Thread: just tried to open the bonnet

I had a similar issue on the defender (although it only has 1 dual-stage latch).
I sprayed a bit of wd40 (or equivalent) towards the latch and it worked itself loose with a few pulls of the bonnet release lever. I then applied some GP grease on the spring and latch mechanism, and haven't had an issue since.

Well for anyone who didn't know ( that would be me ) there are two cables one to each bonnet latch and my passenger side one came out of the clip under the bonnet, thus taking a short cut and being to long to undothe latch, I noticed it was loose at the release handle and thought it had snapped at first.

So I pulled the cable at the handle end with a pair of pliers to open the bonnet, and put the cable back in the bracket, job done!


the pliers are in the door pocket, just in case

While you are there, lube the locks if the release lever is at all stiff. It should move relatively easily. If stiff, you will break the release lever. Ask me how I know (twice! )

Originally Posted by p38arover

While you are there, lube the locks if the release lever is at all stiff. It should move relatively easily. If stiff, you will break the release lever. Ask me how I know (twice! )

Haha....ditto on that Ron...damn plastic! The only reason I've probably only broken mine once, is that I haven't got around to replacing it

Mine is only half a handle, it has been some I got the car , still works, usually.

That would indicate your release mechanisms are in need of lubing. After I did mine, it became very easy to release the bonnet. Undo the bolts holding the catches against the slam panel so you can get some oil in there. (I used my motorcycle spray chain oil.)

The plastic lever is readily available as a spare part and not that expensive. Replacement is straightforward.