Bonnet catch

[Eyersey1234]

The bonnet catch on the Focus has broken, has anyone any ideas as to how I can get the bonnet open? Thanks.

[eybic]

Google will more likely be your friend and give you a quicker answer (there's a few suggestions that crop up)

[ferrariF50lover]

Really big axe?

[Eyersey1234]

Thanks eybic, a quick Google suggests it's a common fault with them. I've found a YouTube video on the subject, will watch it properly later as I'm at work and will be out on the road soon.

[Helical]

Do you know which bit has broken? Is it definitly broken??

In case your problem is what I've had in the past, when its not broken but not releasing (might be worth a try) get a friend to pull the release lever and keep it pull fully back, while you go and press down firmly on the bonnet above the latch

edit: PUSH down rather - as if you're trying the bounce the front of the car on its springs

[eybic]

Helical said:

Do you know which bit has broken? Is it definitly broken??

In case your problem is what I've had in the past, when its not broken but not releasing (might be worth a try) get a friend to pull the release lever and keep it pull fully back, while you go and press down firmly on the bonnet above the latch

edit: PUSH down rather - as if you're trying the bounce the front of the car on its springs

There's no lever, they are operated by turning the key in the catch unfortunately.

[MrAverage]

Assuming you have a MK2 focus and the key won't open the bonnet?

I had this happen a day after buying my focus.

I undone the bonnet lock from under the car, you can see the nuts if you shine a torch up. Was fiddly but seemed the only way you could do it without damaging anything.
Other option is to rip the cable out and stick a long screwdriver up into the lock.

[Saleen836]

eybic said:

Helical said:

Do you know which bit has broken? Is it definitly broken??

In case your problem is what I've had in the past, when its not broken but not releasing (might be worth a try) get a friend to pull the release lever and keep it pull fully back, while you go and press down firmly on the bonnet above the latch

edit: PUSH down rather - as if you're trying the bounce the front of the car on its springs

There's no lever, they are operated by turning the key in the catch unfortunately.

And require frequent lubrication to prevent seizure, bit of a design fault on behalf of Ford I say

[Eyersey1234]

MrAverage said:

Assuming you have a MK2 focus and the key won't open the bonnet?

I had this happen a day after buying my focus.

I undone the bonnet lock from under the car, you can see the nuts if you shine a torch up. Was fiddly but seemed the only way you could do it without damaging anything.
Other option is to rip the cable out and stick a long screwdriver up into the lock.

Thanks I'll try that tomorrow when it's daylight. Yes I've a MK2 Focus, there's a thread about it on the readers cars section.

[Eyersey1234]

Earlier on at work with some help from a workmate I managed to open the bonnet by removing the grill. It turns out the lock is knackered. A new one is on order and will be fitted as soon as it arrives.

[pburnand]

I had the same problem, it was due to the piece of white plastic which bridges between the lock assembly and the key cable assembly. I bought an item off eBay which has been designed to overcome this problem by being slightly longer than the original part. After fitting this I haven’t had a problem since. The eBay item number is: 264077543273
Hope this helps!

[Fordbaby]

Hi,
I have a ford focus. Here is a really good utube link (if allowed). I bought a kit on the internet for £20. Ford wanted £90.00.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13QpUSUL5gw&li...