To open the hood, do the following:
Release the hood prop from its retainer and put the hood prop into the slot in the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the hood prop.
Remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood and return the prop to its retainer.
Then, lower the hood down to close. It will latch when dropped from about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) without pressing on the hood.