Bonnet not closing

OldmanMondeo

So I fill the screen wash and go to close the bonnet, but oh no it decides it doesn't want to. Tried putting some oil in the lock in-case it had frozen, no joy. Checked the lock for anything blocking it, nothing. Bonnet is closing to locking point but will not lock. The only thing I have managed to do is put a lovely dent in the bonnet while pushing it down :mad::mad::mad:

Anyway, I need to get this fixed before I head off to work tomorrow, Car is 2008 Mondeo (new type). Any suggestions?

langdang

First, double check you haven't left anything under the bonnet that would hinder it closing(Yeah, I know you've probably checked already like, but maybe get a good torch and have another look), then check that the release cable is free to move (if the cable is seized then it may be seized in "release bonnet" position).

On some cars you may be able to get at the bolts that hold on the latch mechanism and adjust it up or down to get it latching again. (Had to do this on her car lately - a bit of grease or WD40 has fixed any bonnet hassle with my own cars)

Or try winding tape around one of the parts?

Otherwise you're talking hillbilly style baling twine (or bungee cords)

sundodger5

does it open from a catch in the car, if so make sure the catch is still not pulled out.

OldmanMondeo

Cheers, I checked all that, only had watering can out to top up washer. Nothing blocking the bonnet, It will close to locking position, but will not lock. Checked cable under he bonnet and inside the car, seems to be free.

On a good note, I managed to remove some of the large dent..

Nissan doctor

OldmanMondeo wrote: »

So I fill the screen wash and go to close the bonnet, but oh no it decides it doesn't want to. Tried putting some oil in the lock in-case it had frozen, no joy. Checked the lock for anything blocking it, nothing. Bonnet is closing to locking point but will not lock. The only thing I have managed to do is put a lovely dent in the bonnet while pushing it down :mad::mad::mad:

Anyway, I need to get this fixed before I head off to work tomorrow, Car is 2008 Mondeo (new type). Any suggestions?

Slot a screw driver or similar into the latch to simulate the bonnet closing to see does it catch as it should. If it does then maybe the latch has loosened a bit and moved down?

Damien360

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=75027813

I had the same problem. I replied above. Although you got it sorted now, it will stick again.

Damien360 wrote: »

Your bonnet is not down fully. My mondeo had this problem and I had to get the bonnet release cable replaced. From the catch in the engine bay, it goes to the right and down taking a sharp right angled turn back towards the release catch in the cabin. This last turn causes the cable to fray. It is the same as the cable on your bikes brakes.

When it frays it causes the bonnet catch to remain in the open position. A quick fix, until you get it replaced, is to remove the plastic surround that is around the switch. twist lock screws, half turn to open. This exposes the entire switch. Now get a long screwdriver and push the jammed part back to home position. You can now lock the bonnet correctly. But, every time you re-open, you will have to do the same trick. Do not move the cabin side release catch as the end of the cable will pop out and it is a pig to get back in as it remains under tension.

It is a cheap part but a pain in the ass to repair according to my mechanic. They will try doing a cut of the existing cable away from the fray and then mate the new cable to it. Failing that, they change the entire cable.

OldmanMondeo

Nissan doctor wrote: »

Slot a screw driver or similar into the latch to simulate the bonnet closing to see does it catch as it should. If it does then maybe the latch has loosened a bit and moved down?

Tried that, catch popping back up, thinking the lock is knackered...:o
Wonder what the chances of a dealer having one tomorrow and then getting it fitted....

Anyone know a secure way for keeping the bonnet closed for a 40 mile trip? Have to get to work tomorrow, only started the job last week, so don't want to be missing a day already.

OldmanMondeo

Damien360 wrote: »

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=75027813

I had the same problem. I replied above. Although you got it sorted now, it will stick again.

Cheers, will have to grab the tool box and a head torch so...

Damien360

OldmanMondeo wrote: »

Cheers, will have to grab the tool box and a head torch so...

When you are using the long screwdriver, do not bother with the top of the switch. Look to the bottom of the switch, engine side, where the cable comes in. Wiggle it, just a little bit (sorry), and it will snap back. Now close bonnet.

I got mine fixed in Hillside motors in Tallaght. Lenny there has done a few mondeos and the charge was very reasonable.

George Dalton

Cable and latch both give a lot of trouble on that shape Mondeo.

johnos1984

What you need are some cable ties and an I don't give a dam about safety attitude

OldmanMondeo

Is the only way to remove the plastic housing is by removing the lock from the panel? Getting a bit late now and to be honest I will probably do more harm than good. Will have to borrow a car tomorrow and try get it fixed the weekend..

Any good mechanics in/near Kinnegad?

junkyarddog

Mine did the exact same thing:mad:
I think that part of the problem is that the lock is very close to the grille and gets a lot of dirt and grit into the mechanism,
anyway a can of WD40 and a lot of wiggling of the bonnet release leaver inside the car got it working again:D
Must give it another squirt this weekend.

johnos1984

johnos1984 wrote: »

What you need are some cable ties and an I don't give a dam about safety attitude

Cable ties ftw, a good few of them will hold it no bother at all

johnos1984

RoverJames wrote: »

Cable ties ftw, a good few of them will hold it no bother at all

TBH they're very useful especially if you need a quick and temporary bodge

David09

My boss' 08 mondeo suffered from the same. The bonnet cable was deemed to be the cause. He got a main dealer to change it and wasn't cheap. Apparently a lot of stripping out to get at it.

closecall

same problem happened to me, google it and you'll see its a common fault.

My fix was to spray the pull handle with wd40, then take off the bonnet relaese catch and cover it with wd40 plus spray as much as you can down the cable (not an esay job) get some one to work the pull relaese while you use a screw driver to work the catch. this worked for me.
If you get it working again keep it covered in oil

OldmanMondeo

Update, had to get a new bonnet cable, €25.00. The old one had rusted and frayed and would kept the lock from locking. Took about 2.5 hours, had to remove the battery, headlight, glovebox and a few other small bits. bit of a pig to do, probably the hardest was to put the cable back through the bulkhead, needed to cut the sound deadening a little to get access.

Glad I didn't go to a main dealer, probably would have cost €200+ for parts and labour.

Thanks for all the replies on advice, will keep this one greased up to stop rusting.