In the event of a definitely broken cable...in this situation, there are only two ways forward to get the hood unlatched and open.
One way is to work on it from under the vehicle ...removing the undertray/engine shield ( if fitted - some didn't have them ) and working up between the front of the radiator and the vehicle body to release the latch that way... This is very awkward and time-consuming but it is one way and doing it this way, no damage is caused...
The only other way is to "go in" through the front of the car- through the grille...
The way this is done is to use a good lamp to see through the grille...the latch..and then, using a long , strong tool / rod - this is used to unlatch the lock latch and the bonnet will lift...latching / locating your tool on the part of the lock that the cable attaches to ..
The trouble with this method is - it's obviously not made to be opened like this as a security method - so sometimes and usually often, the grille/front has to be cut/damaged and ultimately replaced...to gain good access to the latching mechanism to open the hood.
Neither is easy as entry isn't "meant" to be made like that but in such a situation - it is one or the other...
Too then, its a case of finding what went wrong in the first place... Usually, its a case of the latch mechanism just going stiff through lack of use - lack of greasing ..(which should be done every service and often doesn't get done )... making it too stiff for the normal hood handle to open it.... so lubricating the latch once access is gained is usually all it needs thereafter. Or of course, it could be the cable has snapped - in which case it will need renewing - though bear in mind, the cable usually breaks because of a stiff / seizing latch ... Lack of lubrication will also cause extra stress on the cable and cause breakage.
I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/latoya_8ed1bf3dc615c15d
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SOURCE: bonnet wont open on reault laguna
There are two release catches about 15" to the right and left of the centre safety catch. Roughly at each end of the top of the radiator.
The bonnet release cable goes first to the right hand one then there is a wire from that to the left, in a daisy chain way. They are typically French, cables fit into plastic levers ( a bit like bike brakes) not metal which break easily. replacements are not cheap. You need to be able to pull the cable to both catches to get the bonnet up. I managed to do this from underneath. In my case the, left hand one was broken and right hand one was working, but the getting it open broke the bit that that pulls the left. Managed to away with buying just one new catch as they are identical, swopping the right partly broken one over to the left side.
HTHs
SOURCE: Bonnet cable snapped, need advice on how to open bonnet
hmm u mite have to grab the rest of the cable if any left in the catch part of the lock under the bonnet and pull it with pliers.failing that get a screw driver and see if u can push the catch to release the bonnet through the grill.failling that undo the lock through the grill with a rachet usually 10mm socket hope this helps..
SOURCE: VW Bora: Can't open bonnet
first of all not an easy job,you need to get the front grill off and look upwards for a cover that will be covering up the bonnet catch,basicly bend or pull this off,you should then see were the cable goes in,then you should be able to bar the catch with a screwdriver to release it. best of luck
SOURCE: renault clio bonnet wont open
Get a second person to pull bonnet catch and you push up and down on the bonnet whilst catch is being pulled. 1, cable possibly stretched, 2, look at bonnet catch under the coloum to see if wire is attached, 3, try and lie under car and look up the back of the bulkhead to see the catch and release it manually. Hope that helps.
SOURCE: Bonnet release cable is broken - how do I open the
remove the o/s/f indicator this can be done by putting a thin screw driver between the bonnet and wing to push the indicator release tab down. once the indicator is out of the way you can see the bonnet catch behind the headlamp use a torch to locate where the cable should be and pull the latch towards you. it should take you about 10 mins to do this
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