To open a Volvo XC90 hood, you’ll need to pull the hood release lever in the lower left-hand area under the dashboard. Next, turn the handle under the center of the hood counterclockwise to release the latch.

Unless you’re into engines or a grease-monkey type, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to pop the hood on your Volvo XC90 regularly. However, it’s a good idea to be familiar with it in case you need to access it. Whether you’re getting an

oil change

jumpstarting

a stranded friend’s ride, or staring at your engine with a furrowed brow while waiting for

roadside assistance

, getting your hood open first is essential.

Read on for a quick guide to your Volvo XC90 hood release. We’re breaking down where it is, how to use it, what to do if the latch breaks, and whether or not your

car insurance

covers a repair.

MORE:

Volvo XC90 insurance costs

Where is the hood release on a Volvo XC90?

The hood release on a Volvo XC90 is underneath the dashboard on the far left-hand side of the driver’s side seat area.

It’s a little more tucked back than some other levers down there, but that makes it less likely that it will get pulled accidentally! Look for a small rectangle lever that typically has an icon of a car with an open hood. The XC90 has been in production since 2002, and since it’s an older model, the hood release may look more like a classic lever.

That’s not the only part you’ll need to locate, though. There’s a secondary hood latch on the underside of your Volvo’s hood—somewhere near the center. This latch is the mechanism that will pop your hood open.

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How to open the hood on a Volvo XC90

Now that you know where to find the levers and latches, you’re ready to open the hood! Here’s how:

Gently pull the hood release lever inside your Volvo XC90. You should hear the hood pop open.

Stand in front of your Volvo and slide your hand under the hood opening. Near the center of the hood, you should find the release latch.

Turn the handle on the latch counterclockwise, the hood should release, and you can now fully raise the hood.

If your Volvo XC90 has a pneumatic hood, it should stay open. If not, locate the hood prop rod on the edge of the engine bay to keep it propped open.

And there you have it! But what if this process doesn’t go quite as planned? Don’t stress—we’ve got you covered with some troubleshooting steps.

What if the hood release latch doesn’t work?

When you pull the inside hood release latch, you should hear a satisfying, audible pop. If you don’t, then the odds are you have a defective latch or release cable. Although you’ll want to get that repaired, you might still be able to open your hood with a little help from a flashlight and a flathead screwdriver.

If your hood has released enough for you to access the secondary hood latch, you might be able to turn it using your screwdriver to release the hood. Be cautious if you go this route—you don’t want to add a scratched-up paint job to your list of needed repairs!

MORE: Are Volvos expensive to maintain?

How to repair the Volvo XC90 hood release

Whether it’s a latch or release cable that’s broken, it’s best to get the repair done by a professional. Unless your XC90 is still under warranty, you’ll be looking at paying for the repair yourself. The exception? If the damage was caused by a collision, your repairs could be covered through your

collision insurance

RepairPal estimates that the cost to repair a broken hood latch or cable on a Volvo XC90 is around $300 to $350. The cost will vary a lot by year and location, and it’s always wise to get several quotes before you choose a mechanic. The advantage of having the work done at a Volvo dealership is that you’ll be getting OEM parts installed by Volvo mechanics. That said, using independent shops and aftermarket parts is a good way to reduce your repair bills.

MORE:

Does car insurance cover repairs?

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