How to Open the Hood on a Peugeot 108: A Simple Guide
The Peugeot 108 is a stylish and compact city car, perfect for navigating urban landscapes. However, even the most seasoned drivers sometimes need to access the engine compartment. Whether you’re topping up fluids, checking the oil, or simply taking a peek, knowing how to open your Peugeot 108’s hood is essential. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a safe and straightforward experience.
Locating the Hood Release Lever
The first step in opening your Peugeot 108’s hood is finding the release lever. This lever is typically located inside the car, within easy reach of the driver’s seat.
- Where to Look: The hood release lever is usually positioned in the lower left area of the dashboard, near the driver’s footwell. It may be a small, black lever or a handle with a hood-shaped symbol on it.
- Identifying the Lever: Look for a lever with a picture of a car hood. This is the universal symbol.
Releasing the Hood Latch
Once you’ve located the release lever, you’re ready to open the hood.
- Pull the Lever: Pull the lever towards you. You should hear a distinct “click” sound, indicating that the primary latch has been released.
- Proceed to the Hood: After the lever is pulled, you need to go to the front of the car to release the secondary latch.
Releasing the Secondary Latch (Front of the Car)
The Peugeot 108 employs a secondary latch to secure the hood. This is a safety feature to prevent the hood from accidentally opening while driving.
- Locate the Secondary Latch: Stand in front of your Peugeot 108 and locate the hood. You will see a small lever or latch located in the centre of the hood, just above the Peugeot logo, or slightly to the side.
- Release the Latch: Using your hand, push the lever or latch to the side (usually to the right or the left). At the same time, lift the hood. The hood should now be free to open.
Supporting the Hood
Once the hood is released, it’s important to ensure it stays open.
- Locate the Support Strut: Open the hood fully and locate the support strut (often a metal rod).
- Position the Support Strut: The Peugeot 108’s hood will normally have a location to place the strut. This is usually a hole or a clip on the hood or the engine bay. Place the strut in its designated position to hold the hood open securely.
Closing the Hood
Closing the hood is equally important.
- Lower the Hood: Carefully lower the hood until it’s almost closed.
- Ensure the Latch Engages: Give the hood a gentle push downwards until the latch engages. You may hear a distinct “click” sound.
- Test the Hood: Gently try to lift the hood to make sure it’s securely latched. If it opens, repeat the closing process.
Safety Precautions
- Park on a Level Surface: Always park your Peugeot 108 on a level surface before opening the hood.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewellery that could get caught in the engine components.
- Allow the Engine to Cool: If the engine has been running recently, allow it to cool down before opening the hood. This prevents burns.
- Be Aware of Moving Parts: Be mindful of any moving parts, such as belts and fans, within the engine bay.
Conclusion
Opening the hood on your Peugeot 108 is a straightforward process when you know how. By following these simple steps, you can safely access the engine compartment for essential maintenance and inspections. Remember to prioritize safety and always double-check that the hood is securely latched before driving. You are now equipped to confidently tackle basic maintenance tasks on your Peugeot 108.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What if the hood won’t open after pulling the release lever?
- If the hood doesn’t open after pulling the release lever, try pulling the lever again, firmly. Then, at the front of the car, you may need to gently jiggle the hood while you push the secondary latch lever to the side. Sometimes the cable can become slightly stuck.
2. Where is the hood release lever located on the Peugeot 108?
- The hood release lever is typically located in the lower left area of the dashboard, near the driver’s footwell.
3. What should I do if the hood latch is stuck?
- If the hood latch is stuck, try lubricating it with a penetrating oil spray. You can also try gently tapping the hood near the latch while simultaneously operating the release lever and secondary latch from the front of the car.
4. Why won’t the hood stay open?
- Ensure the support strut is properly positioned in its designated location. If the strut is missing or damaged, the hood may not stay open. In this instance, you will need to replace the strut. If the strut is present, then the hood may be too heavy for the strut to hold.
