How to Open Hood of 2017 Ford Escape: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
If you own a 2017 Ford Escape, knowing how to open the hood is a simple but essential skill. Whether you need to check your engine, add fluids, or handle a quick repair, accessing under the hood is your first step.
But sometimes, the latch or release lever can be tricky to find or operate. Donât worryâthis guide will walk you through each step clearly and easily. By the end, youâll feel confident opening your Ford Escapeâs hood anytime without hassle.
Keep reading to learn exactly what to do.
Locate The Hood Release Lever
Finding the hood release lever on your 2017 Ford Escape is the first move to opening the hood smoothly. This lever is your gateway to accessing the engine compartment, whether for routine checks or urgent fixes. Knowing its exact location saves you time and prevents frustration.
Where To Look Inside Your Vehicle
The hood release lever is typically found on the driverâs side, just beneath the dashboard. Itâs often tucked near the left kick panel or under the steering wheel column. You might spot a small handle with a hood icon, making it easier to identify.
How The Hood Release Lever Feels And Looks
The lever is usually made of sturdy plastic and designed to pull easily. It may be black or gray, blending with the interior but still distinct enough to notice. If youâre unsure, gently feel around the lower dash area for a small handle that pulls toward you.
Tips To Quickly Spot The Lever
- Turn on your vehicleâs interior lights to brighten the area.
- Use your hand to carefully explore the left side under the dash.
- Look for the small hood-shaped icon near the lever.
Have you ever struggled to find this lever in a new car? Taking a moment to locate it now will save you from a frustrating search later.
Pull The Interior Hood Release
The first action to open the hood of your 2017 Ford Escape is to pull the interior hood release. This lever is your gateway to accessing the engine compartment without any tools or hassle. Knowing exactly where and how to pull it saves you time, especially when you need to check the oil or top off fluids quickly.
Look below the dashboard on the driverâs side, near the door or just under the steering wheel. The lever is usually marked with a small icon of a car with an open hood, making it easier to spot. If youâre unsure, try feeling along the panel where the driverâs left knee would rest.
Pull The Lever Firmly
Use a firm grip to pull the lever towards you. Youâll hear a distinct pop sound indicating the hood has released its primary latch. This sound confirms that the hood is slightly lifted, and you can now move to the front of the vehicle to open it fully.
What If The Lever Doesnât Move?
Sometimes, the hood release lever can be stiff or stuck due to dirt or lack of use. Try pulling it a few times with steady pressure; avoid yanking it abruptly to prevent damage. If it still doesnât budge, checking the cable for any visible damage might be necessary.
Why Is This Step Important?
Pulling the interior hood release is the safest and easiest way to unlock the hood without causing any damage. Skipping this step or forcing the hood open from outside can harm the latch or hinges. Have you ever tried opening a hood the wrong way and ended up with a stuck or bent latch? Avoid that hassle by mastering this simple pull.
Move To The Front Of The Vehicle
Stand in front of the vehicle and face the hood. This position gives clear access to the hood latch for easy opening.
Moving to the front of your 2017 Ford Escape is the first step in accessing its engine compartment. This might seem straightforward, but ensuring youâre positioned correctly can save you time and frustration. Imagine being ready to check your engine, only to realize youâre struggling to find the latch. Letâs make sure that doesnât happen. Position yourself at the front of the vehicle. Look inside the car, beneath the dashboard on the driverâs side. Youâll find the hood release lever there. Itâs usually marked with a small icon of a car with an open hood. Pull this lever firmly; youâll hear a slight pop sound, indicating the hood is unlatched.
Approach The Front Of The Car
After pulling the release lever, step out of your vehicle. Head to the front of your Ford Escape. Feel along the front edge of the hood to find the secondary safety latch. This latch prevents the hood from opening fully without your intervention. Itâs a safety feature designed to prevent accidental opening while driving.
Engage The Secondary Safety Latch
Reach under the partially open hood with your fingers. Youâll need to engage the secondary safety latch to lift the hood completely. This latch is usually centered, so use your fingers to gently push it aside. Once moved, the hood should lift easily, allowing you full access to the engine compartment. Opening the hood might seem like a minor task, but itâs essential for vehicle maintenance. Have you checked your carâs engine recently? Understanding how to efficiently open the hood can make regular car checks a breeze.
Find The Secondary Safety Latch
The secondary safety latch on the 2017 Ford Escape is a crucial part of opening the hood safely. This latch prevents the hood from popping open completely if the main release lever inside the car is pulled accidentally. Knowing where to find and how to operate this latch can save time and avoid damage to the vehicle.
After pulling the interior hood release lever, the hood will lift slightly but remain secured by the secondary latch. You must locate this latch to open the hood fully. It is usually found under the front edge of the hood, near the center.
Locate The Secondary Safety Latch Under The Hood
Step out of the car and walk to the front. Stand in front of the hood and feel along the center edge. The secondary latch is a small lever or tab you can move sideways or upward. It is often black or silver and blends with the hoodâs underside.
Use Your Fingers To Release The Latch
Place your fingers under the hoodâs front edge. Find the latch with your fingertips. Push or slide the latch in the direction it moves easily. This action releases the hood fully, allowing you to lift it open.
Lift The Hood After Releasing The Latch
Once the secondary latch is released, lift the hood slowly. Hold it firmly as you raise it to avoid it falling back. Check if the hood stays up securely before moving on to inspect the engine or perform maintenance.
