Anyone got any tips for getting the bonnet open? The cable is connected ok but no matter how hard you pull (I've pulled the cable very hard, with grip pliers too) it won't open.

Haynes suggests using a bit of bent wire to open the lock but doesn't really say which bit of the lock to hook it on to (and you can't see it there anyway)...

Very annoying after buying all the stuff to service it...

bah!!!!

a bit of gentle persuasion

getting someone to pull bonnet up at same time you pull cable sometimes works.
best thing with the wire is get tourch shine it through the grill and look,

Getting someone to push down on the bonnet at the point the lever is pulled and held out, then try lifting up the bonnet - works on one I still get to see from time to time, and used to work on one now deceased: rust in peace.

On my Panda the lever is completely ineffective. I have to open the door wide, stand beside the bonnet, pull the lever with one hand and lift the side of the bonnet with the other hand.

Hi, Steve C's solution was the only one that worked for me afore I fitted bonnet-pins.
Good luck.

Microphonehead........HI !
If, after all fails, you cannot open you'r bonnet; give me a call.

Crowbar! Crowbar!

"If it doesnt work the first time, get a bigger hammer"

I found it was a 2 man operation..one pulling the lever and the other pushing on the bonnet. I`ve thrown the mechanism away and rely on quick release pins now.

long time ago now but I got it open(and still get it open) by getting someone to to bounce the front up and down while I pull the release. I'll need to try just lifting it up with my fingers as suggested above, it's a real pain to have to find an accomplice.