Opening the hood to Nissan Terrano It seems like a simple procedure, but in practice many owners encounter difficulties - the cable gets stuck, the lock does not work, or the lever is hidden under a plastic panel. The problem is especially acute for models 2014–2022, where the hood design differs from classic solutions. In this article we will look at all the ways to open the hood, including emergency methods if the standard mechanism fails.

We analyzed the manufacturer's manuals, owner reviews on forums (including Drive2 And Terrano-Club) and the experience of car services in order to collect the most complete instructions. You will learn where the hood release lever is located in the cabin, how to correctly press the lock under the hood, and what to do if the cable breaks. And also - a unique life hack using a screwdriver for models with an electric lock, which is not written about in official manuals.

Where is the hood release lever located in the cabin? Nissan Terrano

In most cases, the problem lies not in the lock itself, but in ignorance of the location of the lever. B Terrano (especially restyled versions after 2017) it is hidden in a non-obvious way. You need to look for him to the left of the steering column, under the plastic dashboard panel. The photo below shows the exact location:

📌 Visual references:

  • 🔹 The lever has red or orange handle (on older models - black with the inscription HOOD).
  • 🔹 Located at the level of the driver’s knee, slightly to the left of the brake pedal.
  • 🔹 Closed on some versions decorative plug, which needs to be pryed off with a screwdriver.

If the lever is not visible, check whether it is covered with a plastic cover. On Terrano II (R51) And Terrano III (D22) the design is different: in the first, the lever is located on the center console next to the fuse box, and in the second, it is hidden behind the glove compartment. Check your car model by VIN if you are not sure.

📊 What Nissan Terrano do you have?
  • Terrano I (until 2005)
  • Terrano II (2005–2014)
  • Terrano III (2014–2022)
  • I don't know the model

Step-by-step instructions: how to open the hood in the standard way

If the lever is found, follow the algorithm:

  1. Pull the lever towards you all the way. You should hear a click - this is the first lock that has activated.
  2. Get out of the car and go to the front of the hood.
  3. Locate the latch under the hood (usually in the center, under the logo Nissan). It can be hidden with a rubber seal.
  4. Push the latch up or to the side (depending on model) and lift the hood at the same time.

⚠️ Attention: Do not pull the lever sharply - this may break the cable. On Terrano with a mileage of >100 thousand km, the cable often jams due to corrosion. If you feel resistance, treat the mechanism WD-40 through the technological hole under the panel.

Check that the machine is on a level surface

Make sure the engine is turned off

Locate the opening lever in the interior

Prepare a flashlight (useful for inspecting the castle)

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What to do if the hood does not open: 5 emergency methods

If the standard method doesn't work, don't panic. Here are proven methods from owners Terrano:

Method When to use Tools Risks
Opening through the radiator grille The cable is broken, but the lock is working Flathead screwdriver, flashlight The grille or paint may be damaged
Removing the front bumper The lock is stuck, the cable is intact Phillips screwdriver, 10mm wrench Labor-intensive, requires skill
Using a second cable Primary cable broke Handbrake cable, pliers You can mix up the cables
Warming up the lock The lock is frozen or jammed Hairdryer, lock defroster Risk of plastic melting

🔧 The most reliable method (according to reviews from Drive2): remove the radiator grille (it is attached to 4 clips) and reach the lock with a screwdriver. On Terrano 2015–2020 The grille can be removed without tools - just pull it towards you with force. More details in the video instructions:

Video instructions for removing the grille

There is a video on YouTube from the "Nissan Terrano Repair" channel, which shows the process of removing the grille in 3 minutes. Link: [insert URL]. The main caveat is that the clips are fragile, so pull carefully.

⚠️ Attention: If you decide to remove the bumper, remember: Terrano with the system ProPILOT (2019+) parking sensors and cameras are located underneath it. Disconnect the battery before operation to avoid errors in electronic systems.

