MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => How to Guides / Troubleshooting => Topic started by: fozz1e on April 29, 2016, 09:24:49 am

Title: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: fozz1e on April 29, 2016, 09:24:49 am
I had a problem opening my bonnet last week (release lever was stiff but did eventually open it) then once open I couldn't close it.

The RAC came out and cleaned it up with WD40. That didn't help, so the guy flicked the catch with a screwdriver, closed it, then said you won't be able to open it again - thanks!

Anyway, I've read the guide on how to replace the release mechanism and I'm going to give that a go. Just not sure how I can manually release the bonnet if the lever won't do it? I've read some scary things about breaking the grill off  :surprised: :surprised:
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: Nasir on April 29, 2016, 11:26:17 am
Happened to me on my old Golf. Remove the lower grilles near the fog lights and you should be able to access the catch with a long screwdriver.
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: r5gtt on April 29, 2016, 11:32:33 am
I had the same problem with mine not closing. a dollop of grease and grease in the latch spring will do the job as it's water ingres and rusted seized but can be released with grease.
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: r5gtt on April 30, 2016, 09:19:15 pm
Great link easier for thieves now to strip a car.

Thanks for the edit bro.  :happy2:
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: MikeGolfed30 on May 06, 2016, 12:14:21 am
Mine stuck open just after i bought it, loads of WD40 with copper slip freed it up and has worked since.

I would like to know how people can take the grills off to get at the mechanism without having the boot open, seen as there are 2 torx screws under the bonnet at the top of the grill :thinking:
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: Stupots on May 06, 2016, 12:32:12 pm
@MikeGolfed30 (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13786) They are saying removing the bottom grill, not the top grill, I'm not saying that is any easier thought :)

I had to open my stuck bonnet yesterday, I found a solution that works on standard (non GT/GTi) grill as well as GT and R32 without the need to remove anything. I don't think it will work on a GTi grill as I don't think you'll be able to get the angle through the honeycomb holes. I'll make a post about it at some point.

I'd urge anyone that has had a stuck or stiff bonnet catch to order a new one and replace it. I removed mine when it was stiff last year, gave it a very thorough clean/WD40/re-grease and 6 months later it was stuck solid again.

Stu
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: r5gtt on May 06, 2016, 12:58:26 pm
@Stupots (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=12804) no mate its the upper grill to access the bonnet catch  :signLOL:
If you want to know how pm me as I don't want to shout it out for any would be dodgy criminals out there no offence and that's for the gti  :grin:

Also touch wood and 6months on my bonnet wouldn't close due to a sticky rusted latch but after plenty of lube it was working again and I tested it before the bonnet went back down with a screw driver locking the latch and opening it from inside the car again. Did the trick  :happy2: some get lucky and some don't.
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: Stupots on May 06, 2016, 01:09:18 pm
Yep, but Nasir mentioned removing fog grills and using a long screwdriver, so I was simply referring to that method.

As I said, I did mine yesterday without removing anything, but doubt my method would work on a honeycomb grill.

Stu
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: r5gtt on May 06, 2016, 02:19:36 pm
Nasir did post up a good how too but it's actually something to keep hush hush and pm only tbh.
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: Fountainz on July 08, 2016, 04:44:23 pm
I have a golf gt 170 which currently has the bonnet stuck closed. Desperate to find out what you did but unable to pm you due to the rules of the forum.
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: bigmig95 on July 14, 2016, 12:15:10 pm
Remove offside wheel arch liner, reach through into engine bay and yank release cable, worked for me.  No good if you're a short ar$e though as you might not reach  :happy2:
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: r5gtt on July 14, 2016, 01:16:22 pm
Long process as there's an easier solution  :signLOL: but can't put it out on here  :doh:
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: r5gtt on July 20, 2016, 01:14:10 pm
If you take the VW badge out the grill you can manage to pull the cable to release the bonnet had to do it on mine the other day!  :slap:
:doh: :slap:
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: Andy on July 20, 2016, 02:28:53 pm
Removed the post
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: chigmuss on July 20, 2016, 05:48:19 pm
You can fairly easily release the catch by removing the grilles carefully. Buy a whole new catch, grease is just a temporary fix, it's one of a few parts that will fail on a mk5 at some stage.
( I can half understand your caution guys about thieves getting tips etc, but honestly, they really aren't arsed about your paintwork....want something from under your bonnet? A screwdriver and tin snips, straight in, same with door locks, want your RNS 510? No bother nearest rock through your window, these cars are precious to us but not to them)
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: jon_hill on July 23, 2016, 08:41:05 am
My bonnet latch did exactly the same thing 18 months ago  :doh: Earynsigns of trouble was a lack of tension on the release handle in the car, and a bonnet that required some encouragement to stay shut.

Removed the mechanism from the slam panel completely, soaked it in cleaner, flushed with airline and re-lubed everything thoroughly (including the release cable) and it's been tip top ever since...
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: lincolnshirepoacher on August 18, 2016, 05:44:57 pm
Help mine doing the same i have removed badge but can't see the release URGENT NOW!! Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: nkp on August 29, 2016, 03:20:11 pm
In the past when i've had bonnets get stuck shut i get someone to pull on the release lever whilst i push down on the bonnet at the same time. Can take a few goes but in the end the bonnet does pop up.
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: Dave859 on May 14, 2018, 01:53:30 pm
I have the problem, can't open the bonnet on my golf 07 petrol 1.6. is there a easy method of opening it? I can here the cable moving by the lock mechanism but it just won't pop open. The stealers want £300 + too do the job but I think I could get the parts from eBay for £60 a do it myself if only I could get it open.

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: akispap on June 01, 2018, 01:46:37 am
This was my first problem when i bought my car. I couldn't open the bonnet, not only because it was stuck, but from excess pulling the handle had come off. I managed to put everything in place, gave it a good clean and grease, hopefully it will last me until i buy a new mechanism.
Title: Re: Bonnet stuck closed
Post by: GitFlog on June 01, 2018, 11:09:33 am
I had the same problem with my bonnet, but mine wouldn't pop as well.

Turned out the plastic cable guide neat the lock had come unclipped from the metal and the bonnet handle was seizing.

Easy fix took the badge off and popped the bonnet that way and then went onto re clip the plastic cable guide in place. That sorted it popping felt like new after i had done.

The i pulled the bonnet handle off completely and gave it a bloody good clean and a good lube with waterproof lube. Then i put it back on, be careful when putting it back on it can slide left or right, make sure it is bang in the centre of the locking mechanism other wise you will warp your bonnet and it will jar in the lock.

Problem sorted :jumpmove: