If you own a 2014 Jeep Cherokee, you may encounter a frustrating problem: the hood won’t open. This can be a significant inconvenience, especially if you need to perform routine maintenance or make repairs.
Fortunately, there are several potential causes and solutions to this problem. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to troubleshoot and fix a hood that won’t open on your 2014 Jeep Cherokee.
Understanding the Hood Release Mechanism
Before we dive into specific causes and solutions, it’s essential to understand how the hood release lock mechanism works. Your Jeep Cherokee has two hood release mechanisms: one inside the cabin and one outside the vehicle.
The interior hood release is a lever located under the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Pulling this lever releases the hood latch, allowing you to open the car hood from outside the vehicle.
The exterior hood release is a latch located under the hood near the center of the vehicle. Pulling this latch releases the hood latch, allowing you to pop open the hood from outside the vehicle.
Potential Causes of a Hood That Won’t Open
Several potential causes could prevent your 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s hood from opening.
The Interior Hood Release Lever is Broken
One possible cause of a hood that won’t open is a broken interior hood release lever. If the lever isn’t working correctly, pulling it won’t release the hood latch. This problem can be particularly frustrating because there’s no way to access the latch from outside the vehicle.
The Exterior Hood Release Latch is Stuck
Another potential cause of a hood that won’t open is a stuck exterior hood release latch. If the latch is stuck, pulling it won’t release the hood latch, preventing you from opening the hood from outside the vehicle.
The Hood Latch is Stuck or Malfunctioning
If neither the interior nor exterior hood release will open the hood, the problem may be with the hood latch itself. Over time, the latch can become stuck or malfunction, preventing it from releasing the hood.
The Hood is Misaligned
Another potential cause of a hood that won’t open is misalignment. If the hood isn’t aligned correctly, the latch may not release when you pull the release lever or lift the latch.
Causes of a Hood That Won’t Open
There are several reasons why a 2014 Jeep Cherokee hood might not open. Here are some of the most common causes of the problem:
Broken Hood Latch
One of the most common reasons why a hood won’t open is a broken hood latch. The latch may have become stuck or jammed, preventing secondary latch on the hood from opening. Alternatively, the latch itself may be broken, preventing it from releasing the hood when you pull the release lever.
Corroded Hood Release Cable
Over time, the hood release cable can become corroded or rusted, making it difficult or impossible to pull. If this is the case, you may need to replace the cable in order to open the hood.
Obstructed Hood Hinges
If there is debris or dirt lodged in the hood hinges, this can prevent the hood from opening smoothly. In some cases, the hinges may need to be lubricated or cleaned in order to free up the hood.
Damaged Hood Struts
The hood struts are responsible for holding the hood open once the tension on it has been released. If these struts are damaged or worn out, they may not be able to support the weight of the hood, causing it to close unexpectedly.
Electrical Issues
In rare cases, a problem with the electrical system of your Jeep Cherokee could be responsible for a hood that won’t open. For example, a blown fuse or a malfunctioning relay could prevent the hood release from working properly.
By following these tips, you can determine the specific cause of your Jeep Cherokee hood issue and take the necessary steps to fix it.
Solutions for a Hood That Won’t Open
Once you’ve identified the potential cause of your hood problem, you can take steps to fix it. Here are some potential solutions to common hood problems on a 2014 Jeep Cherokee:
Broken Hood Latch
If locking mechanism on the hood latch is broken, you may need to replace it with a new one. Alternatively, you can try to release the latch manually by accessing it from underneath the vehicle. Once the latch is released, you can open the hood and inspect it to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Corroded Hood Release Cable
If the hood release cable is corroded, you may need to replace it with a new one. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that can be done by a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast with some mechanical knowledge.
Obstructed Hood Hinges
To address this issue, you can try to clean the hinges with a degreaser or lubricant. In some cases, the hinges may need to be replaced if they are severely damaged or corroded.