Release The Safety Latch
To open the hood of a 2017 Ford Escape, releasing the safety latch is essential. This latch keeps the hood securely closed while driving. Knowing how to release it helps you access the engine safely and quickly.
The safety latch is a secondary lock under the hood. It prevents the hood from flying open if the main release lever is pulled accidentally. Releasing this latch requires a simple hand movement once the primary lever inside the car is pulled.
Locate The Safety Latch Under The Hood
After pulling the hood release lever inside the vehicle, move to the front of the car. Stand in front of the grille and feel under the hoodâs edge. The safety latch is usually near the center or slightly to one side. It may be a small lever or tab you can move by hand.
Use Your Fingers To Move The Latch
Slide your fingers under the hoodâs front edge. Find the latch and push or lift it gently. The latch usually moves sideways or upward. Moving it releases the hood from the lock, allowing you to lift it fully.
Once the latch is released, lift the hood slowly. Use both hands for control. The hood should open smoothly without resistance. If it feels stuck, check the latch again to make sure it is fully released.
Lift The Hood Carefully
Lifting the hood of a 2017 Ford Escape requires care to avoid damage or injury. The hood is heavy and can close quickly if not held properly. Taking a slow and steady approach ensures safety and protects your vehicle.
Hold the hood firmly with both hands. Lift it gently until it reaches the fully open position. Avoid jerky movements to prevent the hood from slamming shut.
Locate The Hood Prop Rod
After lifting the hood, find the prop rod inside the engine bay. It usually rests along the front edge. This rod keeps the hood open securely while you work.
Lift the prop rod and fit its end into the designated slot on the hood. Make sure it clicks into place. This prevents the hood from falling unexpectedly.
Check For Stability Before Working
Test the hoodâs stability by gently shaking it. If the hood moves, reposition the prop rod. Always work with the hood safely supported to avoid accidents.
Secure The Hood With The Prop Rod
Securing the hood of your 2017 Ford Escape with the prop rod is vital for safe vehicle maintenance. It prevents the hood from falling while you work under it. This simple action keeps you safe and protects the carâs components.
The prop rod is a metal stick attached near the front of the engine bay. After lifting the hood, locate the prop rod and place it in its holding slot. This holds the hood open firmly and stops it from closing unexpectedly.
Locate The Prop Rod
Look near the front left side of the engine bay. The prop rod is thin and metal, often painted black or silver. It usually clips to the side when not in use. Gently unclip it to prepare for use.
Lift And Position The Hood
Raise the hood fully until it stays open by itself. Hold it steady with one hand to avoid any sudden drops. This gives you time to position the prop rod safely.
Secure The Prop Rod In The Slot
Find the small hole or slot on the underside of the hood. Insert the end of the prop rod into this slot firmly. Make sure it fits tightly so the hood stays stable while open.
Check Stability Before Working
Gently shake the hood to confirm it is secure. The hood should not move or fall. Proper support ensures safety during any repairs or checks.
Close The Hood Safely
Closing the hood of your 2017 Ford Escape safely is essential for your safety and the vehicleâs protection. A securely closed hood prevents it from flying open while driving. It also keeps dirt and moisture out of the engine compartment.
Take a moment to lower the hood gently. Avoid dropping it, as this may damage the latch or the hood itself. Ensuring the hood clicks into place confirms it is locked securely.
Lower The Hood Slowly
Hold the hood with both hands. Lower it gently until it is a few inches above the latch. Avoid slamming it down to prevent damage.
Check The Latch Position
Press down firmly on the center of the hood. Listen for a clear click sound. This means the latch has caught and locked the hood.
Test The Hood
Try to lift the hood slightly. If it stays in place, it is locked properly. If it moves, repeat the closing process carefully.
Inspect The Hood Seal
Look around the edges of the hood. Ensure the rubber seal sits evenly to keep out water and dirt. A good seal helps maintain engine health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Open The Hood Of A 2017 Ford Escape?
Locate the hood release lever inside the vehicle, usually under the dashboard on the driverâs side. Pull the lever firmly. Move to the front of the car and release the secondary safety latch under the hood. Then lift the hood fully.
Where Is The Hood Release Lever In A 2017 Ford Escape?
The hood release lever is located on the lower left side under the dashboard. It is usually marked with a hood icon. Pulling this lever will pop the hood slightly, allowing you to access the safety latch at the front of the vehicle.
What If The Hood Wonât Open On My 2017 Ford Escape?
Check if the hood release lever is fully pulled. If stuck, gently wiggle the lever. Inspect the safety latch at the front for rust or debris. Lubricate the latch if needed. If problems persist, consult a professional mechanic.
Can I Open The Hood Without The Interior Lever?
Opening the hood without the interior lever is difficult and not recommended. The lever is designed for safe and easy hood release. If lost or broken, a mechanic can assist in opening and repairing the release system safely.
Conclusion
Opening the hood of a 2017 Ford Escape is simple with the right steps. Start by pulling the interior release lever inside the car. Then, find the latch under the hoodâs front edge and lift it up. Always check that the hood is secure before working under it.
Knowing this process saves time and avoids frustration. Now, you can easily access the engine for checks or repairs. Practice these steps to feel more confident with your Ford Escape. Itâs a small skill that makes a big difference.
By Herbert Langham
ASE-Certified Master Technician & Garage Consultant based in Columbus, Ohio. Herbert helps drivers choose reliable automotive tools, accessories, and garage equipment through practical, experience-based advice.