How to Open the Hood on Your GMC

Need to check your engine or top off fluids but can’t figure out how to open the hood on your GMC? You’re not alone! Whether you’re driving a GMC Acadia, Sierra HD, or Yukon, knowing how to properly release the hood latch and lift the hood is essential for routine maintenance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to pop the hood on your GMC, including manual and power hood options on select models. If you need assistance or have questions about your GMC, visit or contact Huston Cadillac GMC—our team is always ready to help!

Step 1: Find the Hood Release Lever in Your GMC

Before you can open the hood, you need to locate the hood release lever inside your vehicle. In most GMC models, including the Acadia, Sierra HD, and Yukon, this lever is easy to find if you know where to look.

Where to Look for the Hood Release Lever

• Driver’s Side Dashboard – Look under the dashboard, near the left side of the steering wheel.
• Near the Door Panel – Some models have the lever close to the driver’s side door for quick access.
• Marked with a Hood Symbol – The lever usually has a small image of a hood popping open.

How to Use the Lever

• Reach under the dashboard and pull the hood release lever firmly.
• You should hear a soft pop—this means the GMC hood latch has released.
• Walk to the front of the vehicle to complete the next steps.

Once the hood latch is released, the hood will be slightly raised. The next step is to find the secondary latch and fully lift the hood. Follow along to make sure you safely pop the hood on your GMC without hassle.

Step 2: Unlock the Hood Latch for Easy Access

After pulling the hood release inside your GMC, you’ll need to unlock the hood latch to fully open it. This latch keeps the hood secure while driving and prevents it from opening unexpectedly.

Finding the Hood Latch

1. Walk to the front of the vehicle.
2. Look under the center of the hood, just above the grille.
3. Feel for a small lever or tab tucked inside the gap.

Releasing the Latch

1. Use one hand to lift the hood slightly.
2. With your other hand, push or pull the latch to unlock the hood.
3. The latch may move up, down, or to the side, depending on your model.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• If the latch sticks, wiggle it gently to loosen it.
• In cold weather, ice may block the latch—apply light pressure to break it free.
• Never force the hood open if the latch won’t release. Check the lever inside to make sure it fully disengaged.

Once the latch is released, you’re ready to pop the hood and access the engine bay. Whether you drive a Yukon, Acadia, or Sierra HD, these steps will help you open the hood with ease.

Step 3: Lift and Secure the Hood of Your GMC

Now that the hood latch is unlocked, it’s time to fully open the hood. Lifting it properly ensures easy access and keeps you safe.

How to Lift the Hood

• Stand in front of the vehicle with both hands ready.
• Place one hand under the hood near the center.
• Lift slowly until the hood moves freely.

Some models have a heavy hood. If it feels stuck, apply steady pressure rather than forcing it open too fast.

Keeping the Hood Secure

• If your GMC has a manual prop rod, find it near the front of the engine bay.
• Lift the rod and place it into the slot designed to hold the hood up.
• Make sure it is locked in place before letting go.

Some models, like the Sierra HD, Acadia, and Yukon, may have hydraulic struts instead of a prop rod. If so, the hood will stay up automatically once lifted.

Safety Tips

• Always double-check the hood is secure before working under it.
• Avoid leaning on the hood, as this could cause it to close unexpectedly.
• If the hood does not stay up, have the hood struts or prop rod inspected.

Once the hood is safely secured, you can check fluids, inspect the engine, or perform maintenance with confidence.

Step 4: Close the Hood of Your GMC

Once you’re done under the hood, closing it the right way is just as important as opening it. A securely latched hood prevents damage and keeps you safe on the road.

Steps to Close the Hood Safely

• Check for tools or loose items under the hood before closing it.
• Grip the hood with both hands and lower it until it’s a few inches from fully shut.
• Let the hood drop naturally to engage the latch—do not push it down or slam it.

Making Sure the Hood is Latched

• Gently pull up on the hood to check if it’s fully closed.
• If it lifts, press down lightly near the center and try again.
• Listen for a solid click to confirm the latch is engaged.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Never slam the hood because this can bend the latch or damage the paint.
• Don’t leave the hood partially closed because it could pop open while driving.
• Check the hood latch if the hood won’t close because it may need adjusting.

Whether you’re driving a Sierra HD, Acadia, or Yukon, following these steps will help you close your GMC hood safely and correctly every time.

How to Use the Power Hood and eTrunk on Select GMC Models

Some GMC models come with a Power Hood and eTrunk™ for added convenience. These features let you open and close the hood with ease.

Opening the Power Hood

• Make sure the vehicle is in PARK before trying to open the hood.
• Check that nothing is blocking the hood’s path.
• Use one of these three methods to pop the hood:
  • Key Fob – Press the Hood Open button twice. Hold the button the second time until the hood starts moving.
  • Interior Button – Press the hood release button near the steering wheel.
  • Exterior Button – If equipped, press the button on the front of the vehicle.

Closing the Power Hood

• Press and hold the Hood Open button on the key fob until the hood lowers.
• Inside the cabin, press and hold the hood button until fully closed.
• If the vehicle has a pull-to-close feature, gently pull the hood down until you hear a chime. It will close on its own.

Using the eTrunk™

• The eTrunk™ is a storage space under the hood on select models.
• Use the same steps as the Power Hood to open and close it.
• Make sure the hood is latched before driving.

Whether you drive a Sierra HD, Acadia, or Yukon, these smart hood features make it easy to access storage and engine space with the push of a button.

Emergency Hood Opening in Case of Power Loss

If your vehicle loses power, you may need to open the hood manually. This ensures you can access the engine even if the power hood system is not working.

