Open the hood by first pulling the interior release lever, then releasing the front secondary latch, and finally propping the hood if your model uses a support rod. This two-step process is standard for many Honda Pilot models of this era.
Inside the cabin: locate and pull the hood release
To begin, you’ll find the hood release lever tucked under the dash on the driver’s side. It’s labeled HOOD and is designed for a quick, one-handed pull.
- Park on a level surface with the engine off and the parking brake engaged.
- In the driver’s footwell near the left kick panel, locate the interior hood release lever labeled HOOD.
- Pull the lever firmly until you hear a pop, signaling that the primary latch has released.
- Stand up and move toward the front of the vehicle to access the front edge of the hood.
The interior release unlocks the primary latch, allowing the hood to pop up slightly and reveal the secondary latch at the front edge.
At the front: releasing the secondary latch and lifting the hood
With the interior latch released, you’ll finish opening the hood by releasing the secondary latch at the front center and then lifting the hood. The exact mechanism is designed to prevent the hood from flying open unexpectedly.
- Stand directly in front of the vehicle and locate the secondary latch under the front edge of the hood, near the center.
- Push or slide the secondary latch to release it fully; you may feel a small resistance as it disengages.
- Gently lift the hood with both hands until it is high enough to stay open on its own or until you can secure it with the hood prop rod.
- If your Pilot uses a prop rod, locate the rod in its clip on the engine bay, pull it out, and insert the end into the designated hole on the underside of the hood or the engine bay brace to prop it open.
- Ensure the hood is securely supported before you start any maintenance under the hood.
If your vehicle has hydraulic struts instead of a traditional prop rod, you can simply lift the hood with one hand and let the struts hold it in place; no prop rod is needed.
Always be mindful of hot components if the engine has been running recently, and keep hands clear of moving parts when closing the hood.
Tips and troubleshooting
Common issues and quick fixes
If the interior release feels stuck or the hood won’t pop up after pulling the lever, try gently wiggling the hood from the front edge while pulling the interior lever again. If the secondary latch is hard to release, ensure you’re applying steady pressure and not forcing it. If the latch or rod appears damaged, or the hood won’t stay open, it’s best to have the system inspected by a mechanic.
In normal operation, opening the hood on a 2013 Honda Pilot is straightforward: interior release, front secondary latch, and optional hood prop rod. With these steps, you can safely access the engine bay for inspection or maintenance.
Summary
To open the hood on a 2013 Honda Pilot, begin with the interior hood release on the driver’s side to disengage the primary latch, then proceed to the front to release the secondary latch. Finally, lift the hood and use the prop rod if your model requires one to secure it in the open position. If you encounter trouble, check for a stuck latch, a damaged rod, or consider professional assistance.