Thread: bonnet cable broke

First question, where actually broke the cable???
If there is something to grip on just behind the handle (or where it prevoiusly might have been), you may be able to pull the remaining wire with a pair of pliers or similar device.
If the damage is inside the engine compartment, access is more difficult, but you might be able to access the lock mechanism of the bonnet from underneath, poking with a screwdriver (or any other suitable instrument) through the openings in the grille. If you have a suitable grip device, you may even be able to grip the wire, which can be seen from there, and pull. I agree, all this seems fiddly, and it really is, but I should try this first before considering damaging the grille.

Sorry useless post here :-) My cable is getting tighter and tighter, I am dreading the day it goes pop and I cant open bonnet. I have liberally sprayed WD40 everywhere relating to the bonnet release and mechanism, hasnt improved it much. I checked its all aligning up ok and it is.

Let me know how you go. I think one day I will be in the same boat. Cheers.

Originally Posted by zuno555

Sorry useless post here :-) My cable is getting tighter and tighter, I am dreading the day it goes pop and I cant open bonnet. I have liberally sprayed WD40 everywhere relating to the bonnet release and mechanism, hasnt improved it much. I checked its all aligning up ok and it is.

Let me know how you go. I think one day I will be in the same boat. Cheers.

Then why dont you just change it.....I noticed mine getting tighter and tighter so we put a new one in...I never realise quite how tight it was as now I can open the bonnet with no effort what so ever!! I even hear the spring working when pulling the handle back

i ended up breaking the grill fiddled around tryin to get in,the cable had broken right at the bonnet latch so didnt have anything to grab,the actual latch had siezed had to pull bullbar off also to try get enough room then got sick of poking a screwdriver between the holes so out came the grinder and now the problem is fixed but a new grill is needed

Originally Posted by zuno555

Sorry useless post here :-) My cable is getting tighter and tighter, I am dreading the day it goes pop and I cant open bonnet. I have liberally sprayed WD40 everywhere relating to the bonnet release and mechanism, hasnt improved it much. I checked its all aligning up ok and it is.

Let me know how you go. I think one day I will be in the same boat. Cheers.

Might want to give this little device a go:

Cable Luber

Should free up the cable again.

Mine was tight when i bought the car, bought a new one for like $25 and replaced it myself, much better now.

Originally Posted by mickashay

how do i get the bonnet open when the cable breaks,do i have to destroy the grill to get to the latch i need to get into the engine bay because i was overheating today and need to add some water

You could try pulling the nearside headlight off its mounting brackets, the cable runs behind.
You can pull the headlight off by using a strip of metal with the end bent over into a hook and position it behind the seam in the headlight and just pull.
You can also do it with a large suction dent puller.