The hood release for a 2014 Honda CR-V is located on the driver’s side under the dashboard near the left kick panel. Pull the interior lever to release the primary latch, then go to the front to release the secondary latch and lift the hood.
Inside the car: locating the interior hood release
To identify and reach the hood release from the driver’s seat, look under the dash on the left side of the steering column, near the kick panel. The lever is usually a small pull handle with a hood icon or a colored tip that you grasp and pull toward you. When you pull it, you should hear a pop indicating the primary latch has released.
Common cues to confirm you’ve found the right component include the lever’s position (left side, low on the dash) and its distinctive hood-symbol marking. If you’re unsure, consult the owner’s manual for a diagram of the interior hood release.
Before proceeding to the exterior latch, ensure you have clear access to the front of the vehicle and that there are no obstructions around the engine bay area.
- Location: Under the dash on the driver’s left-side kick panel
- Appearance: Small pull handle marked with a hood icon
- Action: Pull toward you to release the primary hood latch
With the interior latch identified and released, you’re ready to access the exterior latch at the front of the hood.
Outside the car: releasing the secondary latch and lifting the hood
After pulling the interior hood release, proceed to the front of the vehicle. The hood is secured by a secondary latch along the center edge of the hood. You’ll need to locate this latch and release it while gently lifting the hood. The 2014 CR-V uses gas-filled struts to hold the hood open, so you won’t typically need a prop rod.
- Stand in front of the vehicle and center yourself at the grille to locate the hood’s front-edge latch.
- Feel for the small secondary latch and either push or lift it to release, depending on the exact design of your trim.
- With the secondary latch released, lift the hood slowly with one hand while keeping the other hand clear of the latch mechanism.
- Fully open the hood and let the gas struts hold it in place. Confirm it is securely propped and stable before inspecting or performing maintenance.
The combined interior and exterior latching system is designed for a straightforward operation: release from inside, release from outside, then lift the hood. If the hood does not stay up, ensure the gas struts are intact and not stuck or damaged.
Troubleshooting and tips
If you can’t locate the interior lever or the hood won’t release, try these quick checks before seeking professional help: ensure you’re seated properly with clear access to the left lower dash, verify you’re pulling the lever firmly, and listen for a distinct pop indicating latch release. If the lever feels jammed or won’t budge, the hood latch cable or latch mechanism may be stretched or misaligned and will likely require inspection or repair by a technician.
Common questions
Q: What if the interior hood release doesn’t pop or register?
A: Confirm you’re pulling directly on the lever, try from a different angle, and check for visible obstruction or misalignment. If it still won’t release, the latch or cable may be damaged and should be inspected.
Q: Do I need a prop rod to hold the hood?
A: On most 2014 CR-V models, the hood is held open by gas struts, so no prop rod is required. If you have an older or modified vehicle, verify how the hood is supported before working underneath it.
Summary
The 2014 Honda CR-V hides its hood release on the driver’s side under the dashboard near the left kick panel. Pull the interior lever to release the primary latch, then go to the front of the car to release the center-edge secondary latch and lift the hood. The hood is kept open by gas struts, making access straightforward for inspections and maintenance. If you encounter resistance or cannot release either latch, consult the owner’s manual for the exact diagram or contact a mechanic for assistance.