Open the hood to Škoda Kodiaq It seems like a simple task until you encounter it for the first time. Many owners get confused when the lever under the steering wheel does not work or the hood “sticks” after washing. In this article we will analyze all the nuances: from the standard procedure to emergency opening if the electronics fail.

Feature Kodiaq (like other models VW Group on the platform MQB) - two-stage opening system. This means that simply pressing the lever in the cabin is not enough: you also need to unlock the lock under the hood. If you skip the second step, you risk damaging the seal or bending the metal. We'll show you how to do it right - with photos, videos and step by step instructions for different years of production (2017–2026).

Important: if the hood Kodiaq does not open after an accident or battery discharge, do not try to pull it by force. In 80% of cases the problem is solved through emergency rope in the bumper - we will also reveal its location.

Where is the hood release lever located in the cabin?

B Škoda Kodiaq the hood release lever is hidden to the left of the steering column, under the plastic panel. It’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look: it’s not highlighted in a bright color and blends in with the interior. The photo below shows the exact location for the 2017–2026 models (pre-restyle and restyle).

To get to the lever:

  • 🔍 Look down at the level of the driver's knees - the lever is located at a height of ~30 cm from the floor.
  • 👆 Pull the plastic handle with an open hood symbol (on some versions the symbol is missing).
  • 🔊 Listen for the click - this means that the first lock has been unlocked.

On restyled Kodiaq (from 2021) the lever may be slightly shifted to the right - this is normal. If you do not feel resistance when pressing, check whether the cable is jammed (we will talk about this in the section on malfunctions).

📊 How often do you open the hood of your Kodiaq?
  • Once a month to check the oil
  • Only before maintenance
  • Never, I go to the service
  • After washing or rain

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

Algorithm for opening the hood Škoda Kodiaq consists of three mandatory steps. If you skip any of them, you risk damaging the lock or seal. Follow the instructions:

  1. Step 1. Unlock the lock from inside

    Pull the lever under the steering wheel all the way down (a click should sound). There is no need to jerk - a smooth movement is enough. On models with keyless access (KeyLess) the hood can only be unlocked if the key is in the car.

  2. Step 2: Locate the second lock under the hood

    Go to the front of the car and put your hand between the hood and the radiator grille. Find the metal tongue by touch (it is located in the center, closer to the windshield). Pull it up up — the hood will open slightly by 5–10 cm.

  3. Step 3: Secure the hood in the open position

    Lift the hood and hook it to thrust rod (located on the left or right depending on the configuration). If the rod is missing, use gas stop (installed on most Kodiaq after 2020).

⚠️ Attention: If the hood does not lift after the second step, do not try to lift it by force. Most likely, the cable is jammed or the lock is rusty. In this case, go to the section about emergency opening.

The lever in the cabin is pressed until it clicks |

The key is in the interior (for KeyLess)|

There is no ice or dirt under the hood|

Stop rod in place-->

What to do if the hood does not open: 5 reasons and solutions

If the lever in the passenger compartment is pressed and the hood Kodiaq remains blocked, the problem lies in one of the five nodes. Let's look at each case and solutions:

Reason Signs Solution
Castle icing The hood does not open after frost, a crunching sound is heard Water the castle defrost (WD-40) and wait 5 minutes
Torn cable The lever in the cabin falls without a click Use emergency rope in the bumper
Low battery The central locking does not work, the lever does not press Recharge the battery or use mechanical key in the driver's door
Jammed lock There is a click, but the hood does not lift Tap the lock through a cloth and lubricate lithol
The seal is damaged The hood opens, but with effort Process the seal silicone grease

A critical mistake many owners make: trying to open the hood by pulling the slots on the side. This leads to metal deformation and expensive repairs. If the standard method does not work, use only emergency methods.

💡

After a high pressure wash, always check to make sure no water has entered the hood latch. Once is enough for the mechanism to rust and stop working.

Emergency hood opening: where is the cable in the bumper?

