How To Open A Modern Car's Hood If You Have A Dead Battery

Just imagine: You're pretty sure you have a dead car battery that needs replacing, and you want to take a look under the hood to see what's going on. But thanks to your modern car's electronic system, you may or may not be able to open the hood, and now you're stuck. However, there is a solution, and it might be simpler than you think.

First, if the key fob isn't working because of the dead battery, don't panic, as your fob has hidden features you might not know about, like a manual key. Just flip the fob over and look for a switch or lever that releases the key. Once it's out, open the door and look for a hood latch under the driver's side dashboard. Just pull it and you should hear the hood pop free. Then carefully reach under the hood for the safety latch and once you find it, push it to the side, and you should be able to lift the hood. If you find an external lock under the hood, just use your traditional key to open it and then lift the hood.

If your hood release isn't manual, you can connect an external power supply under the dash to power the car and electronically release the hood. If all else fails, you can carefully pry the actual hood latch open using a long flathead screwdriver. No matter which method you try, it's always best to consult your car's user handbook before beginning.

If you can't get your modern car unlocked, it's possible you have a dead battery. But you might actually have a dead key fob instead, which can be just as frustrating. You probably have a metal key inside the fob, but if your new car doesn't have a key, and you have a push-button ignition, what can you do?

Your key fob may have a security chip, which works despite whether or not your battery's charged. To check, just hold the fob next to the ignition with one hand and try starting the car with your other hand. If the car cranks, then your key fob is indeed the culprit. If so, you can use your car owner's manual to show you how to replace the fob battery yourself.

If you want to go a step further and avoid any key fob issues, you can change the battery every couple of years or so, to ensure you won't have a problem later. It's also a good idea to keep the fob away from other electronics that can drain the battery and don't leave it in your car, as the connection with the push-button start can drain the key fob even quicker.