Hood will not open?

2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
180,000 MILES
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HENSLEY86
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  • 2 POSTS
I have two dents in my hood from hitting a deer. Now the hood won't open. Is there a way I can get it open and pop out the dents? There doesn't seem to be any other damage to the car.
Jul 28, 2025 at 3:51 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,837 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yep, this can be a bummer. You want to enlist the assistance of a helper. Have the helper pull the hood release cable while you push down and then it should release. Additionally, while the cable is pulled pull up on the hood, and if that does work pull the hood side to side. There is a chance the clasp for the latch is not releasing due to the damage. Can you upload an image of the damage so I can see it?
Jul 28, 2025 at 5:54 PM
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HENSLEY86
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This is the best picture I have right now.
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Jul 28, 2025 at 6:04 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,837 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
O,, that is a bummer. you might have to have a body shop fix that. Or try to bend the hood back, either way it will be difficult to open in this condition.
Jul 29, 2025 at 10:28 AM
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