(T) Punto bonnet release wire broken can't open bonnet please help!

Could anybody tell me to release the bonnet on a 2001 Punto? The bonnet
release wire has broken, pulling from inside of the car just pulls the wire
out of the inner cable. I can just see some of the mechanism by squinting up
through the gap in the front bumper and could probably get a long thin
screwdriver in. Advice would be appreciated,

regards,

David

Garage Job.

Can't see how you would be able to do anything about it.

happened to me before i had to take the radiator off to get at it that was a mk1 though.

You'll just about have to drop engine or radiator out, and then get up in side the engine bay. I wouldn't fancy it.

Fiat garage will have to fix it, its their car afterall.










I am a bit apprehensive about telling people how to open a bonnet from outside bonnet though, as this has come up on a number of forums over the last few days (namely audi, volvo, classic saab, and here). Do you reckon people are getting ideas??

If someone wants to nick something from under your bonnet - I am sure they'd just force it open or even worse make a whopping great hole in it

Problem is that car belongs to my son who simply can't afford hefty fiat garage bills. I accept the point that you make re being apprehensive but reckon that I could force the bonnet up far enough and then use a hacksaw blade if my motive was ulterior!

I'm encouraged by Marky's post though which suggests it's possible.

dont know your punto but ive had this on a few cars.
its one of those things where the bonnet gets harder to pull but people ignore it till this happens.

harder on this one as you dont have a front grill which makesthings way easier. basically you want to follow the cable to the mechanism and work on actuating the part the cable normally pulls.
now how easy or hard it is to get to is a matter of trying. if you dont have another punto there it often helps to visit the scrappys to see what it is you trying to get to.

i did it on the cinq recently so i hope you have more space than i did

edit: just noticed its a 2001,does that have any form of front grill?

good point there custard.

If the cable snapped because its rusted into the outar cable, then in theory you can follow it along front lower/upper rail until you can get a good grip on it, and just pull, the outar will pull the inner which will pull the catch open.

OR just get a FO hammer and smash your way thru the bumper.

Either way your gonna need a spare release catch mechanism.

i got a mechanic friend of mine to take off the radiator i dont know how he done it. but make sure you get a new cable first from fiat they are about £5.

Finally managed to release the bonnet, was fairly straightforward. All it took was a couple of wooden wedges and a 13mm socket on an extension bar with knuckle joint. Pretty pleased as despite the wedges I've caused no damage,

Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead!

I have the same problem now on a 53 plate punto sporting.

I also have the honeycomb grill at the front so can not even see into the bonett at all. It is proving to be a right pain in the arse to try and get sorted as the garages are all close and as usual fiat customer services is useless.

Is it possible to remove the grill by removing the fiat badge from the front of it ? It appears slightly lose however I dont want to go trashing it for no avail.

Many thanks

dont know the cars mounting points im afraid.newer pu8nto owners may help.
grill mnay even beremovable with a bit of persuassion.depends whether it just clips or bolts in.

check out the 'eper' thread to see what parts go with the grill

Not all garages are closed(in one now!) & how can customer services help you? Want them to send someone out to undo your bonnet? get the AA/RAC if a member.
There is a easy way to do it you know

There are two bolts you can access with the bendy attachment on a rachett.

remove them and jiggle the bonnet to open.

Takes 5 mins.

Replace cable from fiat costing £11inc vat.

Note to all to grease the bonnet opening mechanism.

Regards,

Emma.

I was refering to me local fiat garage customer service, they are open however they are absolutely useless and told me it would be two weeks before they could look at it, but thats another story.

I am sure I could butcher it to death however I dont really want to do that!