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

Nissan Sunny is a legendary Japanese sedan that is still popular due to its reliability and simplicity of design. But even such a time-tested car may have problems opening the hood. This topic is especially relevant for owners of used cars, where the mechanisms are worn out or rusty.

In this article you will find step by step instructions for all generations Sunny (B13, B14, B15), including alternative ways in case the standard lever does not work. We will also analyze typical malfunctions - from jammed lock to broken cable — and we’ll give practical advice on how to fix them without contacting service.

Whether you just need to add oil or make a major repair, knowing how to open the hood quickly and safely will save time and stress. And if you are encountering this problem for the first time, don’t worry: our instructions are suitable even for beginners.

Where is the hood release lever located in Nissan Sunny?

Most models Nissan Sunny The hood release lever is located in the passenger compartment, but its exact location depends on the generation of the car. For B13 (1990–1995) And B14 (1995–2000) The lever is usually located to the left of the steering column, under the dashboard. B B15 (2000–2006) it was moved closer to the driver's door, next to the clutch pedal.

To avoid confusion, remember a simple rule: look for the lever at driver's knee level, on the left side. It can be hidden behind a plastic cover or under a small cover. On some modifications the lever is marked red mark or inscription HOOD.

• 🔧 B13 (1990–1995): to the left of the steering wheel, under the panel, next to the trunk release lever.
• 🔧 B14 (1995–2000): in the same place, but maybe a little lower, closer to the pedals.
• 🔧 B15 (2000–2006): at the driver’s foot, next to the clutch pedal, sometimes under a plastic plug.
• 🔍 General advice: If you don’t see the lever right away, check if it is covered with a decorative cover.

If the lever is found but does not move or requires excessive force, this may indicate jammed cable or corrosion in the hood latch. In this case, you should not use force - it is better to use alternative methods, which we will discuss later.

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

If the lever in the cabin is working properly, the process of opening the hood will take no more than a minute. Follow this instruction:

1. Make sure the car is parked flat surface, and the handbrake is applied. This will prevent the machine from accidentally rolling away.

2. Locate the hood release lever (see previous section) and pull it towards you as far as it will go. You should hear a click—the lock has engaged.

3. Get out of the car and go to the front of the hood. Below it, in the middle, you will see safety latch (usually it is located under a small plastic cover).

4. Carefully push the latch to the left or up (depending on model) and lift the hood at the same time.

If, after pressing the lever in the cabin, the hood does not open even a centimeter, check:

• 🔹 Cable: It may have torn or jumped off the guides.
• 🔹 Castle: May have rusted or become jammed due to dirt.
• 🔹 Safety latch: Sometimes it gets stuck in the closed position.

The lever in the cabin moves freely|The cable is not torn or slipped|The hood latch is not rusted|The safety latch is not jammed-->

Important: on some modifications of the Nissan Sunny B15, the safety latch may be hidden under a rubber seal. If you don’t see it right away, carefully pry off the seal with a screwdriver.

What to do if the lever in the cabin does not work

If the hood release lever jammed, the cable broke or is he just doesn't respond when pressed, don't panic. There are several ways to open the hood without it.

Method 1: Opening through the radiator grille

This method works if you have access to the front of the car and a little patience. You will need:

• 🔧 Flat screwdriver or metal ruler.
• 🔦 Flashlight (if you work in the dark).

Algorithm of actions:

1. Remove the plastic radiator grille (it is secured with latches or bolts).
2. Look inside - you should see hood lock mechanism.
3. Find lock cable or lever and try to move it with a screwdriver.
4. If the cable is broken, try press the lock itself through a hole in the body.

This method requires care to avoid damaging the heatsink or plastic parts. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to seek help.

Method 2: Through the trunk (for sedans)

In sedans Nissan Sunny You can try to get to the hood lock mechanism through the trunk. To do this:

1. Open the trunk and remove the trim behind the rear seat.
2. Try sticking your hand or tool along cable tunnel to the front of the car.
3. If the cable is intact, pull it. If it is torn, try pressing the lock through the technological holes.

This method is more difficult, but sometimes it is the only one if other methods have not worked.

Typical faults and how to fix them

If the hood does not open, the reason usually lies in one of three problems: cable, castle or safety latch. Let's look at each of them.

Malfunction	Signs	How to fix
Torn cable	The lever in the cabin moves too easily, without resistance.	Replace the cable or open the hood in an alternative way (through the radiator grille).
Jammed lock	The lever does not move or requires a lot of force.	Treat the lock with WD-40 or penetrating lubricant and tap it with a hammer through a wooden spacer.
Rusted safety latch	The hood opens slightly, but does not lock in the up position.	Clean the latch from rust and lubricate it with graphite grease.
Cable offset	The lever moves, but the hood does not open.	Return the cable to its place or adjust its tension.

If the problem is castle, try this:

1. Apply to the lock WD-40 or other penetrating lubricant.
2. Wait 10-15 minutes for the liquid to penetrate inside.
3. Try pulling the lever inside the cabin again.
4. If that doesn't work, gently tap the lock. through a soft spacer (for example, a wooden block).

Attention: don't use WD-40 to lubricate the cable - it destroys the braid over time. Better to use silicone grease or special means for cables.

What to do if the hood opens but does not lock?

If the hood is slightly opened, but does not stay in the up position, most likely the problem is safety latch or gas struts. A temporary solution is to support the hood with a wooden block or have a helper hold it. Permanent repairs will require replacing the stops or adjusting the latch.

How to prevent hood opening problems in the future

To avoid encountering a stuck hood at the most inopportune moment, follow these tips:

• 🛠️ Lubricate the lock regularly (once every 6 months) graphite lubricant or lithol.
• 🔍 Check the cable for wear and corrosion, especially if the car is parked outdoors.
• 🚗 Don't slam the hood — close it smoothly so as not to deform the lock.
• 💧 Avoid exposure to water into the lock mechanism (for example, when washing under high pressure).

If you notice that the hood release lever has begun to move more tightly than usual, do not delay diagnosis. Most often this is the first sign corrosion in the lock or cable wear. Timely lubrication or replacement of parts will cost less than emergency repairs.

Also useful to keep in the trunk spare cable And tool set (screwdriver, pliers, WD-40). This will help you quickly solve the problem if it arises on the road.

Common mistakes when opening the hood and how to avoid them

Many owners Nissan Sunny make the same mistakes when trying to open the hood. Here are the most common of them:

• ❌ Use of excessive force to the lever in the cabin. This may break the cable or break plastic parts.
• ❌ Ignoring the Safety Latch. If you do not press it, the hood may suddenly open and hit the windshield.
• ❌ Using inappropriate tools (for example, a chisel or hammer without a spacer) when opening through the radiator grille.
• ❌ Attempts to open the hood with the engine running. This is dangerous and may cause injury.

To avoid these errors:

• ✅ Always check if the engine is turned off and whether the handbrake is applied.
• ✅ If the lever does not move, don't force it — first try to lubricate the lock.
• ✅ When opening through the radiator grille use soft spacersso as not to damage the parts.

Attention: if the hood has not opened completely and is stuck in the half-open position, do not try to close it by force. This may distort the hinges or break the gas stops. It’s better to carefully lift the hood and find the cause of the jamming.

Video tutorials and additional resources

If the text instructions do not seem clear enough, we recommend watching videos from experienced car owners. Here are some verified sources:

• 📹 YouTube channel "Nissan Sunny Club" — detailed videos on repair and maintenance.
• 📹 Video from "Do it yourself auto repair" — step-by-step opening of the hood on B14.
• 📖 Forums Nissan Sunny (For example, sunnyclub.ru or drive2.ru) - there you can find photo reports and advice from other owners.

Before watching the video, make sure the instructions are appropriate for your generation. Sunny. For example, the hood opening mechanism on B13 And B15 may vary.

If you haven't found a video for your model, pay attention to the universal tips:

• 🔍 Look for videos marked "without lever" or "emergency opening".
• 📌 Pay attention to the comments - there are often useful clarifications there.

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

Is it possible to open the hood if the cable is broken?

Yes, there are several ways:

1. Through the radiator grille (you need to get to the lock with a screwdriver).
2. Through the trunk (if you can get your hand into the lock mechanism).
3. By removing the front bumper (extreme case, requires tools).

The easiest way is through the radiator grille. If the cable breaks completely, it will have to be replaced.

How to lubricate the hood lock if it does not open?

If the lock is stuck, but the lever inside the cabin still moves, try the following:

1. Buy WD-40 or liquid key (penetrating lubricant).
2. Find a gap in the grille through which you can spray the lock.
3. Wait 10-15 minutes and try pulling the lever again.
4. If it doesn't help, repeat the procedure 2-3 times.

Do not use lithium-based oils - they thicken in the cold.

What to do if the hood opens but does not stay in place?

This is a sign of problems with safety latch or gas stops. Temporary measures:

• Support the hood with a wooden block.
• Secure it with rope to the loops.

For permanent repairs:

• If the gas stops are broken, replace them (they are inexpensive).
• If the latch is jammed, clean it of dirt and lubricate it.

Is it possible to open the hood from the inside if the car is locked?

If the car is locked and the keys are inside, it will not be possible to open the hood in the standard way. Alternatives:

• Call emergency locksmith (will open the car without damage).
• If you have a spare key, try it open the door and then the hood.
• As a last resort - break the glass (but this will incur additional costs).

Do not try to open the hood through the radiator grille without access to the interior - this may damage the mechanism.

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

Cost depends on generation and region:

• Cable: 300–800 rubles (depending on quality).
• Replacement work: 500–1500 rubles (if done at a service center).

If you have the skills, you can replace the cable yourself in 30–60 minutes. Instructions are available on YouTube and forums.