406 Bonnet Release

[killjoy]

I have a problem with my bonnet release, when I pull the release lever the nearside catch releases but not the offside, I've tried the usual trick of pressing down on the bonnet while trying to release the catch, but no luck. Any suggestions?

[FarmerPug]

do you mean your car has a catch on each side, this must be a d8 thing because my d9 just has the single catch on one side, anyhow never mind that, try and push a coat hanger in to get the wire that pulls the bad catch it must be slack and not pulling the catch right, get it in and push at it and eventually it should pop, or just pull the lever harder until it releases the second side

[killjoy]

Any chance of anyone posting a photo, or a sketch of the under bonnet layout so I know where to try and snag the cable with the coat hanger.

[NollingtonHards]

I had a similar problem the other day. I took of the bonnet release tensioner, so when i tried to open it it wouldnt release. Now if your car is a D8 (without the honeycomb grille) you have to get a long screwdriver and then on the passenger side, lie down and try and push the release mechanism through the grille. I can post photos if need be (just ask and i will try to) but hopefully i explained it well enough.

[HimBigChief]

I would recommend thoroughly cleaning both the catches and WD40ing them up once you get the bonnet open, as they tend to get covered in allsorts of crud and general dead things due to their location.

[NollingtonHards]

Any luck with the bonnet??