bonnet stuck

[weeds]

just checking in before i get home this arvo......is it as straight forward as taking the grill off to access the mech?

from inside the cab the cable moves its full length

the spare is mounted on the bonnet and been getting more and more difficult to get the bonnet to lock down

[noogie]

When my bonnet got stuck a while back, to fix it I had to loosen the bonnet hinges and realign the catch.

[redrovertdi]

use long nose pliers and reach through the grill and pull the cable-very easy.
Richard

[MLD]

my bonnet stuck over xmas on a 4wd trip. Like you the handle and cable moved its full length but no release. Even after bashing and pulling on the bonnet. It was a build up of dust and crap in the bonnet locking mechanism. I gave it a solid squirt with the hose in the mechanism and it came loose. Easy fix before you start on the tools. I gave mine a squirt of silicon spray afterwards to lubricate everything.

hope it's an easy fix like mine.

MLD

[weeds]

thanks guys.....will have a look this arvo if the rain eases up

[weeds]

I ended up removing the grill and using long nose pliers......I lubed it all up, adjusted the pin and it closes a lot easier (without spare tyre)

I think I need a new cable now.

[jimr1]

So do I ,I have a bit of cord , it's on the list

[redrovertdi]

I have a wire loop of the cable just poking through the grill as the standard cable in the car is useless when you have a spare wheel on the bonnet.
Richard

[SimonM]

I have a wire loop of the cable just poking through the grill as the standard cable in the car is useless when you have a spare wheel on the bonnet.
Richard

X 2. Though I don't have the spare on the bonnet.

[wpalmo]

I have a wire loop of the cable just poking through the grill as the standard cable in the car is useless when you have a spare wheel on the bonnet.
Richard

Sounds like a good idea. Series III Stage Ones have basically the same looking bonnet as Tdi and Td5 Defenders and also have bonnet mounted spare wheels as a factory fit. The bonnet catch for these is a lever that is accessed through the front grill. Works very well and is easy to open with the weight of a rim and tyre mounted on the bonnet. Might be possible to fit this system to the Pre Puma Defenders.

Only problem I can see is that it makes it easy for anyone to access your engine if they know where to look. Although I think that there is a locking system via a keyed cylinder lock that can be fitted to the front panel just above the grill for the Stage One.

One question for those who have a spare mounted on the Defender bonnet; is the bonnet reinforced with a subframe? I know that the Stage One is reinforced with a frame but I haven't looked under the Deefer bonnet.

Regards Warrick.