HELP V8V bonnet won't open!

[matrignano]

I pull on the catch in the passenger's footwell, but I don't feel any positive engagement/clicking sound to tell me the bonnet opened successfully. And indeed, it didn't!
Is this a known issue, and how can it be fixed?

Edited by matrignano on Saturday 10th August 15:07

[eoinbenjimancox]

had the same prob on my last vantage. it turned out that the bonnet itself looked closed but in effect it wasnt. try pressing down firmly on the bonnet and attempt to lift the lip up. careful though too much pressure you may dent it

[matrignano]

eoinbenjimancox said:

had the same prob on my last vantage. it turned out that the bonnet itself looked closed but in effect it wasnt. try pressing down firmly on the bonnet and attempt to lift the lip up. careful though too much pressure you may dent it

I tried that but it seemed closed indeed. It wouldn't lift up when pressing on the lip.
Will give it another shot

[Impasse]

It might be worth enlisting the help of a glamorous assistant to either yank the lever in the footwell or manipulate the bonnet while you tug away.


Yes, I did watch a Carry On film the other day. Why do you ask?

[Russwhitehouse]

Angle grinder and cold chisel! Sorry, being flippant again.

[matrignano]

Maybe I could use the jack, or a bottle opener?

[JohnG1]

When you pull the lever in the footwell is there any resistance? If there's no resistance then the cable is bust. Happened to my V8 and my V12. Garage fixed both under warranty.

There was no workaround available so I think you are out of luck.

[matrignano]

There is resistance, I just don't the "popping" sound that confirms the bonnet opened

[Go60 Jay]

Hi all,

I know this is an old thread but I had this happen today.

I found an easy solution. I used a large can of WD40, as it has a long straw attached and I squeezed it past the finger latch in the centre of the bonnet and then between the bonnet and slam panel. The straw reached just beyond the bonnet badge. I gave it a good blast and it was powerful enough to reach the latch.

I left it for a few minutes and then I jiggled the lever, before jiggling the bonnet up and down. Suddenly the bonnet popped open.

I gave it all a good clean and lube and it’s now working perfectly.

I hope this helps someone in the future.

Kind regards,
John