NCT and Bonnet of car issue

Captain Kidd

Hi, I have a 2008 Passat, and in order to open the bonnet I need someone to put a little pressure on the bonnet when I pull the open lever. I think the cable is a little stretched and this works to open it. Does this mean it’s a fail at the NCT or can I just explain this is how to open it. The car is in good condition.

Thanks

mk7r

This is a fail but some testers may be more forgiving than others

Dirty Nails

Pour a little drop of engine oil in to the bonnet lock. Works wonders.

Captain Kidd

I sprayed wd40 on the latches in the past but didn’t seem to work. Could try some oil. Any idea if this is a costly fix?

Seth Brundle

Lube the moving parts of the lock with oil (not WD40)

According to a post here, you can tighten the bonnet by turning the bump stops under the corners of the bonnet. See if turning yours adds some tension to the locking mechanism

kennethsmyth

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119521878#Comment_119521878

If you can get to the cable and its sleeve at the lock end or the other end you could get a nut, cut a slot in it and then then slip it in between where cable connects to lock and sleeve (essentially making a spacer to push back on cable sleeve). Then put tape around it to keep it in place.

Captain Kidd

I’ve put some oil on the latch, will try again shortly, hopefully it works its magic

Captain Kidd

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119521902#Comment_119521902

Great thanks I’ll try this 👍🏼

Captain Kidd

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119521924#Comment_119521924

Thanks but this might be a bit advanced for me! Will look into it.

kennethsmyth

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119526468#Comment_119526468

Its simpler than it sounds but essentially you are trying to add a spacer to the cable outer sleeve so that the cable pulls against it even though its stretched.

teediddlyeye

Latches are cheap, even from vw and can be got spurious.

Easy to replace also.

Cables don't stretch.

Captain Kidd

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119521902#Comment_119521902

turns out it was the bump stops! I tightened the two outer ones so there is less tension and the bonnet now pops!

Captain Kidd

Thanks everyone for the comments and help! 👍🏼