Knowing how to open the hood of your Jeep Patriot is essential for conducting routine maintenance, checking fluids, or jump-starting the vehicle. If you’re a new Jeep owner or simply unsure about the process, this guide will walk you through the steps to easily pop the hood of your Jeep Patriot.
Locating the Hood Release
Before attempting to open the hood, make sure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the engine is turned off. The hood release lever inside the Jeep Patriot is located on the driver’s side, typically beneath the dashboard. It’s a small, often metallic lever that you’ll need to pull in order to release the hood latch.
Primary Hood Latch
Once you’ve located the hood release lever, pull it until you hear the primary hood latch release. You may need to feel around for the latch if it’s your first time opening the hood. After pulling the release lever, you’ll likely need to move to the front of your Jeep Patriot to fully release the hood.
Opening the Hood
With the primary hood latch released, move to the front of the vehicle. Feel underneath the center of the hood to locate the secondary release latch. It is often a small plastic handle that you can push to the side or pull up, depending on the Jeep Patriot model year.
Once the secondary latch is released, lift the front of the hood and secure it with the prop rod. The prop rod is a metal rod typically found on the underside of the hood. Place the prop rod into the designated slot to keep the hood open while you work underneath.
Closing the Hood
When you’re finished with the maintenance or inspection under the hood, carefully raise the hood slightly and remove the prop rod. Place it back in its holder and slowly lower the hood. Ensure that it’s fully closed by pressing down on the front to engage the latch.
Now that you’ve mastered the process of opening and closing the hood of your Jeep Patriot, you’ll be able to perform routine checks and maintenance with confidence.
Conclusion
Opening the hood of a Jeep Patriot is a straightforward process once you familiarize yourself with the location of the release lever and latches. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily access the engine compartment and perform necessary maintenance tasks.