1997 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 252

Lift the hood, release the hood prop from its retainer and put thehood prop into the slot in the hood marked "prop rod." Use the prop rod sleeve when handling the prop rod, Then go to the front of the vehicle and lift up on the secondary hoodrelease lever. The secondary hood release lever is located near the frontcenter of the hood toward the driver's side. Lubricate the hood latch at least once a year. Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps me on properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the hood prop. Remsve thehood prop from the slot in the hood and return the prop to its retainer.Lower the hood 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) above the vehicle and release to latch fully. Check to make sure the hood is closed and repeat if necessary. 6-8