Need Help !

There is an inherent problem with answering this in a public forum!

I had the same problem with my 97 F, not that it matters what year it was.

I put it down to the fact that I rarely ever went into the bonnet. I never needed the spare wheel and the washer bottle is so big that I think I only every filled it up once, possibly twice a year.

On my car I think it was a combination of the cable seizing up and then stretching when I eventually tried to open the bonnet.

My solution was to remove the release mechanism from the boot end and squirt some penetrating oil inside the cable sleeve and onto the front catch, I did this from underneath the front bumper and then left it overnight.

I then clamped the end of the cable in some mole grips and pulled, there wasn't enough movement using the catch.

After several applications of penetrating oil and a lot of pulling and swearing I eventually got it open. When I did get in it was the front catch that had been causing the problem, there was no grease left on it and it had rusted and gone *very* stiff, it was picking up all the water and crud thrown up from the road. I cleaned it up, freed it and applied some new grease.

It took a leap of faith to close the bonnet for the first time, however, it did work and I was able to get it open again. It was still a bit stiff but it did work. I made sure that I opened the bonnet at least once a week from then on and I kept the cable and catch well lubricated. It did get easier to open with time.

Hope this helps.

Thanks !

my problem is with the cable at the latch end. the cable moved free but nothing happens

i had a look with a torch today but it does not look good.

i will take it to a dealer if nothing can be done

thanks aga> ab wrote:

i understand, but any help is appreciated

thanks !

Graham Mart>