Bonnet catch not working

[Guest]

Could someone advise me please. I'm having trouble closing my bonnet. The hook on the bonnet won't seem to latch onto the fastening mechanism. The catch seems really stiff and will only snap shut if pressed down with a screwdriver. I've tried to loosen it with WD40, but that didn't work. My bonnet is now only held by the hook. Has anyone else had this problem and found a remedy. And if not, will my car be driveable?

Any help would be appreciated.

Tracey

 

[Andy Roe]

Hi Tracey!

I've never heard of this problem before, but I'd to see if the release cable is binding somewhere. The catch should be spring loaded, so perhaps have a look at this too?

The last thing you want is the catch failing to release the bonnet as that is a difficult job to fix!

Good Luck!!

Andy

 

[Guest]

Hi Andy,

thanks for the reply. It seems to have happened since I had my bonnet seal done. The front part of the seal hadn't stuck properly and made it difficult to shut the bonnet. I was due to take the car back to the garageon Thursday, so I thought I'd remove all the adhesive. Then when I wanted to shut the bonnet it wouldn't completely close. The catch opens when released under the dash but just won't close when I put the bonnet down. A real nuisance. I'll try what you suggest. Thanks.

 

[bones]

I replaced the bonnet seal on my SC about six months ago and in a fit of enthusiasm took the bonnet off to polish all the swirls out of it indoors, (it was cold outside at the time). When I came to refit the bonnet I payed particular attention to the fit and achieved a better fit along the panel lines than previously, however the damn bonnet wouldn't latch properly, I think the combination of the new seal making the bonnet sit higher and the refitted panel compromised the effectiveness of the lock mechanism. I cured the problem by very slightly adjusting the position of the lock plate till it latched correctly again. I just unfastened the lock plate bolts and retightened when I felt they would be in the right position and hey presto it worked again. Look at the pane lines and check that the bonnet hasn't been moved from it's previous position when fitting the seal, (it's a pain to fit with the bonnet on and all the wet glue on the seal) which on your era of car should fit much better straight from the factory than mine did, (assuming no one has shunted it).

 

[Guest]

Hi Bones,

you are absolutely right. We've adjusted the catch so now the bonnet will shut. But I've noticed the bonnet is raised at the left hand side. I'm taking the car back to the garage who fitted the seal because it hasn't stuck properly. I'll mention that the bonnet is not sitting correctly. As you say, if they've taken the bonnet off and not put it back quite right because of the new seal, that could be the reason the catch wouldn't work.

Thanks,
Tracey