To open the hood of a 2019 Civic, pull the interior hood release, then release the exterior latch at the front edge. The hood is held up by gas struts, so no prop rod is required.
What to know before you begin
Opening the hood safely relies on two latches: an interior release inside the cabin and a secondary latch along the front edge of the hood. Knowing where these are and how they work helps prevent damage to the latch or the grille.
Step-by-step guide
Follow these steps in order to safely open the hood without injuring yourself or damaging the car.
- Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. If the engine has recently been running, allow it to cool before reaching into the engine bay.
- From inside the car, locate the hood release lever on the driver's side beneath the dashboard. It is usually a bright yellow handle labeled HOOD.
- Pull the interior hood release lever firmly. You should hear a pop indicating the latch released from the primary catch inside the engine bay.
- Move to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary latch along the front edge of the hood, centered near the grille.
- Slide or lift the secondary latch to release the hood’s secondary catch. You may feel a little resistance as it disengages and the hood begins to lift.
- With the secondary latch released, carefully lift the hood. The Civic uses gas struts on either side to hold the hood up, so there is no prop rod to secure.
- Open the hood to its full upright position and ensure it is stable before you start inspecting or servicing the engine.
When open, the hood is supported by hydraulic gas struts on each side. Do not apply force beyond the intended latching points, and never rely on the hood to stay open if the struts appear weak or damaged.
Safety tips and common issues
If the interior release doesn’t feel or sound right, or the hood doesn’t pop up slightly after releasing the interior latch, stop and inspect the latches for corrosion or debris. Do not force a stubborn latch. If a latch won’t release, seek assistance rather than applying force that could bend the hood or grille.
Closing the hood follows the reverse steps: lower it gently to the latch and press down until you hear the latch click securely. Always verify the hood is fully closed before driving.
Summary
Opening the hood on a 2019 Honda Civic is a two-step process: use the interior hood release, then disengage the front edge secondary latch. The hood is held open by gas struts, so no prop rod is needed. Prioritize safety by letting the engine cool, keeping hands clear of hot components, and ensuring the hood is securely latched before driving away.