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Author Topic: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed  (Read 1801 times)

Offline Homer

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Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« on: November 19, 2013, 04:18:21 pm »
Hi folks, so I was driving along today and my bonnet open light came on. I have tried closing it via force and gently to no avail. Is this an easy DIY fix? Will it need a new part? Thanks
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Offline xjay1337

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2013, 04:54:21 pm »
Probably the switch.

Have someone pull (gentley) on the handle and wiggle the bonnet.
Otherwise try to go in by removing the VW badge on the grill.
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Offline Tortaruga

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2013, 05:08:01 pm »
Yank the cable release handle quickly back and forth about 20 times. Bet you it closes.
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Offline RedRobin

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2013, 05:18:43 pm »
.
Needed a new bonnet lock unit on mine - They're not expensive. It's a relatively common fault on Mk5 Golfs.
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Offline xjay1337

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2013, 05:32:39 pm »
From how I read the OP the bonnet is closed, just that the open bonnet light is on..?
PS your wipers won't work with the bonnet open (if the car thinks that).
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Offline Homer

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2013, 05:50:50 pm »
Sorry to clarify, the bonnet won't close. I was driving along and the bonnet must have popped open as the bonnet light came on. When I checked the bonnet was indeed open and wouldn't close.

I will try what you guys have advised if no luck will need to order a new part. Any instructions on how to fit a new latch DIY? Thanks
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Offline xjay1337

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #6 on: November 19, 2013, 06:10:57 pm »
Oh.
Yeah I had this exact problem, you need to open the bonnet, remove the cable and the latch mechanism, clean it out with WD40/Gt85/ and screwdriver and clean it out, then re-install and grease it up properly, clean the bonnet latch as well.
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Offline Veee-dubber

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #7 on: November 19, 2013, 06:11:52 pm »
Its probably full of crap mate, mine done the same last week. Would just bounce back open on the close.

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Offline Homer

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #8 on: November 19, 2013, 06:28:36 pm »
Would using a power washer on it not do any good to clear the gunk off?
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Offline biffobear

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #9 on: November 19, 2013, 06:47:11 pm »
Might get water up the  inside of cable better washing with a brush and wd40 or similar' then try to spray wd40 up inside cable and the catch on the bonnet and work it all back and forward for about  5mins, should be ok after that.
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Offline xjay1337

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #10 on: November 19, 2013, 07:03:01 pm »
It's not the cable, it's the mechanism where the bonnet hooks down.
It gets corroded and jams. Power washer wouldn't do anything. it's corrosion, it needs removing not cleaning. On full blast a jet washer may allow it to close once or twice more by washing away some of the grit/loose rust.
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Offline Veee-dubber

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #11 on: November 19, 2013, 07:07:44 pm »
^ sorry I should of clarified it will only buy you time, needs replacing eventually one way or another.
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Offline RedRobin

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #12 on: November 19, 2013, 08:17:15 pm »
.
By the sounds of things you need to replace the whole unit. As I said before, it's not expensive but I never remember exactly how much I pay for things.
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Offline Veee-dubber

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #13 on: November 19, 2013, 08:22:35 pm »
Quote from: RedRobin on November 19, 2013, 08:17:15 pm
.
By the sounds of things you need to replace the whole unit. As I said before, it's not expensive but I never remember exactly how much I pay for things.

Must be rich ;)
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Offline doylebros

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Re: Bonnet catch failing- advice needed
« Reply #14 on: November 19, 2013, 08:27:31 pm »
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