please I need help breaking into my bonnet - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

ef_xr8 · 06-04-2003, 01:55

The cable on the bonnet latch is disconnected, the little ball thingy, and the bonnet got closed.

Any ideas, how to go about breaking into the bonnet.

Has anybody got a picture of the latch?

or can someone explain, if I'm standing in front, does it hook over left or right of catch?
I cant even remeber which way the hook goes.

Fairlane Boy · 06-04-2003, 03:39

the hook is the least of your worries. theres a locking mechanisim similar to those on doors, thats enclosed and completely locks down the loop attached to the bonnet.

looks like you will need to break and remove the bumper or destroy the bonnet.

dosent look easy, perhaps someone else will know more.

TopGhia · 06-04-2003, 03:40

A lady in distress!..Well I don't really know, is it broken off at the catch?.

The WM shows that the cable pulls to your left (facing the car), never really had this problem so I can't give a definate solution, sorry.

laminge · 06-04-2003, 04:05

you carnt actually pull on the cable from inside the cabin?

ef_xr8 · 06-04-2003, 04:33

We are talking about an EF XR8, <p>the battery is disconnected, as I have been working on my dash.
I took the ball and gromet rubber and spring off, Some dipstick shut the bonnet when it started to rain.
<p>It is just slack from inside.
I have got the wipers and that vent thingi n front off too, so I could undo the bonnet from there, I think. I dont know if I will be able to lift the bonnet, coz of the struts.

6pAc|30nG|00n · 06-04-2003, 05:29

This happened on my old sigma the bonnet cable came disconected at the bonnet end so i just couldn't pull the cable. had to take the car to a mech and he spent 1hr and a half trying to get at the latch finally he got it and then he couldnt be bothered to charge me coz he said it was a fun challenge go figure, no idea if this sort of thing is possible on a falcon however

Aussiblue · 06-04-2003, 05:57

You can usually reach in with a very long screwdriver or long thin strip of metal or stiff plastic and push the lever that the cable usually pulls.

ef_xr8 · 06-04-2003, 06:13

Quote:

Originally posted by Aussiblue
You can usually reach in with a very long screwdriver or long thin strip of metal or stiff plastic and push the lever that the cable usually pulls.

there is about 1cm gap enough to fit a bit of plastic strapping in, I tried that but didnt know what to do . Thats why I ask for a pic of this area.

Aussiblue · 06-04-2003, 06:17

You would be better off looking at a real car of the same model and using a torch and a telescoping inspection mirror to guide the tool to the right place

NZ · 06-04-2003, 16:08

Can I claim expert 'bonnet with no cable opener' ? My ea proke the cable where the ball is, and stupidly I shut it because I thought yeah itll be right. Sadly no. I spent a few hours studying the latch on the projcet car and there is a way to pop them if you want to sacrifice a screwdriver. I bent one about 1 inch from the end and looking up theres this small gap with a catch. All it takes is the screwdriver in the right place and the bend in the screwdriver acts as a lever to pop the thing. If you need more help ill take a pic. DON"T destroy a perfectly good bonnet!!