Embarrassing Honda Civic Question...

[Katy]

So a couple months back I was in a minor fender bender with the hubby's Civic. We took it into the shop, got it fixed, all is well.

Now today we went to pop the hood to put in some extra windsheild wiper fluid and couldn't get the damn thing open. Now what makes it embarrassing is this; 1) hubby is SO not car-smart and 2) I've never had to pop the hood (but have been known to do basic car maintainence)...where the heck is the part of the hood where you "release" it!?!?!?

The hubby's trying to say that the repair shop did something (he's never had to deal with repair shops before), but I think he just doesn't really know where to look - and for the life of me, I can't seem to find it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...
Katy

[Zelda Von Yitz]

There's probably an inside hood release, also.

Usually the hood release is right in front, not too far down from the front of the hood. You'll have to reach under and feel around for it.

[Katy]

yeah, we did that (and I've hte ruined nails to prove it) this it what makes it all so darmn embarrasing.

[Arien]

On my car I have to release the hood from the inside first, then search for the lever under the hood to open it all the way.

[Katy]

yep, we released and re-released it. The challenge appears to be that we then can't find the actual latch to open the hood. I know it's there, somewhere, just not sure where. I was hoping someone with a Civic might be able to help

[ignutzz]

I haven't opened our hood too recently (95 civic) but I do recall the latch being fairly far back from the front edge and off to one side or the other.

You should be able lift the hood and inch or two and look underneath to see where it's located (a flashlight might help too). Or, maybe, something is wrong with it that's only showing up now.

What kind of repairs were being done?

[Katy]

both the front and rear bumpers were "bumped" (I was the middle car). there was very little damage, but who knows. We'll take a peek again looking off t the sides. Thanks

[ejs]

What year is the car?

Have you looked in the owner's manual? They usually have pictures of where everything is located.

Finding the hood release on my current car is a pain, so I understand how you feel.

[Sandie78]

I have a 2000 Civic and I can never get the hood open either. There's a little lever thing under hood. My DH says it's in the middle and you push it to the right.
I hope that helps.

[indoflip]

Once you pop it, you have to slide your finger in between the hood right in the middle and push the lever aside. Don't worry, I could never get it either so I always had to ask for help.

[Katy]

Sandie, be sure to tell your husband that he was right! I was able to get the hood up (and fill the wiper fluid up as well). Turns out we were trying to go back and over to try to find the latch and it was really front and down. Go figure!

Many thanks to you and your hubby! :D
Katy

[Sandie78]

Glad we could help. :)