Damaged Hood Struts
If the hood struts are damaged or worn out, they will need to be replaced with new ones. This is a simple repair that can be done by a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast with some mechanical knowledge.
Electrical Issues
If you suspect that an electrical issue is causing the problem, you may need to take your Jeep Cherokee to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair. This could involve replacing a blown fuse, repairing a malfunctioning relay, or addressing any other electrical problems that are preventing the hood release from working properly.
In any case, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that you can access your engine compartment when necessary. If you’re not comfortable performing any of these repairs yourself, it’s always best to consult with a professional mechanic who can help you diagnose and fix the issue.
FAQs
What should I do if my hood won’t open even after trying these solutions?
If none of these solutions work, it’s best to take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic who can diagnose and fix the problem.
Can I open the hood from underneath the vehicle?
No, it’s not recommended to attempt to open the hood from underneath the vehicle as this can be dangerous and cause damage to the vehicle.
How often should I check my hood release mechanism?
It’s a good idea to check your hood release mechanism periodically to ensure it’s working correctly. Checking it every six months or during routine maintenance is a good practice.
Can I replace the hood latch myself?
Replacing the hood latch can be a challenging task, and it’s recommended to take your vehicle to a mechanic for this repair.
How can I prevent my hood latch from becoming stuck in the future?
Regularly lubricating the hood latch with a silicone spray lubricant can help prevent it from becoming stuck in the future. Additionally, avoiding excessive force when opening and closing the hood can help prevent damage to the latch.
What Is The Cost To Replace A Hood Latch?
The cost to replace a hood latch on a 2014 Jeep Cherokee can vary depending on the specific make and model of your vehicle, as well as the cost of labor in your area. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a new hood latch, plus the cost of labor if you have a professional mechanic install it for you.
How do you open the Hood without a Lever?
If you’re having trouble opening the hood of your Jeep Cherokee because the hood release lever is broken or stuck, there are a few other methods you can try. One option is to access the hood latch lever from underneath the vehicle and release it manually with a wrench or pliers. Another option is to try pushing down on the front of the hood while a friend pulls the release lever from inside the vehicle.
Where is the hood release in the Jeep Cherokee?
The hood, release handle and lever in a 2014 Jeep Cherokee is located on the driver’s side of the vehicle, underneath the dashboard. It is a small, black lever that you can pull to release the hood latch and open the hood.
What are the most common problems with 2014 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee had a number of issues reported by owners, including problems with the transmission, electrical system, engine, suspension, and steering. In fact, the vehicle was subject to 12 recalls during its production year due to safety defects, including issues with the transmission control module software, power steering system, and engine cylinder heads.
Additionally, more than 2,100 complaints were filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding a range of issues, including transmission failure, oil leaks, engine stalling, and unexpected airbag deployments.
Despite these issues, many drivers have found the 2014 Jeep Cherokee to be a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to own and operate. It’s important to note, however, that regular maintenance and prompt repair of any problems that arise are essential to keeping your Cherokee in top condition and ensuring that it remains safe to drive.
If you’re experiencing any issues with your Jeep Cherokee, it’s recommended that you have it inspected and diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
Conclusion
To troubleshoot and solve the issue of a hood that won’t open on a 2014 Jeep Cherokee, there are several potential causes to consider, such as a faulty hood latch, a broken cable or lever, or a stuck hood release mechanism. However, with careful inspection and diagnosis, these issues can be addressed by a qualified mechanic using a variety of solutions, such as lubricating the latch, adjusting the cable or lever, or repairing or replacing the release mechanism.
It’s important to note that while the 2014 Jeep Cherokee has had its share of common problems, such as issues with the transmission, electrical system, and engine, regular maintenance and prompt repair of any problems that arise are essential to keeping your Cherokee in top condition and ensuring that it remains safe to drive.
Despite these issues, many drivers have found the 2014 Jeep Cherokee to be a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to own and operate, and regular maintenance and prompt repair of any problems that arise are essential to keeping your Cherokee in top condition
