Mini Coopers made before 2007 have a hood release underneath the glove compartment. The hood release on models 2007 and newer is near the driver’s side door.

Written by Mary Cahill

Reviewed by Christelle Agustin

Updated on Mar 23, 2023

Table of Contents

Where is the hood release on a Mini Cooper?
How to open the hood on a Mini Cooper
How to repair the Mini Cooper hood release

If your Mini Cooper is a 2007 model year or newer, the hood release lever can be found near the driver’s door to the left of the pedals. Models made before 2007 will find the handle underneath the glove compartment.

Whether you’re checking the oil level or investigating a strange sound coming from the engine, it’s important to know how to open the hood of your Mini Cooper. If you’ve never done it before or are having trouble this time around, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to the Mini Cooper hood release. We’ll talk about where to find it, how to use it, and if repairing a faulty hood release can be covered by

car insurance

MORE:

Mini Cooper insurance costs

Where is the hood release on a Mini Cooper?

It depends on the model year of the Mini Cooper you drive.

Here are the hood release locations based on the Mini Cooper model year:

2006 or older: Underneath the glove compartment on the passenger’s side of the vehicle

2007 and newer: On the lower left-hand side of the driver’s side area between the driver’s side door frame and the foot pedals

After you pull the hood release lever on the inside of the vehicle, you’ll also need to release the hood latch on the inner edge of the hood in order fully lift it.

On Mini Cooper models 2014 and newer, you must pull the interior hood release twice—once to unlock the hood and again to open the hood. If you aren’t able to open the hood after pulling the hood release two times, try pulling the release latch on the hood itself to raise it up.

How to open the hood on a Mini Cooper

Becoming familiar with the hood release options on your Mini makes it a lot easier to open the hood. Follow these steps and your hood will be lifted in no time:

Pull the hood release lever inside your Mini Cooper (once or twice depending on the model year).

If your Mini’s hood has been unlocked but not opened by pulling the interior release lever, pull the hood release latch on the inner rim of the hood itself to open it.

Carefully raise the hood to its fully opened position.

Use the prop rod located inside the hood to secure the hood’s open position.

That’s all there is to it—you’ll now be able to tend to whatever maintenance your Cooper needs!

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What if the hood release latch doesn’t work?

If you heard the hood release latch click open but still can’t get it open, try firmly pressing on the hood with your palms (in line with the stripes) and then pull the interior release lever again. This could help reengage the hood release latch.

Sometimes the hood release latch won’t open due to the cables that connect the interior hood release lever with the exterior latch coming loose. You may be able to pop open the hood by gently pulling the cables with your fingers or a pick tool—but this is definitely a short-term solution.

MORE: Are Minis expensive to maintain?

How to repair the Mini Cooper hood release

A hood release that won’t open could be the result of a corroded hood latch or cables. While you could use a lubricating agent like WD-40 or brake grease to prevent corrosion from worsening—it’s a temporary fix. Once corrosion happens, there’s no reversing it.

Your best bet is to take your car to a repair shop or mobile mechanic for professional service. According to RepairPal, the typical cost for a Mini Cooper hood latch replacement costs between $192 and $223.

You may be able to shave some dollars by consulting an independent mechanic who’s willing to install an aftermarket hood release latch since the Mini dealership exclusively uses pricier OEM replacement parts. That being said, if

OEM coverage

is part of your car insurance plan, you won’t need to resort to aftermarket parts

However, keep in mind that insurance won’t automatically cover a broken hood release mechanism. If age is the cause of a non-functional hood release latch, you won’t be eligible for coverage. On the other hand, a hood release latch damaged from an accident means your insurer will likely pay for a replacement (as long as you have

collision insurance

!).

MORE:

Does car insurance cover repairs?

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