Mk2 Focus bonnet issues

JakeBell

So my Mk2 Focus bonnet has suddenly become a bitch to open. I have managed to open it by putting pressure on the bonnet when turning the key. This has worked a couple of times and hopefully will again but I don't want to stay messing with it as it's not simple and takes a few goes.
The key operates correctly when turning to the right because I can hear the click but that is the secondary action - the first action, turning the key to the left, is not working correctly.

I had it apart today and thought that white 'x' shaped clip (Ford Part No. 4549268) might be worn down but it was in perfect shape. I believe this can slip out of the notch too (anti-tampering) so I thought disassembly and reassembly might help matters. Not so. I have it all back together now and have exactly the same issue.

When the bonnet is open I can see both latches moving when turning the key.


Anybody any experience with these and where exactly is the fault likely to be?

Is it likely to be the bowden cable section (Ford Part No. 1343577) or is it the latch block (Ford Part No. 4895286) that needs replacing?
Since the white clip is in perfect nick I assume it's not that.

martinr5232

When you say mk 2 do you mean from 05 on ?? If so its usually that white clip that gives trouble it should be clicked into both ends if its not tight in the latch and cable replace it.
Spray the lock with plenty of freeing oil and make sure its opperating before you close the bonnett down.

JakeBell

martinr5232 wrote: »

When you say mk 2 do you mean from 05 on ?? If so its usually that white clip that gives trouble it should be clicked into both ends if its not tight in the latch and cable replace it.
Spray the lock with plenty of freeing oil and make sure its operating before you close the bonnett down.

Have done all that Martin, thanks.

The white clip is in perfect nick and I did click it into both ends. As I say the key seems to operate the secondary action correctly when turning to the right (which also requires that clip being in place) so I'm thinking that would rule out that clip as being the problem?

I'm guessing it's the bowden cable or the latch block but as I say that's just guessing. I have no experience with these. Both latches move with the key when the bonnet is open. I don't have a correctly operating one to compare to to check if they move enough.

Interslice

You can get a replacement cable and plastic bits in a motor factors. I had to help a friend open his bonnet from underneath a few months ago. When we removed the mechanism all seemed to be working but there was enough wear or stretch in the cable to stop it from turning the latch far enough. 30 quid for the part I think he paid.

JakeBell

Thanks Interslice. Yeah I'm aware of the parts, I just want to rule out anything else first before I go and buy them. I'm guessing it is that cable section that is the issue as it seems to often be the case. I'd like to rule out the latch block as a likely cause first though, or indeed anything else.

Cheapest online price I can find for the cable section is Amazon (£35 shipped).
amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ABK2OLW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

irelandspurs

If the end of the key is worn this will also make it hard to open. This happened to mine and I got a dummy key made up from ford just to open the bonnet lock.