Author Topic: Can't open my bonnet!  (Read 10748 times)

Offline Obbzi

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Can't open my bonnet!
« on: 31 May 2011, 13:57 »
I was going to fit my LED sidelights yesterday that I took out of my Mk5 R32, anyway, I pulled the bonnet release, went round to the bonnet to press the catch and it wouldn't release!

I only had a quick look but everything looks ok, nothing appears to be broken but then I had to leave it as I had to do something.

Anyway, I have just remembered about it and it made me angry! Ha!

Any ideas on how I can get my bonnet open?

Thanks
2008 R32 DBP gone. 2008 GT TDI going 2009 GTI coming soon!

Offline AlanD

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Re: Can't open my bonnet!
« Reply #1 on: 31 May 2011, 14:01 »
Simple things first, try spraying some WD40 on the catch that releases under the bonnet, mine got really rough and hardly open, was after a few sprays.

Offline Obbzi

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Re: Can't open my bonnet!
« Reply #2 on: 31 May 2011, 14:13 »
Will give it a try when I get home.

It was only serviced a few weeks ago by VW, hope they haven't broken anything!
2008 R32 DBP gone. 2008 GT TDI going 2009 GTI coming soon!

Offline AlanD

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Re: Can't open my bonnet!
« Reply #3 on: 31 May 2011, 15:32 »
Is anything happening, can you feel tension when you full the flap inside the car?

Also, if it was serviced at VW a few weeks take it back. Say this is the first time since getting the car back that you have tired to open the bonnet and it wont open. Get them to sort it out for free.

Offline Obbzi

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Re: Can't open my bonnet!
« Reply #4 on: 31 May 2011, 15:38 »
Is anything happening, can you feel tension when you full the flap inside the car?

Also, if it was serviced at VW a few weeks take it back. Say this is the first time since getting the car back that you have tired to open the bonnet and it wont open. Get them to sort it out for free.

yes, when I pull the release under the steering wheel, the bonnet pops up but then I can't open it from the front
2008 R32 DBP gone. 2008 GT TDI going 2009 GTI coming soon!

Offline Agreeable Slick

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Re: Can't open my bonnet!
« Reply #5 on: 31 May 2011, 15:45 »
Happened to missus's cousins Jetta. (same car)

You'll have to lift the bonnet to the max height it will go, then slide your finger toward the catch and you should be able to move the catch just enough to let the bonnet pop open, you might need to lower it slightly just to take the pinch off the lock catch.

Once it's open, as Alan said, get some WD on it, they get caked in crap from the road, so a quick spray and clean will set it right.

Offline AlanD

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Re: Can't open my bonnet!
« Reply #6 on: 31 May 2011, 15:46 »
Oh right, hummm in which case my first post might not be of help. Mine wasnt even popping open, cable had just tried up I think as like I said, has been fine since I sprayed it.

Id be back to VW at my earliest convenience and getting them to sort it out.

Offline Obbzi

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Re: Can't open my bonnet!
« Reply #7 on: 04 June 2011, 15:31 »
Right finally got it to open!

Just played about with the latch under the bonnet and it freed.
Then when I was pushing the release it wasn't "springing back" it was caked in grime so I cleaned it all up, squirted WD40 and freed it all!

Works fine now!

I needed the bonnet open to install my LED sidelights which is my next problem...........
2008 R32 DBP gone. 2008 GT TDI going 2009 GTI coming soon!

Offline AlanD

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Re: Can't open my bonnet!
« Reply #8 on: 05 June 2011, 20:42 »
Whats the problem? Fairly easy to replace lights on the MK5.

Offline Obbzi

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Re: Can't open my bonnet!
« Reply #9 on: 05 June 2011, 22:24 »
Whats the problem? Fairly easy to replace lights on the MK5.

I know, I have done it before on my R32 but just couldn't get my fingers in any sort of position to get the sidelights out!
2008 R32 DBP gone. 2008 GT TDI going 2009 GTI coming soon!