Bonnet opening toggle

[curlew]

When I pulled the toggle thing that opens the bonnet on my Bongo this morning, the handle came loose in my hand and the bonnet won't open. Is there anything I can do? Thank you all!

[rita]

Hi, can you use a pair of pliers or vice grips to pull the cable.

[curlew]

The handle's still attached but the cable is loose. I'm scared to pull it too hard in case it comes out completely!

[dunslair]

The handle's still attached but the cable is loose. I'm scared to pull it too hard in case it comes out completely!

It sounds as if it is already detached from the catch end under the bonet...... but you won't know unless you pull it

[curlew]

What do I do if it is?

[dunslair]

What do I do if it is?

I'm not an expert on breaking into cars But I think if you had it up on ramps or an inspection pit , it would be possible to fish the broken cable from underneath , or pull on the release catch in a similar way.

[MountainGoat]

I thought that the easy way was to take the front grill off first, that's if you can get inside the engine bay from underneath to remove the screws. If all else fails then smash the grill off then fit a new or second hand replacement grill after you have repaired the catch and cable.

Tony

[helen&tony]

Hi
I've just been outside to look.
You can't access the latch from below...IMPOSSIBLE. You will find the only way is to smash the grill. There are 3 nuts to undo. One nut either side of the mechanism, and one for the pivot on the mechanism. You cannot get to the mechanism to move it internally, as it is boxed, except for the top where it latches...Good news from a security point of view, but it doesn't help you.
The cables on bonnet catches are usually stiff single strand wire type, and very unusual for them to snap in this application. The normal problem is that they become detached from where they are mounted on the wing, and as you pull on the handle, all it does is straighten the whole cable ( inner and outer). If you grab the outer underneath the dash to put tension on it, and then pull the handle, it just may work...IF it's broken, you've lost nothing
Good Luck
Cheers
Helen