To open the hood, do the following:
Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly.
Pull the hood down to close. Lower the hood until the lifting pressure of the struts is reduced. Then allow the hood to fall and latch into place under its own weight. Check to make sure the hood is closed. If the hood does not fully latch, gently push the hood down at the front and center of the hood until it is completely latched.