Bonnet won't release

[march109]

Hi guys, nights drawing in so less time to work on the car than I used to have, unfortunatly long journey ahead of me friday and I went to check the fluid levels to find the bonnet won't release.

The cable is still atatched to the bonnet release mechanism under the dash but the wire is frayed so I tried yanking it with pliers but that didn't work so I can only assume its come loose under the bonnet.

How do I get the bonnet up? any thoughts please.

Also update on my smoke/steam situation, on the way home this avo I didn't have any steam until after the engine had warmed up, I fear the worse! hence I want to check the water/oil.

[dazleeds]

look with torch thru passenger side grill headlight surround
you should see a hole in the framework behind the grill
put a flat screwdriver in the hole and twist
bonnet will pop open job done

[march109]

Cool cheers dude, have to leave it till lunch at work tomorrow now though.

Damn I hope I don't find mayo!

[dazleeds]

ps new bonnet cable incl handle is about 13quid

got one last week

[march109]

cool, handle is fine think I just need the cable, is that stealers price??

[dazleeds]

yeh thats from stealers
when i went in they said it all comes as 1 piece

not tried fitting it yet tho
think i need they actual catch on front too as it seems jammed up but will
swipe from a scrapper

[march109]

yeah I'm pretty sure it the catch under the bonnet thats gone, I bet its a proper pig to trace and fit!

[f13ldy]

It's a piece of piss to fit.

However, I can't seem to get the catch to sit right and hook on the bonnet now lol...

Any ideas?

[Brianmoooore]

Bonnet catch benefits from a drop of oil every now and again, or it will eventually seize.
Catch mechanism comes out easily through the slot beside the LH headlamp. Unscrew the two bolts (behind headlamp grill) and pull it out on the cable.