Bonnet stuck shut

[jxke]

I feel like an idiot but the bonnet on my Mk2 Escort has stuck shut so I can't open it, it did it before but I can't remember how I got it unstuck.

 

The bonnet release pulls as usual but the bonnet doesn't open, it seems held down/doesnt budge towards the center where the spring is. Nothing to do with the catch as thats not doing anything

 

Usually when you open it it pops up a little and then you pull the catch to open it but the bonnet barely moves after pulling the release in the car

 

It will push back down as when you usually shut it and so you can pull the release again but the same thing happens

[Vista]

I sounds like the latch isn't clearing the spring for it to pop up.

[Rally Pack 2000]

Try get someone to push down on the bonnet then lift it while you are pulling the release lever inside the car. Once the bonnet is open try lubricating the the sprung latch and see if that works better. You may also need to just loosen the tension on the coil spring on the underside of the bonnet itself. There is a conical screw centre that has a slot in it for a screw driver. If not then the cable has stretched to the point it can no longer disengage the spring lever in the slam panel and will need to be replaced. But I think you will find a bit of lubrication once its open should do the trick.

[HotRodMatt]

If you can get your fingers under the front edge you could try shaking the bonnet left and right while someone pulls the release handle.

[silverstreak]

sounds like a stretched cable

[jxke]

Still no luck not sure how to do it without breaking it, I think there might be a bolt or spanner or something thats made it stuck somewhere

[colr6]

Can you not go through the grill spaces with a screwdriver and move the catch arm?

[mk1del]

Through the front grill, or take grill off, look through with a torch from the left of the car, should just be able to see the end of the catch, with a long screwdriver should be able to push  the end of the catch, obviously be careful of the radiator

[jxke]

Still no luck with this, the grille has been off and i've tried all sorts to get it to open but it wont budge. I may have to resort to some form of plan B

[katana]

Bet you wished that you'd never swopped engines now! Less is sometimes more! LOL

[jxke]

Don't get me started haha the whole thing has been a pain in the arse, the actual engine swap was fine its just all the stupid setbacks I've had/having, I wish I just left it alone but it's too late

[seanyroche]

I staped my cable before, a long screwdriver throught the grill should flick the catch for you

[jxke]

Sorted.

 

Used the inner wire from a bike brake cable looped around and pulled it with a fair bit of brute force and it just popped the bonnet open - I'm dead sure I put the bonnet on straight but maybe if it was a little off then the pin wasn't quite straight and it wouldn't release or something along those lines?

 

Anyway thanks all for the suggestions! My engine mounts are here too so I can finally replace the broken one along with the other one for peace of mind

[khanlad]

With the bonnet open pull the release handle and see if the catch on the slam panel opens fully?