Bonnet Stuck Shut PLEASE HELP

unerdanielson

Active Member
Oct 27, 2009
205
0
Hi everyone,

In need of some help here. My bonnet catch has decided to fail and I'm needing it up to check coolant. The lever in the car feels spongy, any help would be greatly appreciated. Can't seem to search on the forum, so I'm asking in a new thread.
 

G.P

Active Member
Sep 3, 2011
1,281
45
Worcestershire
Hi everyone,

In need of some help here. My bonnet catch has decided to fail and I'm needing it up to check coolant. The lever in the car feels spongy, any help would be greatly appreciated. Can't seem to search on the forum, so I'm asking in a new thread.

Different vehicle, but, my merc requires two to open the bonnet.

Pulling the lever inside only now works if someone applies slight pressure externally on the bonnet pushing it down as if closing.

Worth a try..
 

andycupra

status subject to change
the mechanism might require freeing, especially if not opened for some time.
the pressing down as someone applies pressure with the level is a good suggestion.

its that time of year we need to plan for the cold weather, bonnet release is something i usually remind people to make sure its clean and well lubricated.
 

unerdanielson

Active Member
Oct 27, 2009
205
0
Thanks I'll have to have another go tomorrow in the daylight. Definitely got a slow coolant leak so I need to get that bonnet up to find the source. Anyone else on here have a release lever that comes up quite far. This thing comes out way higher than my old mk4 Ibiza ever did


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unerdanielson

Active Member
Oct 27, 2009
205
0
Has anyone ever took the lever apart inside the car? Tried removing the trim but the lever seems to obstruct.


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unerdanielson

Active Member
Oct 27, 2009
205
0
Is this the cable that runs through to the latch? My handle is stuck in an awkward position at the moment. I'll attach photos


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unerdanielson

Active Member
Oct 27, 2009
205
0
fd6d1ee920ba129e705724e5b99488b2.jpg
66788f4323705dd8283e22145568eec4.jpg



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Fmxvxx

Active Member
Dec 21, 2014
387
3
you need to use a small screwdriver to unclip the tab that holds the lever on this will allow you to remove the trim,

as for your issue the cable has either stretched or the mechanism is seized if you remove the trim and use a pair of pliers to pull the cable while somebody else jiggles the bonnet up and down.
 

unerdanielson

Active Member
Oct 27, 2009
205
0
you need to use a small screwdriver to unclip the tab that holds the lever on this will allow you to remove the trim,

as for your issue the cable has either stretched or the mechanism is seized if you remove the trim and use a pair of pliers to pull the cable while somebody else jiggles the bonnet up and down.


Thanks I'll have a go when the other half comes in.


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unerdanielson

Active Member
Oct 27, 2009
205
0
I'm having trouble locating the clip, I know one is missing in the picture I've already removed that one.

665a655b01cb281d87df179517ca12cb.jpg
23ebbca878eab6f43e923faa1ff6e038.jpg

Thanks I'll have a go when the other half comes in.


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Last edited:

unerdanielson

Active Member
Oct 27, 2009
205
0
Managed to get the bonnet open by removing the interior trim. Is it possible to adjust the cable as it is just stretched slightly either at the lever end or the bonnet end?


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unerdanielson

Active Member
Oct 27, 2009
205
0
Am I looking at doing a straight replacement on the cable? Or should I be investigating or modifying the lever or catch mechanism's? I can now get the bonnet open by pulling on the cable, however the trim has to be removed to allow me the room to pull the cable.
 

unerdanielson

Active Member
Oct 27, 2009
205
0
Can anyone tell me if the cable lengths changed on the 2009 Leon's?


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