Thread: Stuck bonnet release, can not open bonnet

That comment ^ ^ ^ reminds me of something I recall reading a long time ago & worth a thought.

I am not familiar with this vehicle or it's electrics etc but is it possible there is some sort of concealed electrically powered Solenoid "bolt" that could be holding it shut?

Flat battery + locked bonnet may = a hitherto unknown solenoid operated locking bolt.

No idea why it should be fitted but it is a RA RO after all & extra security springs to mind. ie. Ignition on energises said bolt.

Hi Folks and charging the battery has not been a problem.

I have a 50 amp Anderson plug on a short lead with a 6 amp auto resetting circuit breaker on it.

This is normally tucked in under the bonnet, just in front of the cranking battery.

While the driver's side of the bonnet would not release, the passenger side did and I was able to fish out the Anderson plug and kept charging the cranking battery.

BUT, the cranking battery has dropped a cell and even charging it may not have been enough to stop the ignition key problem.

I now need to get a new battery before going any further.

I have managed to get the bonnet opened by using a number of tie-down straps with ratchets on them.

I fixed the ends of the straps to the driver's side of the bonnet and I then progressively pulled each strap tighter and tighter.

Then after a couple of goes, I pulled the bonnet release leaver and the bonnet popped up.

I have disconnected and removed the negative ( - ) battery clamp and I'll see if a hard reset will fix the ignition key problem.

Fingers crossed!

BTW, thank you all for the suggestions. They are all muchly appreciated.

I had the battery neg ( - ) lead off for a couple of hours.

I just reconnected the lead and connected a battery and battery charger to the Anderson plug.

Gave it a few minutes and it fired up first go.

So if nothing else, if any body else has an issue where the key won't turn in the ignition, start by checking the cranking battery voltage.

Again, thanks for up the suggestions and a special thanks to Justin Cooper, who tipped me off about low cranking batteries causing ignition key issues.

You can keep it now but remove the bonnet before you drive it again!

Thanks Graeme, but no thanks.

I have worked out why the ignition key failed, would not work, what ever.

When I jump started the RR this time after turning the motor off, I left the second battery connected.

I gave it about 10 minutes and then disconnected the second battery.

In under 3 seconds, the cranking battery dropped from 12.6v to 10.7v.

I suspect that the last time I drive the RR and then turned to ignition off, because the battery dropped so quickly, the computers had no chance of shutting down properly.

By doing a Hard Reset, they rebooted when I connected up the battery and added the charger and second battery.

I'll get a new battery during the week and probably a quote for the bonnet repair and it will be up for sale, at a good price.

Great! So we can all sleep soundly in our cots tonight knowing you are now out of the ****?

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Thanks Graeme, but no thanks.

I have worked out why the ignition key failed, would not work, what ever.

When I jump started the RR this time after turning the motor off, I left the second battery connected.

I gave it about 10 minutes and then disconnected the second battery.

In under 3 seconds, the cranking battery dropped from 12.6v to 10.7v.

I suspect that the last time I drive the RR and then turned to ignition off, because the battery dropped so quickly, the computers had no chance of shutting down properly.

By doing a Hard Reset, they rebooted when I connected up the battery and added the charger and second battery.

I'll get a new battery during the week and probably a quote for the bonnet repair and it will be up for sale, at a good price.

You're certainly persevered with that vehicle and given it every chance. I hope your next brings you nothing but pleasure.
Any thoughts as to what you'll take bush next, if anything?

A kid's pedal car may be it?