Bonnet stuck closed

[fozz1e]

I had a problem opening my bonnet last week (release lever was stiff but did eventually open it) then once open I couldn't close it.

The RAC came out and cleaned it up with WD40. That didn't help, so the guy flicked the catch with a screwdriver, closed it, then said you won't be able to open it again - thanks!

Anyway, I've read the guide on how to replace the release mechanism and I'm going to give that a go. Just not sure how I can manually release the bonnet if the lever won't do it? I've read some scary things about breaking the grill off 

[Nasir]

Happened to me on my old Golf. Remove the lower grilles near the fog lights and you should be able to access the catch with a long screwdriver.

[r5gtt]

I had the same problem with mine not closing. a dollop of grease and grease in the latch spring will do the job as it's water ingres and rusted seized but can be released with grease.

[r5gtt]

Great link easier for thieves now to strip a car.

Thanks for the edit bro. 

[MikeGolfed30]

Mine stuck open just after i bought it, loads of WD40 with copper slip freed it up and has worked since.

I would like to know how people can take the grills off to get at the mechanism without having the boot open, seen as there are 2 torx screws under the bonnet at the top of the grill

[Stupots]

@MikeGolfed30 They are saying removing the bottom grill, not the top grill, I'm not saying that is any easier thought :)

I had to open my stuck bonnet yesterday, I found a solution that works on standard (non GT/GTi) grill as well as GT and R32 without the need to remove anything. I don't think it will work on a GTi grill as I don't think you'll be able to get the angle through the honeycomb holes. I'll make a post about it at some point.

I'd urge anyone that has had a stuck or stiff bonnet catch to order a new one and replace it. I removed mine when it was stiff last year, gave it a very thorough clean/WD40/re-grease and 6 months later it was stuck solid again.

Stu

[r5gtt]

@Stupots no mate its the upper grill to access the bonnet catch 
If you want to know how pm me as I don't want to shout it out for any would be dodgy criminals out there no offence and that's for the gti 

Also touch wood and 6months on my bonnet wouldn't close due to a sticky rusted latch but after plenty of lube it was working again and I tested it before the bonnet went back down with a screw driver locking the latch and opening it from inside the car again. Did the trick  some get lucky and some don't.

[Stupots]

Yep, but Nasir mentioned removing fog grills and using a long screwdriver, so I was simply referring to that method.

As I said, I did mine yesterday without removing anything, but doubt my method would work on a honeycomb grill.

Stu

[r5gtt]

Nasir did post up a good how too but it's actually something to keep hush hush and pm only tbh.

[Fountainz]

I have a golf gt 170 which currently has the bonnet stuck closed. Desperate to find out what you did but unable to pm you due to the rules of the forum.

[bigmig95]

Remove offside wheel arch liner, reach through into engine bay and yank release cable, worked for me.  No good if you're a short ar$e though as you might not reach 

[r5gtt]

Long process as there's an easier solution  but can't put it out on here 

[r5gtt]

If you take the VW badge out the grill you can manage to pull the cable to release the bonnet had to do it on mine the other day! 

[Andy]

Removed the post

[chigmuss]

You can fairly easily release the catch by removing the grilles carefully. Buy a whole new catch, grease is just a temporary fix, it's one of a few parts that will fail on a mk5 at some stage.
( I can half understand your caution guys about thieves getting tips etc, but honestly, they really aren't arsed about your paintwork....want something from under your bonnet? A screwdriver and tin snips, straight in, same with door locks, want your RNS 510? No bother nearest rock through your window, these cars are precious to us but not to them)