How to open a Punto bonnet with a snapped cable?

[lewis s]

I will be picking up my newest vehicle tonight - My mates 2002 Punto with a blown head gasket and broken bonnet cable

When i went round to have a look i could get my hand on the cable sheath on the latch end but not to the actual latch. If not i will have to hope it came off the lever end and i can tug it from the inside :/

If anybody can help that would be much appreciated

[Whitean3]

Good luck- the springs on the bonnet release are usually pretty strong- you might find it difficult to get any leverage. Can you get mole grips anywhere near the latch?

[kambites]

This is, in my experience, something that manufacturers rarely think about when designing cars.

[MDT]

Had this on a 2001 Clio. Solution

- jack up car (yes axel stands and full safety gear was to hand )
- large flat bladed screwdriver between the sliding plate and the latch pin.
- A push it to one side – as a mate pushed down enough to take some of the tension off the spring

Job done.

[littlebasher]

MDT said:

Had this on a 2001 Clio. Solution

- jack up car (yes axel stands and full safety gear was to hand )
- large flat bladed screwdriver between the sliding plate and the latch pin.
- A push it to one side – as a mate pushed down enough to take some of the tension off the spring

Job done.

Stihl saw

[guru_1071]

my flat mates punto did this.

you have to get a bladder in between the bonnet and the front panel and pump it up to lift the bonnet up so you can get access to flick the catch.

its impossible to do it without damage to the car our your hands if you dont have the kit.

the garage charged about 100 quid for the cable and the time it took.

[Groober]

c4

[ludicrous speed]

[fuey12]

I jacked up the car, placed it on a stand on the passenger side, and reached up underneath.
I've videoed it - quick to do once you see it.

http://bit.ly/Yh1dQ9