If the lever in the cabin does not work (the cable is broken or the electronics have failed), you can open the hood Kodiaq through emergency cable in the front bumper. It is located to the right of the radiator (if you look at the car from the front) and is hidden under a plastic plug.

Emergency opening instructions:

  1. Open the driver's door and find the mechanical key in the keychain (it is hidden under the lid).
  2. Insert the key into door cylinder and turn counterclockwise - this will unlock the bumper.
  3. Get under the front bumper (preferably on the right side) and find the red cable loop (it is visible through the bars).
  4. Pull the noose down - the hood will open slightly.

⚠️ Attention: on Kodiaq with all-wheel drive (4×4) the cable may be hidden by the crankcase protection. In this case, you will have to remove the plastic bumper cover (4 clips).

What to do if the cable breaks inside the bumper?

If the red loop is missing or the cable breaks inside, you will have to dismantle the bumper. To do this:

1. Unscrew the 6 bolts from the bottom (T25 Torx).

2. Remove the clips on the sides (you will need a plastic spatula).

3. Remove the bumper and manually unlock the hood lock through the hole in the radiator grille.

It is better to entrust this procedure to a service provider, since incorrect dismantling can damage the parking sensors.

How to close the hood correctly: avoiding mistakes

Closing the hood on Škoda Kodiaq requires no less care than opening. Many owners simply slam the hood without checking to see if it is locked. This leads to:

  • 🚗 Incomplete closure (the hood can open while driving).
  • 🔧 Seal wear (cracks and creaks appear).
  • 💥 Damage to the lock (if the hood “slipped” past the latch).

Correct algorithm:

  1. Make sure thrust rod put away in the nest.
  2. Lower the hood to 20–30 cm over the castle and press lightly (don't quit!).
  3. Check that the hood fixed - pull it up. If it doesn't rise, the lock has worked.

On Kodiaq with electric hood (optional Electric Tailgate) closing occurs automatically - just press a button on the key fob or in the cabin. But even in this case check visuallythat the hood is in place.

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If the hood “walks” after closing or makes a knocking noise on bumps, the problem is in worn shock absorbers (gas struts). Replacing them will cost 1,500–3,000 rubles per pair.

Frequently asked questions from owners: FAQ

Is it possible to open the hood of a Kodiaq without a key?

Yes, but only if you have access to a salon. Through the lever under the steering wheel, the hood will open even without a key in the ignition (if the option is not installed KeyLess). If access to the salon is blocked, you will have to use emergency rope or call a car mechanic.

Why is the hood difficult to open after washing?

In 90% of cases, water entering the lock is to blame. In winter it freezes, in summer it causes corrosion. Solution: dry the lock with a hairdryer or treat it WD-40. If the problem persists, install protective cover on the radiator grill (costs ~800 rubles).

Where is the bonnet fuse located on a Kodiaq?

The fuse is responsible for opening the hood F37 (10A) in the block under the steering wheel (to the left of the pedals). If the lever does not click and the central locking does not work, check this fuse. On restyled models (2021+) there may be a backup fuse F50.

How to lubricate the hood lock without removing it?

Use silicone grease in a can with a straw. Procedure:

  1. Open the hood in the standard way.
  2. Find the lock (in the center, under the bars).
  3. Insert the tube into the lock slot and spray lubricant.
  4. Close/open the hood 3-4 times to distribute the lubricant.

Do not use Litol-24 or Solid oil — they collect dirt.

For clarity, we recommend watching a video with step-by-step opening of the hood on Škoda Kodiaq:

Video: How to open the hood of a Kodiaq in 30 seconds (2017–2026)

If you need original spare parts for a lock or cable, check the article numbers:

  • 🔧 Hood cable: 5Q0 823 235 (for models up to 2020) or 5Q0 823 235 B (after 2020).
  • 🔒 Hood lock: 5Q0 823 261 (full set with lock).
  • 🛠️ Gas stop: 5Q0 823 551/552 (left/right).

If you have any questions about a specific configuration Kodiaq (for example, with RS package or Sportline), specify details in the comments. We will promptly update the article with relevant information.