MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Kristian on June 17, 2020, 01:54:13 pm
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Hi Guys, I own a 56 plate GTi, does anyone know how I can open the bonnet when the release cable has detached from the release mechanism? I am really struggling!
Cheers,
Kristian
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Take the VW badge off turn it anti clockwise you can the get access to the cable with a long nose pliers to open the bonnet The mechanism corrodes or gets gunged up new ones are modded not to dear and quite easy to fit
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Thanks for the reply, however the cable is not attached to the release mechanism. Any ideas what to do?
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still remove the badge look in with a torch you can see the part the cable hooks around I put a nylon tie around it and pulled
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I tried this, how can you put a cable tie around the spring mechanism that the cable attaches to?
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It was a potch only other thing is take the grille off undo the 4 bolts holding the latch mechanism check its working properly they can sieze I lubricated mine but ended up fitting a new one
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Thanks for the reply, how do I take the grill off if I can’t open the bonnet? There are Torx bolts underneath the bonnet that I have to undo?
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Have you looked at this (or similar) video to help?
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Sorry forgot about grille fixings theres some good vids on youtube
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See Micks Garage on youtube, I think there's a how to on there.
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Really appreciate the help guys, “fakie1977” - I cannot seem to see the video link, could you send it again? @ Octoparrot - thanks again for the suggestion, however Mick opens it by leveraging the cable that’s attached. Is there any shortcut or something?
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The video link is of Mick’s Garage so it seems you have already seen it.
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@fakie1977 (https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=26252) yeah I have scoured YT for someone in the same situation where the cable isn’t attached to the lock. I’m all ears if you have any suggestions!
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Try Pelican Parts
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That’s a US car parts store?
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Surely someone must have had a broken bonnet cable and knows how to open it!
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Yes but they show lots of info on how to tackle work and problems
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Yes but they show lots of info on how to tackle work and problems
Yes as stated above - it contains technical documents which has helped me lots. See link but it’s not going to help in this case as it assumes the bonnet is open.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Volkswagen_Golf_GTI_Mk_V/25-BODY-Hood_Lock_Replacement/25-BODY-Hood_Lock_Replacement.htm
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That’s a US car parts store?
They also have very good photographed how to's on a lot of things, they may have one that will be helpful.
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I honestly really appreciate the help guys, however, I couldn’t find any technical articles that talk about broken release cables. As I said before, surely someone has had the same issue! I am open to any suggestions, if I took off the undertray could I get to it? Or will the radiator be in the way?
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Do you guys know of a detailed diagram of the front end?
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I may be not be understanding properly your issue but if you watched the video of Micks Garage on YouTube it doesn’t matter if your cable is broken or not as you pry the bonnet lock mechanism directly with a screwdriver. Isn’t that what you are trying to do?
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Go to a breakers yard see if you can look at s/hand one off the car you will see where lever it open
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the only other alternative is to smash the grill to bits so you can get at the lock.
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You need to be able to see the 'hook' that swings down into the front panel.
With a past BMW I had I ended up smashing the plastic grill up so I could get a long screwdriver in so I could flick that 'hook' up and out of the front panel.
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Thanks again for your reply, the issue I’m having is that with Micks video he can you the cable as leverage to move the rotating part that then releases the latch. If I don’t have the cable attached I cannot work our how to gain that leverage. Unless as the other guys say is just cut out the area to be able to reach it. Wish there was another way!
I may be not be understanding properly your issue but if you watched the video of Micks Garage on YouTube it doesn’t matter if your cable is broken or not as you pry the bonnet lock mechanism directly with a screwdriver. Isn’t that what you are trying to do?
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It’s such a small area that there is no way to see into it, I can feel the rotating part with my fingers but just cannot get the leverage (cut my hands up a few times trying). I also don’t want to destroy the inside panel! There must be another way!
You need to be able to see the 'hook' that swings down into the front panel.
With a past BMW I had I ended up smashing the plastic grill up so I could get a long screwdriver in so I could flick that 'hook' up and out of the front panel.
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Maybe this can help. I used the instructions on this website to change my locking mechanism so it may show you how it looks like and the things around it to orient yourself to it?
https://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5/bonnet_catch/index.php
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I just do not want to do that if there may be a less destructive way. Do you think you could reach it via the wheel arch if you took the wheel and lining off?
the only other alternative is to smash the grill to bits so you can get at the lock.
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@fakie1977 (https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=26252) thank you for the article! I will have a read!
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@fakie1977 (https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=26252) - really useful article, he mentions the fear of not being able to open it also. At least he has the cable attached though! Not sure what to do other than attack the panel, or go in through the wheel well?
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You could take the wheel and wheel arch liner out, I don't think you'll be able to get to the mechanism as the intake manifold will be where you'll want your hand to be.
Worth a try though.
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@bobby_fodge (https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=26224) any other ideas mate? I think you are probably right, what about if I take the under tray off? May be better access?
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Again, does anyone know of a link to an exploded diagram of the front end of the car?
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Again, does anyone know of a link to an exploded diagram of the front end of the car?
This may help
https://volkswagen.7zap.com/en/rdw/golf+variant+4motion/golf/2007-474/8/
Also - do you know whereabouts the cable has snapped? I would have thought if it’s still attached to the lock you could still use it to pull it and pry it open?
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@fakie1977 (https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=26252) thanks for the link mate, sorry for the late reply (away for work). I couldn’t find the specific diagram for that release mechanism.
To answer your question, the nipple that attaches the cable has snapped (rust I imagine) so there is literally nothing to grip onto!
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I think this is going to be a fairly intrusive repair and I would be sourcing a grill from a breaker first. The link below is pretty good where the lock is about to get it with a drill. Sounds like the only way if there is no cable left.
https://www.volkswagenforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=13329
Good luck!
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If you google exploded diagram Mk5 Golf you might see it clearer