Bonnet release cable

[M21MFS]

Haven't really been driving the mk2 much due to the new company car. As that's been away for repairs though I've had to drag her out of semi-retirement.

Tried to open the bonnet today and can't get the cable to release the latch.

There's still tension in the cable, but no clock or offer of a click when pulled. I really need to check the oil and I definately need screenwash. Is there an easy fix so I can get this thing checked over for Dundee?

Cheers,
M

 

[mrcinquecento]

if you have some wd40 and a straw, try and fire some under the bonnet around the catch and leave for 10 minutes before trying again

you can also manipulate the bonnet cable so you get more stretch on it than pulling the handle allows, but if the mechanisim is jammed under the bonnet, it's not really going to help until thats freed, so try option 1 before option 2

 

[clock34]

try warming up the area with a kettle full of water if its cold outside..... just incase its frozen. also try the wd trick. failing all that pull... hard

 

[mrcinquecento]

try warming up the area with a kettle full of water if its cold outside..... just incase its frozen. also try the wd trick. failing all that pull... hard :P

my prefered method ( tried and tested on my old mk1 cabrio) was to unhook the bonnet release lever from its hinge so it can be used as a handle to pull the cable further and harder than usual, wouldnt reccomend it as a regular thing though, it can make the cable go pop if you really over do the tug :laugh:

 

[imported_Jodie]

Lie on the floor reach up and itll pop from under

 

[Brad G]

if the cable hasn't snapped. Undo the bolts that hold the red lever under the driverside footwell. Think its 2 8mm or 10mm Then using a pair of pliers grip the cable and pull with the pliers. Common for the red lever to wear and cause this.

 

[gengis]

Another method to try...get the help of a friend, to push down on the bonnet at the front, whilst you pull at the handle then release the weight on the bonnet. This will release the tension on the catch and maybe enough for the weak release mech to spring.

 

[M21MFS]

Magic, thanks for the tips so far folks. Will try some tomorrow to see if I can get this open

 

[M21MFS]

Got the damned thing to work today.

It was still being funny when I went back to the folks at lunchtime. So I tried to release without joy, but then thought back to this thread. Released the cable slightly from the bracket nearest the lever, this gave it a bit of leeway and on pulling via cable itself opened the bonnet. Now it opens fine from the lever, although theres not much give tbh.

 

[clock34]

grease the jesus out of it . propper grease not dirt attracting wd40.