The hood refers to the panel that covers the engine system. When you want to change the oil, refill the wiper cleaning water, or assess the engine, you’ll need to open the hood. For Buick Enclave, a model that’s been in production since 2008, opening the hood is almost straightforward. However, if you have a new car or need a little refresher, we’ll describe the steps in this guide to get you started.
Contents
2009-2023 Models
- Open the driver’s door.
- On the lower part of the driver’s compartment, just above the emergency brake pedal, you will see a handle with an image of a car’s hood.
- Slightly pull the handle until you hear the hood pop open.
- Go in front of your car, just above the vehicle’s company logo.
- Put your palm about 2 inches into the space created between the hood and the vehicle’s body.
- Feel the hood release lever and slightly push it to the right.
- The hood will disengage from the safety latch, allowing you to open it fully.
2008 Models
- Find the hood release handle and pull it slightly. It is usually located where the driver’s left leg is, just above the emergency brake pedal.
- Go to your car’s hood. You will notice it has opened slightly after you pull the hood release handle in the driver’s compartment.
- Unlike the latest models, the 2008 model’s hood comes off with a bigger chunk on the vehicle’s front body.
- Find the hood release lever and push it to the left using your fingers and raise the hood.
Common Problems Associated with the Buick Enclave Hood
Sometimes the hood of your Buick Enclave can’t open, especially if you own one of the older models. Any of the following might mean a trip to your authorized Buick Enclave dealer:
Damaged Hood Release Handle
The hood release handle in the driver’s operating area can sometimes fail to pop the hood when you pull it. This can be due to wear and tear caused by regular pulling or damage to the connection between the handle and the safety latch.
When this happens, check if anything is blocking the handle’s movement. If not, try to feel if there is any “resistance” when you pull it. If the handle moves quickly without force trying to counter it, the connection might be damaged.
Damaged Hood Release Safety Latch
The hood release safety latch can sometimes get damaged due to debris and dirt deposits. Wear and tear can also play a part in this. If you have this problem, try pushing the hood down and restarting the hood release process.