To open the hood on a Volvo XC60, pull the interior hood release, go to the front to release the secondary latch, and lift the hood. Most XC60s use gas struts to hold the hood up, so no prop rod is required. This guide explains the standard steps, safety tips, and any year-by-year variations you might encounter.
Getting ready and safety basics
Before you begin, park on level ground, engine off, and the parking brake set. If the engine has been running, allow it to cool before you touch components in the engine bay. Keep hands clear of moving parts and hot surfaces.
Step-by-step: popping the hood
Follow these steps in order to safely open the hood on most Volvo XC60 models.
- Park on level ground, switch off the engine, and apply the parking brake. If the engine is hot, wait for it to cool to reduce the risk of burns.
- Inside the cabin, locate the hood release lever near the driver's left side (usually in or near the lower dash or footwell) and pull it. You should hear a brief pop indicating the latch has released.
- Move to the front of the vehicle and feel along the center front edge of the hood for the secondary latch. This is the catch you must disengage to fully lift the hood.
- Disengage the secondary latch by either lifting or sliding it (depending on your model). You may need to push the latch to the side or lift it with a finger to release the hood.
- With the latch released, lift the hood with both hands. On most XC60s, the hood will be held up by gas struts; no prop rod is required. If your model uses a prop rod, insert it into the designated support point to hold the hood open.
- When you’re finished with maintenance, gently lower the hood until it is a few inches above the engine, then let it drop to engage the latch. Ensure the hood is securely closed before driving.
Note: Some 2008–2017 XC60s and newer models may have slight variations in latch location or operation. If you have trouble, consult your owner’s manual for the exact steps for your trim.
Hardware variations: what changes across XC60 generations
Gas struts vs. prop rod
Most Volvo XC60s use gas struts to hold the hood open, so you won’t need a prop rod. A few older trims or specific configurations may still use a simple prop rod stored in the engine bay. If you see a rod and a small clip, you’ll need to insert the rod into the support hole to keep the hood up.
- Gas-strut configuration: Hood is supported by hydraulic gas springs on each side; you simply lift the hood and let the struts support it.
- Prop-rod configuration: A metal rod is stored in the engine bay; you insert it into a designated hole/clip to hold the hood while you work.
Regardless of the hardware, the general process inside the vehicle and at the front edge of the hood remains the same. Always ensure the hood is fully supported and secure before starting work on the engine bay.
Tips and common questions
If the interior release doesn’t seem to disengage the latch, wait a moment and retry, ensuring you pull firmly. If the hood still won’t pop, there may be an issue with the latch mechanism; in that case, consult a professional or reference the specific owner’s manual for your model year.
Summary
Opening the Volvo XC60 hood involves pulling the interior release, releasing the front safety latch, and lifting the hood. Most models rely on gas struts to hold the hood up; a prop rod is only used on certain configurations. Always park safely, allow the engine to cool, and verify the hood is securely latched before driving. If you’re unsure about your specific year or trim, check the owner’s manual for exact steps.