To open the hood on a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, locate the hood release lever inside the vehicle, then find and lift the safety catch under the hood. This simple process ensures you can access the engine bay for maintenance or checks.
Understanding how to open the hood of your Jeep is important for routine car care. You might need to check the oil, refill fluids, or inspect the engine. Knowing the correct steps can save time and prevent frustration. This guide will walk you through the process in easy-to-follow steps.
By the end, you’ll be able to open the hood confidently and ensure your Jeep runs smoothly.

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Preparation Steps
First, find a flat and safe spot to park. Turn off the engine. This keeps the car still.
Next, pull the parking brake lever. This stops the car from moving. Always use the parking brake when doing car work.
Locate The Hood Release
To find the hood release, sit in the driver’s seat. Look under the dashboard on the left side. You will see a small lever. It may have a picture of a car with an open hood. Pull this lever gently. This action will release the hood latch.
Once the lever is pulled, get out of the car. Walk to the front of the vehicle. Look for a small latch under the hood. It is usually in the middle. Lift the latch to fully open the hood. Now, you can access the engine area.
Activate The Hood Release
Find the hood release lever inside your Jeep. It is usually on the driver’s side. Pull the lever firmly. You should feel it move. This action will release the hood.
After pulling the lever, listen carefully. You should hear a click sound. This sound means the hood is now open. If you do not hear a click, pull the lever again. Make sure you pull it all the way.
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Open The Hood
First, you need to find the safety latch. The latch is under the dashboard. You will see it on the left side. Pull the latch to release the hood. You should hear a click sound. This means the hood is now unlocked.
Find The Safety Latch
Go to the front of the Jeep. Look for the hood gap. Feel for the safety latch under the hood. The latch is in the center. Push the latch up to release the hood.
Lift The Hood
Now, lift the hood slowly. Use one hand to keep the hood up. Find the hood prop rod. The rod is on the left side. Place the rod into the slot to hold the hood open. Now, you can access the engine. Make sure the hood is secure before you start any work.
Prop The Hood Open
To prop the hood, you first need to locate the prop rod. It is usually found under the hood. Look near the front of the engine bay. The rod is a long, thin metal bar. It is secured in a clip. Gently pull it out from the clip.
Next, use the prop rod to secure the hood. Find the hole or slot on the underside of the hood. Insert the end of the prop rod into this hole. Make sure it is firmly in place. This prevents the hood from falling. Always double-check that the rod is secure.

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Inspecting Under The Hood
Check the oil first. Use the dipstick to see the level. Make sure it is between the marks. Next, check the coolant. Look at the side of the reservoir. It should be between the “min” and “max” lines. Then, check the brake fluid. Open the cap and look inside. It should be near the top. Lastly, check the washer fluid. Fill it if it’s low. Always keep these fluids at the right levels.
Look under the car for any spots. Leaks can be a problem. Check the ground for oil spots. Also look for coolant. A sweet smell might mean a coolant leak. Check around the engine, too. A wet spot can mean a leak. Fix leaks right away. They can cause big problems later.
Closing The Hood
Hold the hood with one hand. Use the other hand to remove the prop rod. Put the rod back in its holder. Be sure it is secure.
Lower the hood slowly. Let it drop from a few inches high. Check if it is latched. Press down to ensure it is closed. Make sure it is secure before driving.
Final Checks
Ensure the vehicle is in park and the engine is off. Pull the lever under the dashboard to release the hood. Lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
Ensure Hood Is Latched
Check if the hood is fully closed. Press down on it gently. The hood should not move. If it moves, it is not latched properly. Ensure you hear a click when pressing down. This click means it is secure.
Test The Hood
After latching, pull up on the hood slightly. It should not open. This test confirms the hood is secure. If it opens, repeat the steps. Safety is important. Always test the hood after closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Pop The Hood On A Jeep Cherokee 2016?
To pop the hood on a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, locate the hood release lever under the dashboard. Pull the lever, then go to the front of the vehicle. Find the hood latch under the center of the hood and release it.
Lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
How Do You Pop The Hood On A Jeep?
To pop the hood on a Jeep, locate the hood release lever inside the vehicle. Pull the lever. Then, go to the front of the Jeep, find the secondary latch under the hood, and lift it to fully open the hood.
How Do You Open A Stuck Hood On A Jeep Cherokee?
To open a stuck hood on a Jeep Cherokee, pull the hood release lever inside. Then, push the hood down slightly while lifting the latch under the hood’s center. If it remains stuck, gently tap or wiggle the hood to loosen it.
Where Is The Latch To Open The Hood?
The latch to open the hood is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Look near the footwell area.
Conclusion
Opening the hood of a 2016 Jeep Cherokee is easy. Follow the steps carefully. Locate the hood release latch inside the vehicle. Pull the latch firmly. Then, find the secondary latch under the hood. Lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
Regular maintenance checks are important. Ensure you understand these steps for a hassle-free experience. If unsure, refer to your owner’s manual. Safety first, always.