The hood release is inside the cabin, on the left side of the dashboard

To open the hood of a Range Rover, pull the hood release lever located on the left side of the dashboard, below the steering wheel. You will hear a click as the hood latch disengages. Then walk to the front of the vehicle, slide your hand under the center of the hood, and lift the secondary latch upward to fully release the hood. The hood will swing open.

The exact position of the release lever varies slightly by model year and generation. On most modern Range Rovers (2010 and newer), the lever is a black handle mounted on the lower left dashboard panel. On older models, it may be positioned slightly differently, but the principle is the same: pull from inside, then lift the secondary latch from outside.

Key Takeaways

  • The primary hood release is a lever on the left side of the dashboard below the steering wheel that you pull toward you.
  • After pulling the dashboard lever, you must walk to the front of the vehicle and lift the secondary latch under the hood center to fully open it.
  • The secondary latch is a safety feature that prevents the hood from opening while driving if the dashboard lever is accidentally pulled.
  • If the hood does not open after pulling the lever, check that you heard a click and that you are lifting the secondary latch firmly upward.

Locating the dashboard release lever

Sit in the driver's seat and look at the lower left side of the dashboard, just below the steering wheel column. The hood release lever is typically a black plastic handle about 3 to 4 inches long. On some models it may be labeled with a small hood icon, though labeling varies by year.

If you cannot find it in that location, check the area directly to the left of the steering column or consult your owner's manual for your specific model year. The manual will have a diagram showing the exact position for your generation of Range Rover.

The two-step opening process

The hood release system uses two latches for safety. The first latch, controlled by the dashboard lever, is the primary release. When you pull this lever, you will hear or feel a distinct click. This disengages the hood from the main catch inside the vehicle.

The second latch is a manual safety catch located under the hood at the center front. After pulling the dashboard lever, you must go to the front of the vehicle, position your fingers under the center of the hood, and lift the secondary latch upward. This second step prevents accidental opening while driving and ensures you have intentionally opened the hood.

What to do if the hood will not open

If you pulled the lever and heard a click but the hood still will not open, the secondary latch may not have released fully. Walk to the front of the vehicle and try lifting the hood gently while simultaneously pushing upward on the secondary latch underneath. Sometimes the latch requires firm, deliberate pressure.

If the hood remains stuck, do not force it. Check that the dashboard lever actually clicked when you pulled it. If it did not click, the primary latch may not have engaged. Try pulling the lever again with more force. If the hood still will not budge after multiple attempts, the latch mechanism may be jammed or broken, and you should have the vehicle inspected by a Range Rover technician.

Propping the hood open safely

Once the hood is fully open, you will see a metal prop rod attached to the underside of the hood on the driver's side. This rod has a notch or hook at the end. Locate the corresponding bracket or slot on the underside of the hood frame and insert the prop rod to hold the hood open at a safe working height.

Always use the prop rod rather than holding the hood open by hand. The hood is heavy and can fall unexpectedly, causing injury. Make sure the prop rod is fully seated in its bracket before you lean over the engine bay.

Closing the hood after you are finished

Remove the prop rod from its bracket and guide it back to its resting position on the underside of the hood. Lower the hood gently until it is about 12 inches above the frame, then release it. The hood should fall the remaining distance and latch automatically. Do not slam the hood down with force.

If the hood does not latch after closing, lift it again and check that nothing is blocking the latch mechanism. Debris, leaves, or a misaligned component can prevent the hood from seating properly. Once any obstruction is cleared, try closing again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Range Rover hood have two latches?

The two-latch system is a safety feature. The dashboard lever is the primary release, and the secondary latch under the hood prevents accidental opening while driving. If only the dashboard lever existed, a bump or vibration could potentially release the hood on the road. The secondary latch requires intentional action from outside the vehicle.

Can I open the hood from outside the vehicle without using the dashboard lever?

No. The secondary latch under the hood cannot be operated from outside unless the primary dashboard lever has already been pulled. This design prevents unauthorized access to the engine bay and protects against accidental opening.

What should I do if the hood release lever feels stuck or will not pull?

Do not force a stuck lever, as you may break the cable inside the dashboard. Try pulling it gently but firmly a few times. If it remains stuck, the release cable may be corroded or disconnected. Have a Range Rover technician inspect the mechanism rather than attempting to force it yourself.

Is the hood release lever the same on all Range Rover models?

The basic principle is the same across all Range Rover generations, but the exact location and appearance of the lever varies by model year and generation. Always consult your owner's manual for your specific year to confirm the location, as some older or newer models may position it slightly differently.