Bonnet Cable Sticking

[bobski1]

The bonnet release is starting to stick on my 04 Seat Ibiza. It seems I have to pull the handle harder and its getting to the point the bonnet doesn't always pop now. Gone through few threads online and the general things seem to be:

1) handle inside the cabin could be worn and not pulling on the cable, there are some videos which show you how to remove and check it.

2) the latch could need some lithium grease

3) replace the entire cable/latch - this is where I am stuck as I am unsure on the best way to feed through a new cable. I would probably tape to one end and pull through but given it goes through different parts of the body structure I'm a little worried of it getting stuck somewhere.

Is there anything else that I could be missing or an easier fix?

[Scrump]

Try number 2 first. It is the easiest to fix and in my experience is the most likely cause.

[Pica-Pica]

Scrump said:

Try number 2 first. It is the easiest to fix and in my experience is the most likely cause.

Agreed. That has always been the case in my experience. Rarely has a new cable been needed.

[E-bmw]

Wifey recently had a 10 plate Mazda 2 with this issue, a bit of judicious bending of the latch operating lever did the trick i increasing the travel of the lever just enough to get it working again.

[bobski1]

Started with the lithium grease, definitely seems to make it lift easier.

It's still missing that pop when you pull the handle so thinking there's still something not right with either the handle or the cable.

Will investigate the handle first and then onto the cable.

[Pica-Pica]

bobski1 said:

Started with the lithium grease, definitely seems to make it lift easier.

It's still missing that pop when you pull the handle so thinking there's still something not right with either the handle or the cable.

Will investigate the handle first and then onto the cable.

Try disconnecting the handle from the cable, then pulling with, say, pliers. I have had cars in the past where you get that long pull and delay before the ‘pop’, but not recently. Our Fabia is OK, and is on the left side, probably similar to the SEAT ?

[Sensibleboy]

Is this the same bonnet catch that's fitted to the mk5 Golf? They seized for fun...luckily the seized open normally. Just needs removing and a thorough scrub and lubricating.

[bongtom]

I have to bang the edge of the bonnet whilst reaching down to pull the lever.
Mine also doesn’t pop just slowly rises.

Lathered it WD40. It’s better.

[Sticks.]

bongtom said:

Lathered it WD40. It’s better.

I had this issue on my 04 Z4. I was thinking new cable but I read online that loads of WD40 would do it. It did and hasn't been an issue since.

[Pica-Pica]

Sticks. said:

bongtom said:

Lathered it WD40. It’s better.

I had this issue on my 04 Z4. I was thinking new cable but I read online that loads of WD40 would do it. It did and hasn't been an issue since.

Grease it after WD40 though.