Hi, I have managed to break the bonnet release handle in my Barch!!

Is there another way of opening the bonnet? The cable is OK, but I have just run out of washer fluid, and I don't want to leave it long between oil checks, so it is tending to be used for just short journeys at the moment.

Hope someone can help!!

Gambo

Yes, trying to remember now, I think you get a metal hanger from your wardrobe, strighten it out and with a tourch look under the front Fiat badge, you should be able to unclip it that way.

If not get a pair of mole grips onto the end of the cable in the cabin and pull.

How about getting this special tool ?




hhehehehehe

!! So many people get this problem !!

Pull the cable like nino_1975 said using the grips, then take the car for a drive over some bumpy roads, the bonnet should pop open at some point, I know mine does all on its own hehehe

The problem is that the Handle is still attached to the cable, it's more the bracket that has fallen apart. I assume the cable is supposed to move relative to the sheath, so have to keep hold of that as well somehow.....

I will have to try the coathanger trick I think, when it stops raining!

Thanks for the coat hanger tip. Right now I have the same problem. The bonnet release sticks. No amount of grease or WD40 seems to work. It was especially embarrassing at Portmouth customs last year getting the b onto the ferry. The security men asked me to open the bonnet in order to check for bombs etc and I said I couldn't. They were not impressed.

Try a motorway drive in the slow lane at 60 MPH. The bonnet should pop up an inch. Otherwise try a road with some sleeping policemen.

My release has broken-it's the whole fuse box holder plastic thingy the cable comes through and is held by-new one from fiat is only £15 but i need to make sure it wont happen again by making the release less difficult to pull i think-fancy having it supported only by a piece of plastic or is that typical italian?
Jezzer
PS i get in using the cable and mole grip effect at the moment!

yep the bakerlite style cheap plastic snaps in cold weather, pathetic design.
just hold the cable sheath and pull with pliers like every1 has said, easy and has worked for 8 years for me.
remember to grease the bonnet mechanism a bit too to prevent sticking.

bencollins said:

yep the bakerlite style cheap plastic snaps in cold weather, pathetic design.
just hold the cable sheath and pull with pliers like every1 has said, easy and has worked for 8 years for me.
remember to grease the bonnet mechanism a bit too to prevent sticking.

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I guess it's not an MOT fail then?

Thread resurrection hell, but good to see someone searching the forum.

My cable hasn't snapped, you just have to push it back so that the bonnet will shut. I got caught out once after a service when someone pulled up by the side of me and said my bonnet was open.

hmm not sure what that says about me paying attention to the road ahead

It passed the MOT with small pair of mole grips attached to the bonnet release cable!