How to open the hood on a Nissan Sunny: instructions for all generations (B13, B14, B15)

Nissan Sunny is a legendary car that is still popular today due to its reliability and ease of maintenance. But even such a time-tested car may have questions, especially for new owners. One of the most common - how to open the hood correctlywithout damaging the lock or cable. It seems like a simple procedure, but in practice many encounter difficulties: the lever does not press, the hood does not open all the way, or the cable is stuck.

In this article we will look at all ways to open the hood on Nissan Sunny different generations (B13, B14, B15), including hidden nuances that are not written about in the official manual. You will learn where the lever is, how to avoid a broken cable, what to do if the hood is stuck, and how to open it without a key in an emergency. And also typical mistakes that lead to lock failure.

Where is the hood release lever located in Nissan Sunny?

Most models Nissan Sunny the hood release lever is located under the steering wheel on the driver's side. However, its exact location depends on the generation of the car:

• 🔹 B13 (1990–1995) — the lever is hidden under the panel to the left of the steering column, next to the clutch pedal. Often it is closed with a plastic plug.
• 🔹 B14 (1995–2000) — the lever is placed at the level of the driver’s knee, to the left of the steering wheel. May be indicated by a hood icon.
• 🔹 B15 (2000–2006) — the lever is located under the instrument panel, closer to the driver's door. It is sometimes confused with the trunk release lever.

If you can't find the lever, look at plastic plugs under the steering wheel - it is often hidden behind them. On some versions Sunny (especially early ones) the lever may be black and blend in with the interior.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the hood release lever with the trunk release lever! On Nissan Sunny B14 They are located side by side, and accidentally pressing the wrong lever can damage the cable.

Step-by-step instructions: how to open the hood from the passenger compartment

If the lever is found, follow these instructions to avoid breaking the cable or damaging the lock:

1. Depress the brake pedal (on some models this is a prerequisite for unlocking the lever).
2. Pull the lever towards you all the way. You should hear a click, which means the hood lock has unlocked.
3. Go to the front of the car and find safety latch under the hood (usually it is located in the center, under the radiator grille).
4. Push the latch up or to the side (depending on model) and lift the hood at the same time.

If the hood does not open the first time, do not use excessive force! The cable may be stuck or the lock may be rusty. In this case try:

• 🔧 Lightly tap on the hood in the lock area (sometimes this helps to move the jammed mechanism).
• 🔧 Pull the lever in the cabin several times in a row - sometimes the cable “sticks” and requires development.
• 🔧 Use WD-40 or other penetrating lubricant if the lock is rusty.

Depress the brake pedal (if required)|Locate the lever under the steering wheel|Pull the lever until it clicks|Check the latch under the hood|Lift the hood carefully-->

What to do if the hood does not open: 5 ways to solve the problem

The situation when the lever is pressed, but the hood does not open, is familiar to many owners. Nissan Sunny. The reasons may be different: a broken cable, a jammed lock, corrosion, or even deformation of the hood after an accident. Let's consider all working methods solving the problem.

1. The cable broke or came off

If you do not hear a click when you press the lever, most likely the cable has broken or fallen off the mount. In this case:

• 🔧 Try to get to the cable through hole under the steering wheel (You may need to remove the plastic panel).
• 🔧 If the cable is intact, but has come off, try to return it to its place using pliers.
• 🔧 If the cable breaks, you will have to open the hood through the radiator grille (more on this below).

2. The lock is jammed or rusted

If the cable is tensioned, but the lock does not work, the problem is in the mechanism. Try:

• 🔧 Lubricate the lock through the gap under the hood (use WD-40 or liquid wrench).
• 🔧 Tap the lock with a hammer through a wooden block (do not overdo it!).
• 🔧 Ask an assistant to pull the lever inside while you try to move the lock from the outside.

3. The hood is deformed after an accident

If the car has been in an accident, the hood could become bent and block the latch. In this case:

• 🔧 Try lifting the hood with an assistant while simultaneously pressing the lever.
• 🔧 If you have access to the lock through the radiator grill, try to press it out with a screwdriver.

Emergency method

how to open the hood without a key if the cable is broken:

If the cable breaks and the lever in the cabin does not work, you can try to open the hood through the radiator grille:

1. Remove the plastic grill (it is usually secured with latches).

2. Feel the hood lock with your hand or a mirror - it is located in the center, behind the radiator.

3. Try pressing the lock lever with a screwdriver or pliers.

4. If the lock does not budge, you can try drilling a hole in the hood above the lock and pressing it through it.

⚠️ This method is risky and can damage the hood, use it only as a last resort!

