HELP NEEDED - BONNET STUCK

[easty027]

hello All !

tried to open the bonnet tonight and the lever just wont open it :headbang: ........locked, then unlocked the car and with a bit of force it then opened.....Closed it again and now it wont open ?....any ideas, is there a way of opening it to inspect why its sticking as i dont want to pull the handle too far as it feels like it may snap !.....

thanks in advance.

 

[cj10jeeper]

It always feels like it will snap. Try having someone press down a little on the front edge to release tension while you pull the lever.

Once open lubricate it a bit

BTW - Any reason for TYPING IN CAPS. It generally denotes shouting.

 

[pvr]

Yep - the bonnet push is the trick to use.

 

[Sandman]

Once you manage to open it again, WD40 the entire locking mechanism where the springs are right where it latches, should help quite a bit.

 

[easty027]

Thanks for your help dudes, i think i have done it....

cheers

 

[Anonymous]

A note for future reference: White lithium grease will last longer than WD40, without being as runny. It's what I use not only on hood latches, but also garage door hinges, and it works great.

Also, I've heard of some people with stuck latches or broken release cables just popping out one of the front grilles (so easy to do, it's almost alarming), and pushing the latch off by hand.

 

[zagamuffin]

had the same last night, pulled a grill off and had bonnet open in 15 seconds, thats why they fitted an alarmed bonnet switch i supose.

zaga

 

[Worcester_spoon]

A note for future reference: White lithium grease will last longer than WD40, without being as runny.

+1

 

[markeg]

IMO WD40 isn't a good long term solution for the bonnet latch - its fine for cleaning up and removing any moisture (hence the WD - "Water Displacing") as its a solvent. Also grease will attract muck - the bonnet catch is exposed behind the grills to all sorts of road detritus. Make cleaning it part of your monthly maintenance and use a PTFE lubricant after removing all the gunk off the catch and cable join.