If you’re a new Jeep Cherokee owner, we understand it may get puzzling to find the simplest of features in it. Similarly, you may come across moments where you might need to find an alternate way to open the hood.
So how to open a Jeep Cherokee hood? The usual way to open it is to identify the release lever which is located inside the cabin, next to the driver’s side. A safety latch release lever can be found under the dash panel, behind the front edge of the hood. To open the hood latch, it has to be pulled forward.
However, in this article, we are going to get into a detailed procedure on how to open a Jeep Cherokee hood for different scenarios.
Table of Contents
How To Open A Jeep Cherokee Hood [Using The Lever]
In this section, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process on how to open a Jeep Cherokee hood. So let’s get started!
Step 1: Locating the latch
First, you have to find the hood latch that is installed on the driver’s side. If you still can’t find it, look toward the left of the steering wheel.
Step 2: Pulling the latch
After locating it, simply pull it. This will cause a bust to open, it will not open completely. Now exit the Jeep, close the door, and move toward the front of the driver’s side.
Step 4: Locating the hood release
Under the hood towards the right, you will find the hood release.
Step 5: Pulling the hood release
After locating it, pull the hood release towards you. This will result in the opening of the hood,
However, the hood release is installed under the hood and to the center of the models before the 1999 Jeep Cherokee was released. The newer models have the hood release latch slightly to the right.
How To Open A Jeep Cherokee Hood Without A Lever
A thorough method can be used to open a Jeep Cherokee’s hood without a lever. This requires any tool as a screwdriver.
Usually, the hood latch is visible behind the front windscreen. If a screwdriver is not available at that moment, any similar household object may work fine. However, it must be able to hook around the latch assembly and pull to release the hood.
If the latch mechanism is broken or dysfunctional, opening the automobile grille may be a helpful alternative. This will support having greater access and make the previous procedure easier to follow.
Caution Regarding Opening The Hood
You have to make sure the hood is properly latched after opening and before turning on the vehicle. If it is not correctly latched, it is likely to open unexpectedly during the drive, which may cause severe damage and even cause an accident.
The hood should not be slammed shut to prevent any potential harm. A moderately strong pressure applied downwards from the middle of the hood to close it is safe and recommended.
Driving with the hood open is also a serious issue that should not be encouraged. If something is wrong with the engine or appears in critical condition, it is best to reach out to a mechanic.
How To Open A Jeep Cherokee Hood With A Dead Battery
Without a working battery, it is not possible to access the driver’s side and find the latch. But it is possible to open the hood with a dead battery by following the proper steps.
First, lift the whole jeep, then proceed to find the cables that are attached to the latch itself. After locating it, you can activate it and unlock the hood.
Reasons Behind Jeep Cherokee’s Hood Getting Stuck
There are various reasons why the Jeep’s hood gets stuck. These should be kept in mind to prevent any damage to the Jeep’s hood. Some common reasons are
Rusting of the hood latches
If the hood latches get dirty and rusty because of weather and the environment, they stop working. And this leads to the Jeep’s hood getting stuck.
Faulty cables
Fraying cables deactivate the hood latch mechanism. So, if it’s not fixed, the Jeep’s hood will not open.
Loose hinges
Due to exposure to rough terrains and external influence, hinges can get loose. Which ultimately leads to the hood getting stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we will talk about the most common questions people have regarding opening Jeep Cherokee hoods.
Can I change the hood on a Jeep Cherokee?
Yes, with proper experience and expertise, you can change the hood of your Jeep Cherokee. Buy the hood that is compatible with your specific car model. Make sure to install the hood latches after replacing them.
How much does the hood latch replacement cost on a Jeep Cherokee?
The latch itself will cost you $10-$30, depending on the model of Jeep Cherokee you have. And it will cost around $100-$150 if you hire a mechanic.
How do I fix the hood latch on my Jeep Cherokee that won’t close?
One of the reasons hood latches stop working is it becomes dirty and rusty. Cleaning or replacing it fixes the problem.
How much does replacing the hood on a Jeep Cherokee cost?
On average, a Jeep Cherokee hood will cost $200-$300. If you hire a mechanic, it will cost you an extra $100.
Conclusion
In this article, we gave extensive guidelines on how to open Jeep Cherokee hood. We also suggested difficulties that could arise while opening this Jeep’s hood.
If you want to have a functioning hood for your Jeep Cherokee, you need to take the necessary precautions mentioned in the article. Make sure you take care of the cables, latches, and hinges that connect the hood to the car.
This way, your Jeep Cherokee hood will never take any damage and ensure that it runs smoothly.