Using the Manual Release Cable

1. Locate the manual release cable inside the cabin.
2. It is usually found on the lower-left side of the dashboard near the driver’s seat.
3. Pull the cable firmly two times.
4. Walk to the front of the vehicle and lift the hood as usual.

If the Hood is Stuck

• Try pulling the release cable again with steady pressure.
• Check if the hood latch is blocked by dirt or ice.
• Gently press down on the hood while pulling the release to help free it.

Important Safety Tips

• Never force the hood open if it feels jammed. This can damage the latch.
• If the hood won’t release, contact a service center for help.
• Always make sure the hood is latched before driving.

Even if your Acadia, Sierra HD, or Yukon loses power, these steps will help you pop the hood and get back on the road.

Customizing Power Hood Opening Settings (If Equipped)

If your GMC has a Power Hood, you can adjust how far it opens. This feature helps when parking in tight spaces or low-clearance areas.

Changing the Hood Opening Height

• Start by putting the vehicle in PARK and making sure nothing is in the hood’s path.
• Open the settings menu on the infotainment screen.
• Select Vehicle Settings > Comfort and Convenience > Power Hood Opening.
• Choose one of the following options:
  • Maximum – Opens the hood fully. Use this setting in open spaces.
  • Custom – Lets you set the hood height based on your needs.
  • Off/Manual – Disables power operation so you can open and close the hood by hand.

Setting a Custom Hood Height

• Open the hood and move it to the height you prefer.
• Press and hold the exterior touchpad (if equipped) until you hear a chime.
• The vehicle will save the height setting automatically.

Things to Keep in Mind

• If the hood does not respond, check if the power hood is enabled in the settings.
• The custom height cannot be set too low for safety reasons.
• Always listen for the latch to engage when closing the hood.

Whether you drive a Sierra HD, Acadia, or Yukon, these options let you adjust how you pop the hood for better convenience.

Hood Open Alert and Safety Precautions

Driving with an unlatched hood is dangerous. If the hood is not fully closed, your vehicle will alert you to prevent accidents.

Understanding the Hood Open Alert

• If the hood is not latched, a warning will appear on the dashboard.
• Some models will also sound a chime to get your attention.
• In certain vehicles, the car will not shift out of PARK until the hood is fully closed.

How to Respond to the Alert

• Stop the vehicle safely if you are already driving.
• Check that the hood latch is secure before restarting the engine.
• If the hood won’t stay closed, inspect for obstructions or a faulty latch.

Important Safety Tips

• Never drive with a partially closed hood—it could pop open while moving.
• Always pull up on the hood after closing it to confirm it’s locked.
• If the alert continues after securing the hood, schedule a service check.

Whether you own a Acadia, Sierra HD, or Yukon, these warnings help keep you safe on the road. Always check for alerts before driving.

Safety Tips for Opening & Closing the Hood of Your GMC

Taking the right steps when handling your hood ensures safety and prevents damage. Whether you’re performing maintenance or simply checking under the hood, always follow best practices.

Essential Hood Safety Tips

• Always park on level ground before opening the hood. This keeps the vehicle stable.
• Let the engine cool down before touching anything under the hood. Hot parts can cause burns.
• Check for obstructions before closing the hood. Tools or debris can prevent a proper latch.

Secure the Hood Before Driving

• Gently pull up on the hood after closing it to ensure it is fully latched.
• If the hood latch feels loose, get it inspected as soon as possible.
• Never drive with the hood partially open—it could pop up and block your view.

Regular Maintenance Matters

• Clean the latch area to prevent dirt buildup that could affect its function.
• Inspect the hood struts or prop rod for wear and replace them if needed.
• If you hear rattling noises, check if the hood is secured properly.

By following these simple tips, you can safely pop the hood and close it with confidence. Whether you drive a Sierra HD, Acadia, or Yukon, keeping your hood in good condition helps ensure a smooth and safe experience.

Where is the hood release lever located on a GMC?

The hood release lever is under the dashboard on the driver’s side. It usually has a hood pop symbol on it.

Are there any safety latches under the hood that I must disengage?

Yes, after pulling the hood release lever, you must release a secondary latch under the center of the hood. Some models require you to push or pull the latch to fully open the hood.

Do I need any special tools to open the hood if the latch is stuck?

No special tools are required, but you may need to apply steady pressure to the hood while pulling the release lever. If the latch is stuck, check for dirt buildup or rust and use lubricant to loosen it.

Knowing these details will help you quickly and safely open your GMC hood when needed. If you experience ongoing issues, consider having the latch inspected at a certified service center.

Keep Your GMC Hood in Top Shape with Huston GMC

Keeping your GMC hood in good shape is an important part of vehicle care. Whether you need to check your engine or add fluids, knowing how to safely open and close the hood makes a big difference.

If you’re in Waverly, Highland Park, or Alcoma, visit Huston Cadillac GMC to explore our selection of Acadia, Sierra HD, and Yukon models. Our team is ready to help you find the right GMC SUV or truck for your needs.

Looking for more ways to get the most out of your vehicle? Learn how to save on a Certified Pre-Owned GMC, stay safe while driving in Gator Country, or find out what to look for when buying a used GMC truck or SUV.

For expert service and maintenance, schedule an appointment with our team today: Book Your Service Here.

Get Directions to Huston GMC

---

Disclaimer: All information is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all content is complete, current, or error-free. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. This article may include opinions and is not endorsed by, or officially affiliated with, any vehicle manufacturer or brand. Always consult official sources – such as the vehicle’s owner’s manual, authorized dealerships, or certified professionals – for the most up-to-date and personalized information.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »