Bonnet Release N/W

[stag888]

Beautiful Day , thought I'd drive the stag to work , it's a 75 mile round trip so I thought it wise to check the oil & water , reached over pulled the bonnet release - Nothing !!!!!! - Bonnet didn't pop up,didn't have the time to take a good look ,had to jump in the Golf and go. Have a sinking feeling this may prove to be a big deal as I can't image how I can gain access to the latch .

Has anyone any experiance in dealing with this situation ? , really can't think where to start , and a quick search didn't bring up any solutions , just topic's on how to fit secondary / alternative release.

Advise would really be appreciated

Cheers Steve

[milothedog]

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Don't panic, "Ian B" on here had the same issue this year and got his open,(Top job) I think he told me he managed to do it by taking a headlight out and used a broom handle! He'll be on here later probably and I'm sure will help you out

He'll advise you on his second cable mod as well

Ian.

[Ian B]

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milothedog wrote:

Don't panic, "Ian B" on here had the same issue this year and got his open,(Top job) I think he told me he managed to do it by taking a headlight out and used a broom handle! He'll be on here later probably and I'm sure will help you out

He'll advise you on his second cable mod as well

Ian.

dead right, took the inside front light out, behind it is a hole (what for i don't know) push a broom handle or long stick through this and then after a lot of poking (took me over an hour) the catch released. i have now changed the bonnet release handle to the drivers side, with a 'spare' pull handle in the wheel arch.

Ian

[Greenstag]

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Option B

[stag888]

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Thanks for Option A , not so sure about Option B , The cable doesn't appear to have snapped , there is still resistance ,have been advised to start by getting a helping hand to pull on the release whilst applying firm pressure rocking to the bonnet 4" forward of the washer jet . This has apparently worked in certain cases ... shall try that first. before progressing to the broom method . Fingers crossed .

Cheers

[StagnJag]

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I am told that it is possible to lever up the N/S corner of the bonnet and get a broom handle in there without causing any damage, but I haven't tried it. I have heard of holes being drilled in the N/S inner wing to insert a broom handle but it wouldn't be my preferred solution!

Rgds

Dave

[mickjo]

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StagnJag wrote:

I am told that it is possible to lever up the N/S corner of the bonnet and get a broom handle in there without causing any damage, but I haven't tried it. I have heard of holes being drilled in the N/S inner wing to insert a broom handle but it wouldn't be my preferred solution!

Rgds

Dave

Point to think of here:

You need to think of the location of the bonnet pull, drivers (offside) or passenger (nearside), mine is offside so you would need to attack it from the opposite side (nearside), pushing the release. I've heard of people destroying the bonnet because they cannot get it to open so if all else fails a large hole cutter in the inner wing could be an option.

[dasadrew]

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Why is the thread title referringto a North West Bonnet Release when it seems that it has actually gone South?

[DJT]

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mickjo wrote:

You need to think of the location of the bonnet pull, drivers (offside) or passenger (nearside), mine is offside so you would need to attack it from the opposite side (nearside), pushing the release.

Fit one both sides. Costs peanuts and can save a fortune in damage and or head-scratching.

Captured nuts for mounting the handle bracket are fitted both ends of the dashboard. Just install another bracket and cable and attach at the bonnet release as per:

Dave

[DJT]

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And:

[redstag]

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My bonnet did this a few weeks ago.

After the initial thoughts of doom and gloom it turned out that for reasons unknown the bonnet had stuck to the bulkhead seal. It was just a case of getting a grip on the bonnet and peeling it gently off the seal.

Seriously considering fitting a second cable though as you get a real bad feeling when the bonnet doesn't pop up.



Pete

[Giles]

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done it on mine - same as Dave has done - handy having a release on the drivers side as well

[stag888]

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Good news ,

Went in to the garage on Sat morning , ready for a struggle , and surprisingly found the bonnet had popped open of it's own accord , can only assume it had been jammed , perhaps I'd not pulled the release with sufficent vigor , and it was till catching . What a relief . Took the opportunity to give the whole mechanism a once over , checking all the connections , lubricating the cable and mechansim. All fine now. Also looked at what would have been required if I had needed to go down the headlight out route , and will now certainly befitting asecondary cable .

Many thanks to everyone for their advise .