The hood release on a Honda Pilot is located inside the vehicle on the driver’s side, near the lower-left portion of the dashboard in the footwell. Pulling this lever pops the hood slightly; you then go to the front of the vehicle and disengage the secondary latch to fully raise the hood.
Locating the interior hood release
On most Honda Pilot models, the interior hood release sits low on the driver's side, under the dash and to the left of the steering column. It’s a small handle often marked with a hood icon or the word HOOD. If you have trouble spotting it, consult the owner's manual for your specific year and trim, as there can be minor variations across generations.
Opening the hood: step-by-step
To open the hood safely after pulling the interior release, follow these steps:
- Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine.
- Sit in the driver’s seat and locate the interior hood release lever under the dash on the left kick panel.
- Pull the lever firmly to release the hood catch; you should hear a click and the hood will pop up slightly.
- Move to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary latch at the center edge of the hood, behind the grille.
- Release the secondary latch by lifting or sliding it to the side, then gently lift the hood.
- If your model uses a prop rod, secure it in the prop rod notch; if it uses gas struts, they will hold the hood open automatically. Ensure the hood is fully open and stable before working underneath.
Note: Do not force the latches if they feel stuck. A sticking latch can indicate dirt, corrosion, or a faulty release mechanism that may need inspection by a mechanic.
Summary
The Honda Pilot’s interior hood release is found on the driver’s side under the dash near the left kick panel. Pull the release to pop the hood, then use the front-center secondary latch to raise it fully. Always verify the hood is securely supported before working under it, and refer to your model year’s manual for any variations.