. This will secure the hood in place, giving us full access to the engine compartment. 🚗
Check the hinges for any signs of rust or damage. Rusty hinges can make the hood difficult to lift. Regular maintenance, like oiling the hinges, helps keep the hood easy to open.
If the hood feels stuck or won’t budge, check if the latches are completely released. Sometimes, a little wiggle is all it needs to break free from the latch.
Be cautious of hot engine components. You don’t want to get burned while accessing the engine bay.
We love what we do, and it shows in everything we do and more. We share our knowledge, here on Ran When Parked.
- Best Exhaust Tip for Deep Sound: Top Picks for 2025 - May 3, 2025
- Best Clear Coat for Headlights Reviewed: Top Picks for Enhanced Visibility - May 3, 2025
- Best Car Coffee Table Books for Auto Enthusiasts - May 3, 2025