Can't open the bonnet.

[Tornado T5]

Went to fill up the washer reservoir and after closing bonnet, realised I forgot to clean out the tiny olives (yes olives) stuck in the corner (from neighbours tree)..well low and behold no go...couldn't get the latch to release the bonnet, finally managed to get the cable out from it's holder in the under dash lever and using plyers I slowly pulled on the cable, didn't budge much which made me think that the cable hadn't snapped. Add more force and suddenly the whole cable and it's outer protective sleeve cover is dragging out from the firewall and towards me as I'm squatting in the driver's door opening. To say I shouted bugger would be a gross under estimation. First thought is that I haven't snapped the cable but rather the whole cable and it's holder seated in the base of the bonnet latch may have come out. The wire cable cannot be dragged out of the plastic sleave which still leads me to think the cable and it's "ball" end is still complete.

Called dealer and booked for next Wednesday as they are fully booked until then. Now my good forum firends, anyone have any tips in case I can do some "prelim" work. And for the next 9 days I'm going to be a scrooge with the "wash and wipe" function while driving. My 9yo daughter, god love her, suggested I carry a bottle of water and squirt it out while driving. I tried to explain that this might be OK at walking/slow speeds but a little tricky, one handed, on a freeway at 100km/hr.

[jfoldbar]

a few people have had this happen on the uk forum site. though i cant remeber what they done about it if anything. will check it out when i get a chance and let you know.
your daughter is right, its up to a bottle of water, and yes it can be reached at 100klm. done it many times myself.

[Tornado T5]

a few people have had this happen on the uk forum site. though i cant remeber what they done about it if anything. will check it out when i get a chance and let you know.
your daughter is right, its up to a bottle of water, and yes it can be reached at 100klm. done it many times myself.

Thanks, might search out myself.

[Umai Naa!!]

Get a 13mm ratchet spanner, and undo the bolts for the bonnet hinges. The bonnet can then flip forward enough to give you access to everything.

Don't ask me why I know this, but it got us out of the pooh late one afternoon.

[Tornado T5]

Might give that a go.

I did find that most referred to getting your hand up between the engine and a/c condensers to flip the latch lever towards the drivers side. I have a nudge bull bar and under tray so that will take so time remove. One tip was to use cable ties to keep the cable ball end held in place with the latch lever as it's prone to popping out again once it's done so especially after lubricating with wd40 etc. It's only a small plastic cover/holder, say 3cm x 1cm, that keeps the cable ball seated correctly in the rear of the latch assembly.

[Sunny43.5]

If none of those suggestions work I can lend you a little used crow bar that should work !!!!!!!!