Table: Causes and solutions to problems with opening the hood

Problem	Possible reason	Solution
The lever does not press	Cable or lock jammed	Lubricate the cable, check the lever fastening
There is no click, the hood does not open	Broken cable	Open through the radiator grille or replace the cable
The hood is slightly open, but does not rise	Safety latch jammed	Press the latch with your hand or a screwdriver
The lever works, but the lock does not work	Corrosion or deformation of the lock	Lubricate the lock, tap it, replace if necessary

How to open the hood of a Nissan Sunny without a key (emergency methods)

There are different situations: the keys are lost, the lock is jammed, and the hood needs to be opened urgently. In this case, you can use alternative methods, but they require caution to avoid damaging the vehicle.

Method 1: Through the radiator grille

This is the safest way if the cable breaks:

1. Remove the plastic radiator grille (it is secured with latches or bolts).
2. Reach inside with your hand or a lighted mirror to find the lock.
3. Press the lock lever with a screwdriver or pliers.

Method 2: Through the hole in the bumper

On some models Sunny you can reach the castle through technical hole in the bumper:

• 🔧 Locate the hole under the bumper (usually right or left of center).
• 🔧 Insert a wire or screwdriver there and try to press the lock.

Method 3: Drill a hole in the hood

Use this method only as a last resort!

• 🔧 Mark a place above the lock (usually in the center of the hood, at a distance of 10–15 cm from the edge).
• 🔧 Drill a hole with a diameter of 5–8 mm.
• 🔧 Insert the screwdriver and press the lock lever.
• 🔧 After opening the hood, you can temporarily close the hole with tape or silicone.

⚠️ Attention: Drilling into the hood can weaken the hood structure and lead to corrosion. After repairing the lock, it is better to weld the hole or seal it with a professional sealant.

Prevention of problems with the hood: how to avoid breakdowns

To avoid the problem of a stuck hood, follow these tips:

• 🔧 Lubricate the lock regularly (once every six months) with silicone grease or WD-40. This will prevent corrosion and jamming.
• 🔧 Check the condition of the cable at every maintenance. If it starts to delaminate, replace it in advance.
• 🔧 Don't slam the hood when closing, this deforms the lock and hinges.
• 🔧 Dry the lock after washing, especially in winter, to avoid icing.

If you often park in damp areas or drive off-road, pay special attention to protecting the lock. You can install an additional cover or treat the mechanism with a preservative (for example, Molykote or Liqui Moly).

Common mistakes when opening the hood on a Nissan Sunny

Many owners Nissan Sunny make the same mistakes that lead to the breakdown of the lock or cable. That's what can't do:

• ❌ Pull the lever sharply - this may break the cable or break the plastic tip.
• ❌ Apply force to the hood, if it does not open, you can bend the hinges or break the lock.
• ❌ Ignore squeaking or stiff lever movement - This is a sign of cable wear or corrosion.
• ❌ Close the hood forcefully - Over time, this will deform the lock and hinges.
• ❌ Use inappropriate tools to open a jammed lock (for example, a crowbar or a crowbar).

If you feel that the lever has become difficult to move or the hood does not open the first time, do not delay diagnosis. Most often, the problem is solved by simple lubrication, but if it is ignored, the cable or lock may need to be replaced.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Sunny hood

❓ Why doesn’t the hood release lever return to its original position?

This can happen for two reasons:

1. The cable is jammed - try lubricating it or replacing it.
2. The spring in the lever has broken - in this case, the lever must be disassembled and a new spring installed.

If the problem is in the cable, do not pull the lever by force - this may make the situation worse.

❓ Is it possible to open the hood if the cable breaks?

Yes, but to do this you will have to get to the lock through the radiator grille or bumper. As a last resort, you can drill a hole in the hood above the lock (see section "Emergency methods").

If the cable breaks, it definitely needs to be replaced, otherwise the hood will remain unlocked.

❓ Which lubricant is better to treat the hood lock?

For hood lock Nissan Sunny will fit:

• 🔧 WD-40 - for emergency treatment and rust removal.
• 🔧 Silicone grease - for long-term protection.
• 🔧 Liqui Moly LM 40 — universal lubricant for mechanisms.
• 🔧 Graphite grease - if the lock is very worn.

Do not use grease or lithol - they collect dirt and will only worsen the situation over time.

❓ What to do if the hood has opened, but does not lock in the open position?

This means that The hood stop spring has broken or jumped off. Workaround:

1. Support the hood with a wooden block or support.
2. Secure it with rope to the radiator grille.

For a permanent repair, you need to replace the spring or the entire stop.

❓ How much does it cost to replace the hood cable on a Nissan Sunny?

The cost depends on the model and region:

• 💰 Cable - from 300 to 800 rubles.
• 💰 Replacement work - from 500 to 1500 rubles.
• 💰 Hood lock assembly - from 1500 to 3000 rubles.

If you know how to work with tools, you can replace the cable yourself in 30–60 minutes.