Bonnet Release Problem

[Big T]

I checked the oil level this morning and when I shut the bonnet the bonnet handle wouldn't turn to close it.

I opened it back up and saw that both sides of the rods are in different positions and no matter how hard I turn the handle, it won't budge.

Help!!!
Has anyone else had the same problem? I've looked through the threads and can't find anything.
Even if there is a workaround til I ring the dealer up tomorrow.

Sods law it's lovely and sunny this morning, got up early to clean her and do the usual checks.

Cheers

T.

[5MUG]

We have had a few probs with ours, you can adjust the plastic ends, they screw in or out, or the ball joints on the actual rods. You will need to take off the colour trim to get at the linkage. The problem we had was that when in the shut position the bonnet used to rattle up and down, so I extended the rods a wee bit and put a rubber grommet into the catch so that it seated a bit better.
Good luck
AS&E

[matthew69]

Just picked mine up this week a 98 4.5 found a similar problem.

Have a look at the rods that move back and forth they seem to be hollow and bend easily with the heat. One of mine has cracked so will need to repair short term with duck tape. I think when they get hot they lose their shape therefore making it more diffcult to turn the knob. Try straightening them slightly then oil the bearing under the cosmetic cowelling which will need to me removed first to get access.

[beej]

you may find simply that one or both rods has rotated - this happens very occasionally on mine, simply flipping the curvature of the rod back over (don't straighten it out - its meant to do an S curve) may solve the problem.

[big t]

Cheers everyone,

I gave up having a go at it yesterday and am taking it back to the dealer in the morning. They said it's a minor "while-u-wait" job (hopefully!!) so I'll see how they fix it so I know for next time.

Anyway, I'll try your suggestions when I get in tonight.

Thanks for the responses.

T.

[olly]

Just make sure you don't drive at more than 120 (obviously km/h officer), or you'll loose your sight of the road as the bonnet rises !

[big t]

Cheers Olly, dealer told me that earlier, I chuckled.