Removal of front grills for faulty bonnet release

L

left98204

Member
 Bridgend
My bonnet release has failed AGAIN. Having done some searches on the forum, I saw that by removing the grill at the front, I can access the mechanism, ply it with WD40 and hope it rights itself.

However, the "how to" guide I found for removing the grills at the front seem to point to the silver surround being seperate from the grill itself. Looking at mine I am convinced it is one unit. I am cautious about being too rough and breaking the grill, so can anyone advise how to remove the grill on a 54 plate (2004) model as it looks different to me.

My brake disc light has just come on and I have an oil service due in 875 miles, so I don't really want to spend any unnecessary money at the moment. Things are tight anyway and I can see a very expensive month coming, Cheers.
 
Slightly lift the grill and pull towards you whilst holding the grill at the lower end, easy as that. They are only clipped in.

All grills on all models are the same in fixing method.
 
pvr said:
Slightly lift the grill and pull towards you whilst holding the grill at the lower end, easy as that. They are only clipped in.

All grills on all models are the same in fixing method.
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The first time you do it, you're sure that something will break....it won't. After that it's no big deal.
 
Not sure what had happened to mine then. BOught new griles a couple weeks ago and have been having a mare getting the old ones off.

They were actually glued to the bumper. Managed to get one off so far. Tried to fit the replacemet grille and there is no way that it will stay in with clips....glue needed :cry:
 
goose said:
Not sure what had happened to mine then. BOught new griles a couple weeks ago and have been having a mare getting the old ones off.

They were actually glued to the bumper. Managed to get one off so far. Tried to fit the replacemet grille and there is no way that it will stay in with clips....glue needed :cry:
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Something sounds wrong....the grills are made to clip in/out. If you've got a friend whose's willing, pull the grills and look at the bumper opening and grill clips. The grill inserts actually consist of two parts: the surrounding ring and the center grill. The ring attaches to the center grill with clips that are very fragile and break easily. The ring/center grill assembly then clips into the opening in the bumper using a different set of clips, there is no need of glue to attach.
 
Mine pulled out no problems the other week when I changed the bonnet badge. Looks like a previous owner may have damaged the clips or something and had to glue back just to get them to stay in place. :( :(
 
goose said:
I have no idea what has happened then! But they don't just slot on!
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Hopefully after you clean off the glue from the bumper, your new grills will clip in as they should. Good Luck!
 
Got the grills off as you said they'd come, pretty easy really. I applied WD40 to the bonnet release mechanism and still no joy. I eventuially got it to work with the tried and tested leaning on the bonnet while someone pulls the lever trick.

I will reapply some more oil to it tonight and hope for the best.
 
left98204 said:
I applied WD40 to the bonnet release mechanism and still no joy. I eventuially got it to work with the tried and tested leaning on the bonnet while someone pulls the lever trick. I will reapply some more oil to it tonight and hope for the best.
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After a good application of a penetrating oil such as WD40 and with the bonnet open, work the release mechanism using the release lever inside the cockpit until you no longer feel any noticeable resistance. If that doesn't work, you may have to separate the cable from the latch to isolate where the problem is.
 
Remove mine regularly for cleaning and fly removal - no glue just a firm pull as suggested and they pop out.
 
Thanks guys ... this old post saved me a headache. Went to change my headlight bulb Saturday and couldn't open the hood. Grill removal was easy (almost too easy ... wouldn't be surprised if they get stolen some day when I'm working in New York). Anyhoo I had to release the hood with a stubby screwdriver wedged on the left side where the cable normally does the work. A few careful pries and the hood released.

I tried lube and it didn't help. I'll remove the whole mechanism later today and check it all out.

Regards,

Brian
 
:headbang: I only just saw this. I had the prob with bonnet catch not releasing a month or so back. Found another thread which suggesting get someone else to push on the bonnet whilst you pull the lever - this worked for me!

I would suggest to anybody having problems opening their bonnet to try this first. No messing around with removing grills, unless you have to! :thumbsup:
 
Found my issue ... the plastic elbow snapped below the release mechanism. I'm fairly certain there's no replacement, I'd have to get a whole new cable. I'll try to fashion a DIY replacement insert with a short section of small metal tubing, cut lengthwise with a Dremel tool to pass the cable into it, then clench the tube shut so it doesn't fall off. In theory this should work...

Brian
 
With the grills removed you should be able to access the two catches at either side, use a screwdriver to move the catch back and allow the bonnet to pop open, you may need help pressing the corner of the bonnet down to relieve the pressure on the catch
 
Chippie said:
With the grills removed you should be able to access the two catches at either side, use a screwdriver to move the catch back and allow the bonnet to pop open, you may need help pressing the corner of the bonnet down to relieve the pressure on the catch
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if he is still trying to get in after 14yrs, he is persistent lol
 
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