Sorry guys, I am getting beyond frustrated trying to do fix my bonnet release and could do with some help! I have tried to do everything possible to get the bonnet open (pressure on bonnet, screwdriver into release mechanism) however cannot get the bonnet to open! I think the only way of me getting to the white box to open the bonnet will be to take off the grill! Annoyingly, the key barrel has now fallen behind the grill too, so can’t even put my key in to try and turn it! 
 

I cannot stress that I am not a car expert, just a guy trying to avoid paying £400 to get it fixed! (Quote from Halfords). 
 

Even more frustratingly, one of my headlights have now blown, which is how I discovered this issue! 

Any support or guidance on this would be beyond appreciated! I think the only way forward here is to remove the grill and go that route! 
 

Thank you in advance! 

Honestly, take it to an independent garage.  That's the quickest and cheapest option.  Likely to just cause more damage if you go any further yourself.

On 11/19/2025 at 2:55 PM, TomsFocus said:

Honestly, take it to an independent garage.  That's the quickest and cheapest option.  Likely to just cause more damage if you go any further yourself.

Appreciate the response.

Ended up managing to get the bonnet open without needing to take it to a garage. I used a screwdriver and hammer to sheer off the two screws that hold that grill in place (left and right sides above the grill). I was then able to use a small screwdriver under the grill to unclip the 4 plastic fittings. I then very carefully, but forcefully, pulled the grill side to side until I managed to pull the whole thing out. I then hammered off the old locking system and used a screwdriver to get in. I now have the grill back on with replacement screws fitted and the lock barrel completely open after removing the old plastic cross head mechanism. Now unlocks every time with a screwdriver through the grill until I figure out which lock to get and how to fit it. 

1 hour ago, Laminator93 said:

Now unlocks every time with a screwdriver through the grill until I figure out which lock to get and how to fit it. 

Just leave it with the screwdriver opening.

It is very unlikely that anyone is going to go around checking to see if they can open the bonnet of a 2007 Focus no matter how good it looks.