Bonnet catch - the inevitable problem

S

sk93

Veteran
 Nottingham
Hey up.

My bonnet catch isn't working any longer - it wont "lock" closed.
I've sprayed it with WD40, cleaned all the gunk i can see (without removing the unit) and prodded at it with a screwdriver (literally), but it just wont bite.
Any ideas on what I can do, bar removing the whole thing (as that looks like a ball ache)?

Cheers,
Ian
 
A good dob of grease all over it, and keep pulling on the release lever,you may be able to free it all off.Mine jammed but keeping it greased has kept it working since. :D
 
Ian,

Sounds the opposite to most people's issue which is not enough movement in the cable or it too stiff to release the catch. This sounds more like the internal mechanism not tripping and locking onto the bonnet catch.

I assume your 'prod has attemted to trip it? If you press on the left side of the clamp firmly with a screwdriver it should rotate 90 degrees anticlockwise and over where the bonnet catch would be resting if closed, thus clamping it. If you can't get it to do that then I suspect something is broken and it's a lock off and find out jobbie..

If you can get it to trip then perhaps the clamp needs adjusting so it's pushing the lock enough.
 
Talking about the screenwash made me go and check mine, and my bonnet catch was sticking open also.
A little bit of WD40 on the spring sorted it out for me though.
 
nicko said:
Talking about the screenwash made me go and check mine, and my bonnet catch was sticking open also.
A little bit of WD40 on the spring sorted it out for me though.
Click to expand...

For now!! - WD40 is a 'water displacement' spray, but aside light oil will take the heavier grease off and just allow the catch to rust up real good and the residue will set like concrete over time. Put some grease or thick oil on it.
 
This happened to mine, would catch if i used a screw dirver but slamming the bonnet down wouldnt do it. Had to be replaced in the end. :(
 
SGR1913 said:
Poo said:
hey take it in to any Renault dealer, they will put it right at no cost to you.
Click to expand...

Good to see Poo talking sh!t again. You're funny :D Very good choice of username too
Click to expand...
He/It was probably relating to the renault clio bonnet catch problem whereby the bonnet would open of it's own accord while driving down the road...
 
Mine has done the opposite ,when i went to topup the windscreen wash today,its jammed solidly closed,and just wont relaese(despite grease). :headbang:
2nd time in 4yrs this has happened too!
hope u get urs sorted,Ian
 
This has just happened to mine, did anyone find a solution, the bloody thing just won't close!

It started to get stubborn to open and now this, I really think my Z4 is starting to get allergic to winter!!

Will have a screwdriver prod and grease soon!
 
I assume the catches are all on early / pre facelift cars where the bonnet catch is exposed to the elements. In my 2007 Z4M the catches are at the corners - no issues so far.

On my 2004 Z4 I used WD40 and exercising to free it off. Removing the front grilles (pull em out) makes access easier. Once its free liberally spray with mountain bike chain lube every few months.

Check it isn't the cable binding too. I doubt thats the cause though.
 
I also have this issue, but all i have to do is lower it so it sits flat (unclipped) then push down on the front edge and it seems to work fine. hope you get it sorted !
 
mine won't open. The internal level releases the bonnet ok, but the central latch under the bonnet won't budge. Its a coupe so post-facelift I think? just resists really hard. Not sure if the spring is siezed up/clogged or something else.
 
ok, so a bit of WD40 and some fiddling got it open in the end. catch is very stiff. Now it doesn't close cleanly with a drop. Pushed it shut for now. Catch didn't seem badly clogged up with anything.
 
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