The hood release is inside the car on the driver’s side near the kick panel. Pull the interior lever to pop the hood, then release the secondary latch at the front edge to fully open it.
Inside the cabin: locating the hood release
In a 2014 Honda CR-V, the interior hood release is mounted to the lower dash on the driver’s side, near the left footwell. It is typically a small lever colored yellow or black with a hood icon and is designed to be reached from the driver's seat.
Use the following steps to locate and operate the interior hood release:
- Sit in the driver's seat and look toward the far left of the dash, near the door sill and the kick panel.
- Feel for a small lever with a hood graphic; it is usually easy to grab with one hand.
- Pull the lever toward you. You should hear a pop indicating the primary latch has released.
- Move to the front of the vehicle to finish opening the hood by releasing the secondary latch at the hood’s edge.
After using the interior latch, the hood should lift slightly at the front, letting you access the secondary catch. If the hood does not pop, ensure you are pulling the correct lever and apply a firm, steady pull.
Opening the hood at the front: finishing the release
The CR-V uses a secondary safety latch at the front edge of the hood to prevent accidental opening while driving. This latch must be released from the outside once the interior latch has popped the hood.
Use these steps to finish opening the hood safely:
- Stand in front of the vehicle and locate the secondary latch along the center of the hood’s leading edge, just above the grille.
- Insert your hand under the front edge and lift or slide the latch as instructed by its design (often a lift or pull action).
- Gently raise the hood; the CR-V uses hydraulic or gas struts to hold the hood open, so you don’t need a prop rod.
With the hood fully released, lift it until the gas struts support it securely. Avoid letting the hood slam down and ensure your surroundings are clear before working underneath.
Tips and troubleshooting
If the interior release feels stuck or doesn’t pop the hood, try these quick checks before seeking service: ensure you’re pulling the correct lever, check for any obstruction around the kick panel, or consult the owner’s manual for model-specific guidance. If the secondary latch won’t release, inspect for corrosion or stiff mechanisms and avoid forcing the latch to prevent damage.
Summary: On a 2014 Honda CR-V, the hood release is located inside the cabin on the driver’s side near the kick panel. Pull the interior lever to pop the hood, then release the front-edge secondary latch to lift the hood. The hood is held by gas struts, not a prop rod, and should be opened with care.