Hood Release on 2000 Brave

[MadMaxWinny]

Greetings!

Newbie here with my first stupid question!

I wanted to check the oil prior to our trip. The manual refers to a "tamper-proof key" (nowhere to be found) and two receptacles for the key, which must be opened to gain engine access. Two unhelpful sentences, and no diagram, because any nose breather should be able to get this one, right? Not only can I not find the key, I see no place to insert it. Anyone got a picture for the slow kids?

Thanks in advance!
2000 Brave, GM Workhorse.

[Morich]

Assuming this is a new to you, so some guessing but there should be a big folder of info on the RV and that key should be in some part of the folder if not with the other keys.
For location of the latches, I did a search for 2000 brave images and found this which seems to show two locks/latches that I would think what you need. If the key is missing, I believe they are somewhat generic among Winnebago and many fit several models.

[MadMaxWinny]

Hi, Richard! Your photo is exactly what I would expect to see. I've got nothing. Nothing exterior, nothing inside the gaps that I can identify as something which would accept a key. Quite a puzzle.

[MadMaxWinny]

I don't know if it matters, but I have single headlights (as opposed to your picture), and my hood is MUCH larger.

[MadMaxWinny]

My hood:

[MadMaxWinny]

I managed to track down the previous owner! No key! It's just levers (where I never would have guessed).

Secure from DEFCON 1. Thanks!

[Morich]

No problem, glad to see it worked out and no key is a definite plus to me. What we may be getting into on the difference in my picture and what you have may be in the details of RV ID's as there are many many different models of the same year. I went with pictures of 2000 Brave but knowing that there are both US and Canadian models as well as different chassis, Ford, chevy, etc. Then throw in mid-year changes and there is a whole lot of room for getting the wrong info.
Point to keep in mind for any future issues, is to specify exactly as possible which year, make, model, chassis, and even down to the serial number if you get into needing parts, etc. When we look at the 2000 you have and the 2000 Brave photo I found, it's not hard to imagine what all changes/differences there might be in the hidden parts!
Looks like a nice one, so hope you enjoy some great times in it!

[MadMaxWinny]

Thanks, again Richard (especially for the fast reply)! I'm fairly handy (worked on boats all of my life) but this is certainly a different animal. Spend two days reading the docs!

I'm looking forward to participating on the forum!

Cheers!

[kdnelson40]

I am still looking for mine on my 2003 Brave. Where were you finally able to find the hood release?

[MadMaxWinny]

KD, the releases are just under the top two corners. You need to feel around for them. Oh, criminy...they might be on the bottom. Sorry, I won't be back to the RV for another month!

[peggwn]

Originally Posted by MadMaxWinny

KD, the releases are just under the top two corners. You need to feel around for them. Oh, criminy...they might be on the bottom. Sorry, I won't be back to the RV for another month!

If it helps, on our 2000 Suncruiser the latches are inside the upper grill at the left and right corners, just below the hood panel itself. You have to get your fingers inside, palms up, to feel for the latches and then squeeze/pull until they release. Sometimes it's difficult, sometimes it's less difficult; sometimes I wind up getting one at a time released and then helping the hood a little.

Good luck.

[Morich]

Attachment 184246

Originally Posted by kdnelson40

I am still looking for mine on my 2003 Brave. Where were you finally able to find the hood release?

Looking at the parts catalog here:

https://catalog3d.winnebagoind.com/menu/Parts.htm

Down at about page 142 or 143 after going to the 2003 and model.

I get this info and labels but not clear without looking at the RV!!

Maybe a bit more clear if you can compare drawings and labels to real RV??

Click these to get a better view.





Looks like that flap might fit down into the recessed area?

[kdnelson40]

First of all, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO REPLIED. I love this group!!
The "Winnebago" dealer told me it had an inside hood release... We all know what the owners manual says. My neighbors probably thought I was nuts crawling around looking for some sort of release.
Unfortunately I have lost faith in the dealer I purchased my RV through.
I have only been on one trip but I want to change the oil and couldn't figure out the release.
Thank you all again and safe travels!!
KD Nelson