Help Needed! Seized Bonnet Catch (gen 5)

[mikeb]

The bonnet release on my gen 5 appears to have seized - the release cable is fully extended and won't retract but the bonnet catch is still firmly latched. :( Not sure if the cable has stretched or something else has bent at the catch end. I've tried pushing and lifting the bonnet whilst pulling on the release lever, but no joy. So now I can't get the bonnet open (I can't even move the thing cause the Battery is flat too).

I need to find a way of releasing the bonnet catch manually - preferably through the front grille or cooling ducts, but (I assume for security reasons) you can't see any of the catch mechanism through the grille. I know the cable comes across from the RHS, but I can't even see or feel it. I'd rather not have to take off the front undertray if it's avoidable - the car is parked on a public road and it's not the nicest place to try and work on it.

Could someone take some photo's of the bonnet catch mechanism on a gen 5 and post them up/message them to me please? And has anyone got any tips for popping the release? TIA :)

[T600]

The bonnet release on my gen 5 appears to have seized - the release cable is fully extended and won't retract but the bonnet catch is still firmly latched. :( Not sure if the cable has stretched or something else has bent at the catch end. I've tried pushing and lifting the bonnet whilst pulling on the release lever, but no joy. So now I can't get the bonnet open (I can't even move the thing cause the battery is flat too).

I need to find a way of releasing the bonnet catch manually - preferably through the front grille or cooling ducts, but (I assume for security reasons) you can't see any of the catch mechanism through the grille. I know the cable comes across from the RHS, but I can't even see or feel it. I'd rather not have to take off the front undertray if it's avoidable - the car is parked on a public road and it's not the nicest place to try and work on it.

Could someone take some photo's of the bonnet catch mechanism on a gen 5 and post them up/message them to me please? And has anyone got any tips for popping the release? TIA :)

Re moving it; you could charge using a cig lighter charge from another car or Battery - but note you need ignition on for that to work, so you need to immobilise car if it's on a public road - e.g. clamp it or put a steering lock on.

Re the bonnet catch. Have you tried disconnecting the release handle from the panel it's fitted to; just two screws IIRC. That might give you the chance to get a bit more pull on it. Also have someone push down on the bonnet while you pull the cable?

If you still need pics of the catch PM me, I can get some from a GT4 which I think should be the same.

Tony

[T600]

Looks like this is going to be tricky mate; I've just been to take some pics for you and it looks like there's a metal shroud round the bottom of the catch, presumably to prevent anyone getting a screwdriver or something in from the underneath, so even if you do get in from there you're going to have difficulty.

[T600]

Few more

I wonder if it's worth ringing round a few specialists to see if they have a solution?

Maybe there's a knack to it - like if you can get some of that plastic parcel tape in there might be a way of looping it onto the catch and pulling the mechanism open perhaps? (sorry clutching at straws for you).

Good luck.

[mikeb]

Thanks. :)

That should make it a bit easier!

[mikeb]

Thanks Tony. Your photos were very useful - I managed to get the bonnet open earlier on.

I decided (from the pictures) that going up round the back would be vey difficult. Instead I undid the three bolts holding the latch mechanism in place (visible in the 5th picture) and raised the bonnet with the latch still attached. It's was quite fiddly though - especially removing the plastic shroud and front trim (you need the bonnet open to get at the screws ). Not sure what caused the problem, but I suspect that the cable was seized. It might be stretched too - but I won't find out until I put it all back together.

[T600]

Result!

Well done.

When I was taking the pics I was trying to figure out how you might possibly get it open without major damage, and I couldn't see any way it could be done.

Glad you've got it sorted. Now make sure it's definitely working properly before you shut the bonnet again!