Common causes of hood lock malfunctions

According to statistics from service centers, in 70% of cases the problem lies not in the lock itself, but in cable or guides. Here are the main reasons:

  • 🔧 Cable corrosion - especially relevant for cars operated in wet weather. The cable rusts and jams in the braid.
  • 🔧 Castle Warp after an accident (even a minor one). A hit to the front bumper at a speed of 10 km/h is enough for the clamps to move.
  • 🔧 Wear of plastic bushings in the lever mechanism. Over time, they crumble and the cable slips.
  • 🔧 Mechanism freezing in winter. Moisture in the lock turns to ice, blocking the moving parts.

💡 How to extend the life of a mechanism? Once every six months, treat the cable with silicone grease (for example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Spray). Do not use WD-40 or grease - they attract dust and accelerate wear. The forums also recommend periodically (once a month) opening and closing the hood so that the mechanism does not “stagnate.”

💡

If the hood is difficult to open, do not close it immediately. Inspect the cable and lock, lubricate them and check the lever travel. This will help avoid recurring problems.

Features of opening the hood on Nissan Terrano with electric lock

On top versions Terrano (For example, 2.0 dCi Tekna) an electric hood lock is installed. In this case, there is no lever in the cabin, and opening occurs by pressing a button on the key fob or through the on-board computer menu. The algorithm is like this:

  1. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
  2. Press and hold the hood release button on the key fob (usually marked with the symbol 🚗 with the lid open).
  3. If the key fob does not work, go to the menu Vehicle Settings → Hood Release on the display.
  4. Once clicked, lift the hood by pressing the latch under the emblem.

⚠️ Attention: On models with the system NissanConnect (2018+ years) when the battery is discharged, the electric lock drive is blocked. In this case, you will have to use the emergency cable, which is located behind the glove compartment (you need to remove the plastic panel).

🔋 If the battery is dead, but you urgently need to open the hood (for example, to “light up”), connect portable jump starter to the terminals under the hood (they are usually located next to the washer reservoir). This will allow power to be supplied to the electric drive.

How to avoid damage to the hood lock: prevention

To avoid unexpected problems, follow these tips:

  • 🛠️ Lubricate the mechanism regularly (once every 6 months). Use graphite lubricant for the castle and silicone spray for the cable.
  • 🛠️ Don't slam the hood when closing, this deforms the latches. Close it smoothly, pressing until you hear the first click.
  • 🛠️ Check the cable fastening to the lever. On Terrano The fastening nut (spanner 10) often becomes loose.
  • 🛠️ Use a defroster in winter for locks (eg Hi-Gear Lock De-Icer). Don't pour hot water!

📊 According to Nissan Service Bulletin (TSB NTB18-034a), on Terrano 2016–2019 There was a defect in the batch of cables - they rubbed against the edge of the hole in the body. If your vehicle falls within this range, check the cable for wear and replace if necessary (original part number - 40520-4M000).

💡

On 2016–2019 models. The hood cable may fray due to a design defect. Check its condition, even if there are no problems yet.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about opening the hood on Nissan Terrano

🔧 Why doesn’t the hood open after an accident?

When hitting the front part of the body, the lock is often deformed or the latches are displaced. Try opening the hood through the radiator grille. If this does not help, you will need to disassemble the front panel at a service center. On Terrano With an aluminum hood (2020+), deformation is less likely, but check the body geometry.

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

Yes. Remove the radiator grille (4 clips) and manually press the lock with a screwdriver. On power-assisted models, use the emergency release cable behind the glove compartment. If the cable breaks inside the braid, you can attach a wire to it and pull.

🔧 Where is the fuse for the electric drive of the lock?

On Terrano with an electric drive, the fuse is located in the block under the steering wheel (position F32, 10A). If the button on the key fob does not work, also check the relay K27 in the same block. When replacing, use only original fuses. Nissan - Chinese analogues often melt.

🔧 How to open the hood if the key is stuck in the ignition?

In this case, use a spare key or call a technician to remove it. If you don't have a spare key, you can try opening the hood through the trunk (on Terrano with body SUV there is a hatch behind the rear seat leading to the lock mechanism).

🔧 How much does it cost to replace a hood cable at a service center?

The cost of work varies from 1,500 to 3,500 rubles depending on the region. The price of the original cable is about 2,000 rubles (item number 40520-4M000). At disassembly sites you can find a used cable for 800–1,200 rubles, but the risk of repeated breakdown is higher.