Opening the hood is quick and simple: pull the interior hood release lever under the driver's side dash, then release the exterior latch at the front and lift the hood. Depending on trim, the hood may be held up by a prop rod or gas struts.
This guide explains exactly where to find the latches on a 2006 Accord, describes the step-by-step process, and offers safety tips so you can inspect or service the engine without mishap.
Step-by-step Guide
Use these steps in order to safely open the hood. The interior release is located under the dash on the driver's side; after popping the hood, release the front latch and raise the hood. Some models may use a prop rod to hold the hood open, while others use hydraulic struts.
- Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Engage the parking brake and allow the engine to cool if it has been running.
- Inside the car, locate the hood release lever on the lower-left side of the dash near the door sill. Pull the lever; you should hear the hood pop up slightly.
- Move to the front of the vehicle and stand directly in front of the hood. Locate the secondary latch centered under the front edge of the hood.
- Release the secondary latch: push the latch to the side while gently lifting the hood with your other hand. The hood will spring up a bit or stay in the open position if the latches are released.
- Since 2006 Accords vary by trim, decide how the hood will be supported. If you see a small metal prop rod, lift the hood a bit and place the rod into the hole on the underside of the hood to hold it open. If your model uses hydraulic struts, simply lift the hood to its full open position; it will hold itself there.
When you are finished inspecting or working under the hood, lower the hood slowly and push firmly to ensure the front latch clicks back into position. If you used a prop rod, remove it from the support hole before closing the hood, then resecure it in its clip.
Latch locations and hood support
Interior hood release
The interior release is mounted on the lower-left side of the dash, near the driver's footwell. Pull the lever labeled with a hood icon or the word HOOD. A clean pop indicates the hood has released its primary latch and can be accessed from the outside.
Front exterior latch and hood support
At the front center of the car, you’ll find the secondary latch under the hood edge. Press or move this latch sideways to release the hood and open it. The hood is then held up by either a prop rod (manual support) or by hydraulic struts built into the car's sides. If using a prop rod, locate the support hole on the underside of the hood and secure it before starting any work.
Summary
To safely open the hood on a 2006 Honda Accord, locate and pull the interior release under the driver's side dash, release the center-front secondary latch, and raise the hood. Depending on your trim, support the hood with a prop rod or rely on the built-in hydraulic struts. Always ensure the hood is secure before performing any under-hood tasks and close it gently when finished.