Broken Bonnet Release Cable - Any Tips?

[StephenH]

I went to open the bonnet of my 00W Yaris today to do some checks and the level just pulled right open with a nice 'snap' sound. Checked the cable and it kept coming...

I did a search on the forum and found some hints but no specifics on how to release the catch. I've spend the last 3 hours or so fumbling around and can't work out what to do. I have, however, found the ball and a short length of cable which confirms the problem is a snapped cable.

I have found a few pictures on another thread but they don't show what the cable actuates on and how to release this.

Currently I'm working through hole created by removing the black plastic grill. I did consider removing the bumper but I'm not sure how to do this... The bolts underneath seem to hold some sort of cover beneath the engine?

I've only got basic experience tinkering with cars but I do have an engineering background so don't be afraid to get too technical... I don't *need* to be under the bonnet at the moment but I'm sure I will sometime soon so best get this sorted before I have to!

TIA...

[Madasafish]

Pictures of son's 1.0 (2001) bonnet release mechanism.

The release cable runs from left of picture to right under the spring shown at the top.. It ends in a lever directly under the right hand end of the spring.

Hope this helps.

[StephenH]

Hmm.. Still not really sure. Could you please mark on the first one what you think I need to push and in which direction? I think it will be the third 'layer' back, with the hook / lever being the first, but I'm not sure and either can't find it or it won't budge...

Current thinking is if I can't shift it and Toyota themselves either don't know or want £££ then I may just buy a replacement chrome grill and smash the one that is on there to get better access. Brutal I know but at the moment I look like a self-harmer with all the marks on my forearms from reaching up through the lower mesh...

[iRe8el]

Hi ,

It just happened for my Yaris T Sport :(

Cable snapped, as I suggest(and feel) inside latch.

Does anybody had the same problem before, if yes, can you please explain me how to open the bonnet. Or can anybody post pictures, how that mechanism looks like from inside side.

And to replace that cable, enough only wire, or I need whole housing too?

Never had that problem before, so my questions can look unusual :)

Many thanks :)

And yes,this is my first POST.)

[iRe8el]

OK,

after 6 hours of thinking and hard work in +6C temperature I finally resolved the Puzzle.

There is instruction for Toyota Yaris T Sport 52reg:

1.Remove middle grille from bumper, easy to do with screwdriver.

2.Bonnet grille have 3 bolts,2 in corners and 1 in the middle, so put in hand in "removed bumper grille hole" drivers side(more space), find bolt( I used camera to figure it out), use size 10 spanner, remove bolt declick plastic part.

3.Now easy peel out bonnet grille from drivers side, and you will see the lock.

4.Use long wire with [___ shaped head or small hook, follow cable and you will see round hole and something like gun backsight, figure it out what you need to pull towards you(use torch)and pull it. That is it.

If you don't want to spend 40£ on cable, You can easily fix it.

1.You need something on the end of the cable, ask in car, bike, electrical, DYE shop.

2.Accurately shorten your housing black cable from interior side, try not to damage your wire cable.

If you do it right, you will save 100£ :)

[miketheknight]

my bonnet ctach started playng up ie had no tension, took it to the garage and they replaced the cable knowing full well it was

not a full solution. for some reason the cable loses tension and it won't open. it really is a pain to deal with

i could replace the actual mechanism, maybe see if the spring has lost tension, but I don't want to keep replacing parts willy nilly

i did get it so i can close it properly 'just about' and still get my fingers underneath to open it again

i might take another look at it today or just try replacing the mechanism and cable again

 

i had this idea to drill a hole in the bonnet and install a huge padlock 🙂

[TonyHSD]

The locking mechanism gets dirty from salt and grit during winter months, also the lube gets washed away and makes all problems related to. Best is to clean properly with wd-40 and brush, then use thin oil to lube all moving parts and hinges, problem solved.👍 Just done my one the other day. Now works good as new. 👍