The hood release is usually located inside the vehicle on the driver’s side, under the dashboard in the footwell area. Pulling the interior lever releases the primary latch, allowing access to the hood’s secondary latch at the front. This guide explains where to find it, how to open the hood safely, and what to expect across common Odyssey generations.
Where to look for the interior hood release
In most Honda Odysseys, the interior hood release is a small pull lever on the driver’s side, beneath the dash near the kick panel. It is typically easy to reach from the driver’s seat and is often colored yellow or black with a hood icon for quick identification.
- Location: Driver’s side under the dashboard, near the left knee area or kick panel.
- Appearance: A small pull lever or handle, commonly marked with a hood symbol and sometimes yellow.
- Accessibility: Designed to be reached without leaving the driver’s seat; you may need to tilt or move your seat slightly for best access.
The main takeaway is that the interior release is consistently found on the driver’s side under the dash, and it is used to release the hood’s primary latch before you go to the front to release the secondary latch.
How to open the hood safely
After locating the interior release, follow these steps to open the hood properly and safely.
- Park on level ground, turn off the engine, and engage the parking brake.
- Reach under the driver’s side dash and pull the interior hood release lever. You should hear a click indicating the primary latch has released.
- Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary latch at the front edge of the hood (usually centered). Move your hand under the hood and release this latch by lifting or sliding, then lift the hood.
- If your Odyssey uses a prop rod, secure the rod in the designated slot to hold the hood up. If your model uses gas struts, the hood will stay open on its own.
- Be mindful of the hood and prop rod while working and avoid placing hands near the latch mechanism while closing the hood.
Conclusion: The interior hood release is on the driver’s side under the dash, and the front secondary latch must be released to open the hood. Use the prop rod if present, and ensure the hood is securely latched before driving.
If you can’t locate the release
If the lever is missing, damaged, or inaccessible, consult the owner’s manual for the exact location for your model year, or contact a Honda dealer or technician for assistance. Some models may have slight variations or additional protective coverings that conceal the lever; a quick manual check can confirm the exact placement.
Summary
For most Honda Odysseys, the hood release is inside the cabin on the driver’s side under the dashboard, near the 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. Secure the hood with a prop rod if your model uses one, and ensure the hood is latched before driving. If you’re unsure, refer to the owner’s manual or seek professional help.
How to pop the hood on a 2017 Honda Odyssey?
Right on top of the Honda emblem there one of the arms for the H. Like that that's a secondary hood release lever push it right with one finger. When it's pushed right raise the hood.
Where is the hood opener on a Honda?
Slip your left hand under the hood. And move the lever to the right then just lift up the hood grab the support rod by the foam rubber handle. And insert it to the receptacle in the hood.
Where is the hood latch on my Honda Odyssey?
And then place it in that hole right there. That is how you open the hood now suppose you want to close the hood. Back just lift the hood upwards.
Where is the latch to open the hood?
Another dad tip from Dwayne. If you're a new driver how do I open my hood a lot of people don't know how to open their hood. Simple but not so simple. So it's always going to be on this pillar.