Opening bonnet with knackered catch?

[john a]

The bonnet catch on the wife's mk5 is knackered, I am 99% sure that the cable has become detached from the bottom of the catch. Can anybody give any pointers on how I might get the bonnet open or access the catch?

I've read a few threads that suggest once the badge is removed you can access two of the bolts that hold the catch in. My wife's is a 1.9TD Match and behind the badge is a piece of moulded plastic with a small hole in in, through which I can see radiator fins. I asked AKS about it the last time I was there, he said break the grille off - I'd rather not if I can avoid it!

Help

[brady88]

Not sure about the centre badges on other models but on a GTI the centre badge turns to the left and pulls out?
Would that give you access?

Mine was stuck before but a lot of bouncing the bonnet near the catch and pulling on the handle eventually poped it...a bit harder if the cable snaps :(

[apples12]

i'm not 100% sure...

but... i *think* if you remove the wheel and wheel arch lining you may be able to get to where the join is inside the arch/near the headlight and hang the cable to release the latch - this is what the mechanic was explaining they did on my mk5 when they snapped the handle off mine.lol

[john a]

Unfortunately the cable is detached from the catch, rather than snapped along its length. I've removed the badge already and there is no clear access to the catch but didn't know if I could cut or drill the mouldings.

[trs888]

The bonnet catch on the wife's mk5 is knackered, I am 99% sure that the cable has become detached from the bottom of the catch. Can anybody give any pointers on how I might get the bonnet open or access the catch?

I've read a few threads that suggest once the badge is removed you can access two of the bolts that hold the catch in. My wife's is a 1.9TD Match and behind the badge is a piece of moulded plastic with a small hole in in, through which I can see radiator fins. I asked AKS about it the last time I was there, he said break the grille off - I'd rather not if I can avoid it!

Help

GTI honeycomb front - do-able bit slightly awkward
GT front - easier

yes you have to remove the badge. twist it and it should come out. be careful not to snap the retaining clips though. if half comes out try and see if you can pull the locking parts in a way you can get the badge off without snapping them. if not, £15 new one.

there are 3 torx screws holding the locking mechanism in. you should be able to remove the screws, there might be a cover for one of the screws but you should be able to remove them. i think then you can lift the catch up with the bonnet, and pull on the lever inside to release the lock. obviously holding the lock when you release it.

oh and there is a sensor electrical connection connected to the lock too, you can cut this off nearest the lock if youre planning to renrew it, or try to get your hands in to disconnect. you may only be able to open the bonnet enough to unplug it. fortunately mine was replaced and the shorter cable when i could get into the bonnet so it was ok.

good luck!

im sure my-gti.com had some info on this.....

Thom

[john a]

Cheers Thom, I'd taken the catch out previously (when it still worked) so knew what to expect.

I unfortunately had to break the grille off as, behind the badge, there was a moulding that obscured the 3 screws that hold the catch in. As suspected the cable had become disengaged from the catch, so it was really the only way to get in.

The catch is pretty much FUBARed anyway and I'll probably end up replacing it (and the short cable) next week.

[Tortaruga]

I suppose it would be worth people's while checking the catch once in a while. Might save the hassle you've just had.

Have you any idea why the cable became disengaged?

[trs888]

Cheers Thom, I'd taken the catch out previously (when it still worked) so knew what to expect.

I unfortunately had to break the grille off as, behind the badge, there was a moulding that obscured the 3 screws that hold the catch in. As suspected the cable had become disengaged from the catch, so it was really the only way to get in.

The catch is pretty much FUBARed anyway and I'll probably end up replacing it (and the short cable) next week.

Well I think it's going to be £40-£50 for the short cable and the catch

They usually have the catches in stock but they had to order my cable.

[callis]

I have written a DIY on changing the bonnet catch. Its in the DIY thread,

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,55146.msg622816.html#msg622816

Should help you out. It is for a tdi golf.

Regards

Trev