Ryan200591 Posted October 7, 2020 Share Posted October 7, 2020 Hi all, i have a new shaped focus (68 plate) I have just tried to open the bonnet but it isn’t doing anything when I pull the latch, never been a problem before, wondering if it has detached itself somehow? Any idea how I can gain access? All help appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted October 7, 2020 Share Posted October 7, 2020 If it's the latest model you need to pull the release lever twice.Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan200591 Posted October 7, 2020 Author Share Posted October 7, 2020 2 minutes ago, Stoney871 said: If it's the latest model you need to pull the release lever twice. Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk I have done this, feels loose, like there’s no tension in it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenFord Posted October 7, 2020 Share Posted October 7, 2020 1 minute ago, Ryan200591 said: I have done this, feels loose, like there’s no tension in it Unlucky - normally it takes at least 10 years before the Focus bonnet mechanism breaks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comares2001 Posted October 7, 2020 Share Posted October 7, 2020 There's an emergency procedure as outlined in the handbook where you can gain access to the mechanism behind the lever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan200591 Posted October 7, 2020 Author Share Posted October 7, 2020 2 minutes ago, Comares2001 said: There's an emergency procedure as outlined in the handbook where you can gain access to the mechanism behind the lever. Ah ok! I will check this out, thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasterTechTip Posted October 7, 2020 Share Posted October 7, 2020 Yeah the bonnet cable stretches 🙄 I've replaced quite a few of these. To get it open you'll need 2 people, 1 person keeps pulling the lever and the 2nd person hits the bonnet where the latch sits and it'll pop open 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan200591 Posted October 7, 2020 Author Share Posted October 7, 2020 21 minutes ago, MasterTechTip said: Yeah the bonnet cable stretches 🙄 I've replaced quite a few of these. To get it open you'll need 2 people, 1 person keeps pulling the lever and the 2nd person hits the bonnet where the latch sits and it'll pop open Very annoying isn’t it, ok, I will give that ago tomorrow, appreciate the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete14tc Posted October 20, 2020 Share Posted October 20, 2020 Seems to be a common problem, mine is suffering the same fault. It’s strange how for many decades opening the bonnet was an easy function but progress has put paid to that. Thanks for the tip reference the emergency procedure for opening the bonnet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveT70 Posted July 7, 2021 Share Posted July 7, 2021 Mine has stopped working too. Is there a fix? Perhaps a re-route that can fix it so it hasn't got to go in for repair? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveP1041 Posted July 7, 2021 Share Posted July 7, 2021 Mine started to stick, requiring pushing closed and re trying, but a spray of WD40 seems to have stopped it and restored normal service! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveT70 Posted July 8, 2021 Share Posted July 8, 2021 10 hours ago, SteveP1041 said: but a spray of WD40 seems to have stopped it and restored normal service! I've tried that, it made no difference. It's going to have to go in I think, because it will get to a point where it won't open at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Andy Posted July 9, 2021 Share Posted July 9, 2021 Unfortunately my 68 plate Mk4's bonnet release went last year too. It does indeed seem like quite a common issue with the Mk4 (as do a lot of things!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tizer Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 On 7/8/2021 at 7:49 AM, DaveT70 said: I've tried that, it made no difference. It's going to have to go in I think, because it will get to a point where it won't open at all When you do get it back it would be a good idea to adjust the rubber Bump Stops on the Bonnet to take some pressure off the cable. When my car was new the opening lever was far too tight and you had to slam the bonnet down before it would shut. If I had left it the way it was I'm sure mine would have stretched by now. The Bonnet alignment is how it should be now. I also use real oil to lubricate the latch. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenFord Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 8 hours ago, Dark Andy said: .. It does indeed seem like quite a common issue with the Mk4 (as do a lot of things!) And Mk2s, and Mk3s - Ford seem to find it awfully difficult to attach a lever in the car cabin, via a cable, to release a simple latch in the bonnet! LOL 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unofix Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 Available from your local parts department: 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenFord Posted July 10, 2021 Share Posted July 10, 2021 1 hour ago, unofix said: Available from your local parts department: Now, can you get that colour matched to your car? 🤣 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JW1982 Posted July 11, 2021 Share Posted July 11, 2021 On 7/10/2021 at 9:44 AM, StephenFord said: And Mk2s, and Mk3s - Ford seem to find it awfully difficult to attach a lever in the car cabin, via a cable, to release a simple latch in the bonnet! LOL The Focus MK3/MK3.5 and MK4 all have a lever in the car cabin that operates the bonnet release mechanism with a cable. The key operated bonnet release mechanism was discontinued in 2010 when the production of the Focus MK2.5 ended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattb1509 Posted December 21, 2021 Share Posted December 21, 2021 If you pull the trim under the glovebox down you can see the cable that the lever is connected to, if you pull on that whilst operating the lever it opens up, not a permenant solution but when I needed to refill my washer fluid it worked fine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faypj Posted December 22, 2021 Share Posted December 22, 2021 Similarly --68 plate MK4 focus. Boot release lever now does nothing. Assistant depressing bonnet while retrying lever did not help. Will try stripping down to bare cable next ... Had 1st MOT and service 1 month ago! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faypj Posted December 22, 2021 Share Posted December 22, 2021 On 10/7/2020 at 8:24 PM, StephenFord said: Unlucky - normally it takes at least 10 years before the Focus bonnet mechanism breaks! 3y for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stroppy Posted December 22, 2021 Share Posted December 22, 2021 I had this issue on my 68 plate this morning .. and this was the only source of useful info I could find anywhere .. so thanks Ford owners club community ! I ended up doing the procedure from the owners manual for when you can't open the left hand door .. and I'm afraid I don't quite understand how having the left hand door shut would stop the bonnet release from working .. but there you go! I removed the bonnet release handle (and trim around it) and found that the plastic fixing at the end of the cable sheath hand separated from the cable sheath, and the whole thing had fallen out of the mount which holds the cable sheath. Pushing this back in place lets the bonnet open as usual .. but I don't know how long its going to be before it gets out of place again. Just in-case its of use to anyone .. here is what the bonnet release handle mechanism looks like (my phone is a bit rubbish .. sorry) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unofix Posted December 22, 2021 Share Posted December 22, 2021 You have to open the passenger door (RHD cars) so the the bonnet release handle can be pulled fully back (Twice) to unlatch the bonnet catch. On LHD cars it is of course the drivers door which makes more sense. With the door closed the handle can not be pulled fully back and so the latch will not release. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Magician Posted December 27, 2021 Share Posted December 27, 2021 H Mate, Same thing happened to me, Ford changed the cable and opens correctly now. Looks like a common problem. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamieburchell Posted January 8, 2022 Share Posted January 8, 2022 @stroppy Please can you explain in simple terms how to remove the bonnet release handle as described in the manual for a 68 RHD Focus? The manual says insert a screwdriver at the position shown (top of handle) and gently prise the clip upwards. Can't find the clip, handle won't come off. Bonnet won't open, trying to see if it's something I can fix by turning the mechanism manually / realigning the parts before I have to take it for a repair. Thanks Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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