WARNING  
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose and injure you and/or others.

WARNING  
Do not open the hood when the engine is overheated. You could be seriously injured.

Observe the coolant temperature display to determine whether the engine may be overheated. If you see flames or smoke coming from the engine compartment, move away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine has cooled. If necessary, call the fire department.

WARNING  
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open, even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those components described in the Operator's Manual and observe the relevant safety notes.

WARNING  
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of moving parts when the hood is open and the engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for approximately 30 seconds or may even restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.

WARNING  
Vehicles with gasoline engine:
The engine is equipped with a transistorized ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the ignition system
• with the engine running
• while starting the engine
• when the ignition is switched on and the engine is turned manually

WARNING  
Vehicles with diesel engine:
The engine is equipped with a high-voltage electronic control unit for the injection system. Because of the high voltage it is dangerous to touch any components of the injection system (injectors, electrical wires)
• with the engine running
• while starting the engine
• when the ignition is switched on

► Make sure that the windshield wipers are switched off.

WARNING  
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windshield wipers are switched off. Remove the SmartKey or make sure that no ignition position has been selected with KEYLESS-GO. All indicator lamps must be off in the instrument cluster.

► Pull release lever 1 on the hood.

The hood is released.

Make sure that the windshield wipers are not folded away from the windshield. You could otherwise damage the windshield wipers or the hood.

► Reach into the gap, pull hood catch handle 2 up and lift the hood.

Once you have lifted the hood about 15 inches (40 cm), it is automatically opened the rest of the way and held open by the gas-filled struts.