Just Bought Yaris And Bonnet Wont Open Or Close Properly

[isoldmygranny]

Hi.Can anyone help me.I have just bought a Yaris T spirit auto 2004 reg having heard about their reliability.Having got it home Iv'e discovered that the bonnet is very difficult to open and even harder to close when it does eventually open.The cable feels quite stiff compared to some but it does seem to be doing what its supposed to do and the lever that it pulls on the bonnet lock seems to go all the way back to its stop.The lock is well lubricated and everything moves ok.Also the bonnet seems to line up everywhere and looks straight etc.The boonet has to be pushed down really hard to close it and takes quite a few attempts.I am wondering if the lock is malfunctioning in some way or not properly positioned.I am a bit worried about trying to move it though in case I close the bonnet and then cant open it again.To be honest I am a bit baffled.Any ideas.Thanks.

[reece]

Never push a bonnet down, you will dent it even if you use your finger tips. Let it drop from a few inches so it slams shut.

[Madasafish]

Go back to the seller and tell them to fix it

[Sico2]

what comes to my mind is some past accident you don't know about? Similar happens to doors too, when you can't open/close them properly.

[isoldmygranny]

Never push a bonnet down, you will dent it even if you use your finger tips. Let it drop from a few inches so it slams shut.

[isoldmygranny]

Go back to the seller and tell them to fix it

I Cant get the seller to repair it because I bought it privately and I am pretty sure it hasn't been in an accident as I did a hpi check on it prior to purchase its only done 7000 miles and its pretty much mint its just got this annoying bonnet problem.

[reece]

7000 miles in 5 years?

[Madasafish]

Did you open the bonnet before you bought it?

And if yes, how?

[isoldmygranny]

Did you open the bonnet before you bought it?

And if yes, how?

Yes I did open the bonnet when I viewed the car and it opened ok but I did notice that it was hard to shut and took a few goes and had to be pushed pretty hard.Really I would say the big problem is closing it.It does open but the lever under the dash is quite stiff.I tried the advice about just letting the bonnet drop to close it but that doesn't work because the bonnet is too light. I am having to push it down really hard and don't want to dent it.I am out of ideas about what to try next.Any more ideas please.

[goodison]

needs the bonnet cable replaced

[isoldmygranny]

needs the bonnet cable replaced

OK.Thanks very much for the advice I appreciate it.Is that an easy DIY job does anyone know.

[Madasafish]

before you change the cable, try greasing the lock mechanism- and the catch - they are exposed to salt spray in winter.

Has it any grease on it? Or it is full of dirt or rust or both?

If so, clean it and then spray with WD40 and then grease it.

[isoldmygranny]

before you change the cable, try greasing the lock mechanism- and the catch - they are exposed to salt spray in winter.

Has it any grease on it? Or it is full of dirt or rust or both?

If so, clean it and then spray with WD40 and then grease it.

Thanks for your reply.Yes the first thing I tried was WD 40 on the lock and then grease but actually it looked pretty good anyway.I think I will change the cable now and see if that does the trick it does feel really odd and stiff.I just don't really understand though how a stiff cable would stop the bonnet from closing. When I get an assitant to pull the release lever while I watch under the bonnet the lever on the lock seems to move as it should.Maybe it does something different when the bonnet is shut.

[Dougie150]

Thinking back to when I had my Yaris (two years ago), I had to get the bonnet fixed after hitting a pheasant. Afterwards the bonnet was dificult to open and shut.

I think it required the rubber stops which were attached to the bonnet, adjusting. I believe they just screwed in and out. If so they probably want !Removed! in a little.

I may be wrong but I can't check as I no longer have my Yaris.

Hope this helps, Dougie.

[tspirit888]

bonnet cables are prone to drying out and going very tight

be careful you dont pull the cable out the back of the lever or it could get more expensive

they are also prone to the lower lever at the bonnet catch sticking but a good coating of

wd40 then some spray grease works well

also 7000miles in 5 years is nothing to worry about

[isoldmygranny]

Thinking back to when I had my Yaris (two years ago), I had to get the bonnet fixed after hitting a pheasant. Afterwards the bonnet was dificult to open and shut.

I think it required the rubber stops which were attached to the bonnet, adjusting. I believe they just screwed in and out. If so they probably want !Removed! in a little.

I may be wrong but I can't check as I no longer have my Yaris.

Hope this helps, Dougie.

Thank you.Thats an interesting idea.I just boudgt a Haynes manual and it says there are adjustable bonnet stops on the front body panel that can be screwed in or out if the bonnet needs excessive pressure to shut.Next time I manage to get the bonnet open I will look at those.It might account for why its hard to close.I am pretty sure the cable is the reason why its hard to open.I have now resorted to pulling the wire with pliers from inside the car to get the bonnet open until I get a new cable fitted.

[dawesy]

it may just need the hood rubbers adjusting.

look on the slam panel and at each end (and sometimes in the middle) you will see a black rubber cusion with a thread in it. turn them down (about half a turn at a time) untill the bonnet closes when droped from about 200mm.

if the rubbers are too high it will make it stiff to open too as the hood striker is being forced against the catch.

let us know how you get on

[isoldmygranny]

it may just need the hood rubbers adjusting.

look on the slam panel and at each end (and sometimes in the middle) you will see a black rubber cusion with a thread in it. turn them down (about half a turn at a time) untill the bonnet closes when droped from about 200mm.

if the rubbers are too high it will make it stiff to open too as the hood striker is being forced against the catch.

let us know how you get on

Spot on.I checked that today and found the four rubber bump stops.You just turn them by hand.Now the bonnet opens and closes like a dream.Such a simple thing to sort out in the end thanks everyone for the advice.What did we do before internet forums.

[Dougie150]

Pleased you got it sorted. :)

It's good to help for a change, rather than just getting advice and info from these forums.

[reece]

Just when I thought I couldn’t be caught out, the rubber bungs fool me. I never knew that you could turn them! Good result