Bonnet not latching properly, what to check/adjust/lubricate etc...

[HPsauce]

I recall quite a while back I noticed my bonnet look misaligned.
On checking it wasn't latched down fully on the offside so I just pressed on it and all seemed ok.

But this weekend it kept recurring, even after a good "slam".
Push it down and it "seems" to catch but after a while pops up a few mm.

What am I looking for to find and rectify the cause?

[lebesset]

strange to say I have just had to adjust mine !
different reason ....on mine it was almost impossible to pull enough to open the bonnet

as you can see the bonnet pull actually opens the drivers side catch and then there is a cable from there to operate the passengers side catch

so I loosened the cable across the front of the car [ nuts seized solid , probably never adjusted since new ! ] then lubricated the drivers side catch to ensure it protruded enough to catch [ got her indoors to sit in the car and work the lever in and out while doing it ] ....... lubricated the passenger side working the lever by hand , then adjusted the cable across the car so that the catch matched the other side

don't think your problem can be the cable from the pull being stretched as then your problem would be opening the bonnet , not closing it !

[Dezzy]

Ages ago i di a little write up on cleaning the part that pops out the front of the bonnet so that works properly.

Sounds to me like it's the bits in the slam panel that are sticking and not returning properly. open the bonnet and when you look from the top into the hole the is the part that the cable is attached to just give that a little push and see if it moves

[HPsauce]

Sorted, the pull handle wasn't retracting properly when released so the drivers side catch was still half-open.

A bit of GT-85 lubrication all round and positively pushing on the handle before shutting the bonnet and it's now nice and tight.

[Dezzy]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Sorted, the pull handle wasn't retracting properly when released so the drivers side catch was still half-open.

The catch that was still half open is the reason the pull handle is not going back.

It'll keep doing it, if you have a good look round there behind and under the slam panel it'll be black and thick with greasedirt.

[oldnick]

so why did the passenger side lock but not the drivers side ?

quite simple , the strong return spring on the passenger side is partly responsible for locking the driver's side ..if the cable across between the 2 locks stretches there isn't as much force to return the handle as there should be , ergo adjust the tension on the cross cable !

[HPsauce]

That makes sense, as do the earlier comments. Thanks all.
A job for better weather........

[briang9]

Slight variation on this, one of the latch pins on mine broke, not the centre one but the one at the edge, the drivers side one actually. A8 Parts came up with a replacement which I fitted. Its either not adjusted properly or there could be a fault with cable as bonnet no longer pops open on that side, I suspect poor fitting on my part...though I did make sure it was adjusted to same length as the old one. Other side pops OK but drivers side wont budge, nor does centre pull lever pop out. Tried pushing on bonnet while cable being pulled etc but no joy. Anybody any tips on how to get access to a stuck bonnet please. I know I broke my own DIY rule of "know your limitations"

[David's8]

I could bring along my housebreakers pry bar if you like Brian?

Have you checked the manuals at the Tech Dump for any clues?

[briang9]

yeah had a look David, and its great info on taking things apart but seems to assume the opening mechanism is working in the first place