HZ Bonnet Release Help Required - Broken and Cant Open the Bonnet

**wbute** · 21-03-2011, 07:44 PM

Oxy?

**jennie285** · 21-03-2011, 07:57 PM

Just reach up with a screw driver, from under the bumper bar, and push on the release you may need to get someone to push on the bonnet at the time, to make it easier to release the latch....
BTW this is from Rodney the brains trust....

**mr.jones** · 21-03-2011, 08:20 PM

Same thing happened to my coupe, I took the grille out, stubby screwdriver did the trick.

I don't have a front bumper on though, makes life a lot easier

**playwme** · 21-03-2011, 08:21 PM

Just to clarify Jennie's post, a large flathead screwdriver works best. Come in from the passenger side and you need to get the screwdriver over the top of the lock plate and push it right in close to the spring. It's a bit of a bitch but having some pushing down on the bonnet takes the pressure off the latch and makes it a lot easier.
On mine I can get a suitably bent rod in from the top between the bonnet and the nosecone.

**stickthis** · 21-03-2011, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by playwme

Just to clarify Jennie's post, a large flathead screwdriver works best. Come in from the passenger side and you need to get the screwdriver over the top of the lock plate and push it right in close to the spring. It's a bit of a bitch but having some pushing down on the bonnet takes the pressure off the latch and makes it a lot easier.
On mine I can get a suitably bent rod in from the top between the bonnet and the nosecone.

well said.

**ambientgoat** · 21-03-2011, 09:24 PM

Although it's not going to help your case. I'm going to add this incase someone looks up this topic with a search.

If your bonnet cable is just jammed or otherwise unusable but it's still all connected under the bonnet. You can just reach up behind the nose cone and pull on the whole cable assembly. Again, this will only work if the cable is still attached to the latch with that little lock lug.

**ozbox** · 22-03-2011, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by playwme

Just to clarify Jennie's post, a large flathead screwdriver works best. Come in from the passenger side and you need to get the screwdriver over the top of the lock plate and push it right in close to the spring. It's a bit of a bitch but having some pushing down on the bonnet takes the pressure off the latch and makes it a lot easier.
On mine I can get a suitably bent rod in from the top between the bonnet and the nosecone.

what you have said is fine for a car that has not just been painted.....

large flathead screwdriver..yes....biggest head you can find actually.

but you come up from underneath the lock plate and push the locking section across...you gain access from behind the bumper..sometimes its a bit more fun on an a/c car...

**adam perth** · 22-03-2011, 08:20 PM

pull down on the cable behind the grille. if the latch is still connected, it will pop open..

if this works, get a bit of wire and connect it to the cable and pull through a grille slat for a band aid solution. .

**stickthis** · 22-03-2011, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by adam perth

pull down on the cable behind the grille. if the latch is still connected, it will pop open..

if this works, get a bit of wire and connect it to the cable and pull through a grille slat for a band aid solution. .

hahaha that reminds me! Thats how my ute is still! Its been like it for about 3 years! Hmm should fit that new cable I brought 2 years and 360 odd days ago I guess!