lol.  I wouldn't have bothered with the grill or lock and just used screwdriver but I believe it's an M.O.T. fail if tester can't open bonnet? so I bit the bullet and repaired it as I'm going to try and get at least another M.O.T. out of it ;

9 minutes ago, Bar72 said:

 I believe it's an M.O.T. fail if tester can't open bonnet? ..

Absolutely an MOT failure if they can't get access. A while back my car failed it's emissions test, why? I had fitted a new exhaust trim with a built in mesh, it didn't allow them to insert the emission test probe! LOL

An old thread I know but I recently used this and other online info etc to get into my recently acquired UK version MK2 focus 1.6 petrol estate ( 2007)

I actually opened the bonnet by removing the locking mechanism from underneath but it involved a lot of awkward reaching with scratched forearms etc due to the difficulty getting a spanner around the 2 mounting bolts . I am now in the process of deciding whether to just try a plastic" white cross " upgrade available on ebay for around £5 although some complain they are often soft and poorly made ..leading to trouble down the line . In my case everything else seems to be working ok so it may be the cheapest solution but there are many causes of the failure so examination of the bonnet release unit is required to ascertain what you need to fix. If I have time I may photo the refit/repair etc but am adding to this thread mainly because on many guides to gaining access via removal of the plastic grill /slam plate etc they indicate that removal of or shearing certain fasteners will release the plastic slam plate allowing it to be pulled out with a hard tug . In my case ..if I had followed those instructions I would had caused a lot of damage (I assume the retaining screw pattern varies according to the year/model/ version etc as mine was quite different to several I have seen in the guides both video on YT and elsewhere )  Just something to consider in case your car is similar . I was lucky in that I accessed from underneath ...it was more effort and time consuming but it caused no damage and allowed the screwdriver method to be used for a while to open the bonnet but if you go that route I would suggest adding a small torch to the long screwdriver kit as otherwise it can be difficult to locate the female cross inside where the tip is inserted before turning . HTH 's someone .

1 hour ago, Wombat64 said:

... mainly because on many guides to gaining access via removal of the plastic grill /slam plate etc they indicate that removal of or shearing certain fasteners will release the plastic slam plate allowing it to be pulled out with a hard tug . In my case ..if I had followed those instructions I would had caused a lot of damage...

My 'guy' also accessed the bonnet mechanism from underneath though being a garage, had full access to a proper ramp. From driving in, to driving out, was 15 minutes in total. Don't waste time/money on a cheap Chinese Ebay lock, I went through 2 of them, they're useless. I ended up getting a genuine Ford one from a scrap dealer, now working for over 2 years...

I have had this problem arise after a mechanic did some work, cannot get the screwdriver trick to work. Ended up snapping a part of the casing off having put some much weight into it attempting to open. Next step is to jack it up and try from underneath... will update for those that are still running these.

 

NB. As some have said this triggers the theft alert which I could see on my OBD scanner. Now the battery is completely dead so need to get it fixed asap.

On 4/20/2024 at 7:08 PM, WastedWrath said:

I have had this problem arise after a mechanic did some work, cannot get the screwdriver trick to work. Ended up snapping a part of the casing off having put some much weight into it attempting to open. Next step is to jack it up and try from underneath... will update for those that are still running these.

 

NB. As some have said this triggers the theft alert which I could see on my OBD scanner. Now the battery is completely dead so need to get it fixed asap.

No idea how to (if I even can) edit comments so I'll update here.

Screwdriver trick did not work so I followed this 6 minute yt video to remove the grill (no parts broken except for the broken lock housing). Backup video with same process but he breaks the grill screws that you don't need to.

Bought a 1355231 on eBay for £10 and fit it. All in about 10 minutes of work. I dont trust the replacement will last a year based on the feel of the plastic so will either buy a true replacement or get a metal one on aliexpress or a tbar adaptation. Looked at mondeo mods and don't think I can be bothered.

Sorry guys, I am getting beyond frustrated trying to do this job! I have tried to do everything instructed, however cannot get the black cover off no matter what I do! I think the only way of me getting to the white box is going to now 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! 

On 11/18/2025 at 2:57 PM, Laminator93 said:

Sorry guys, I am getting beyond frustrated trying to do this job! I have tried to do everything instructed, however cannot get the black cover off no matter what I do! I think the only way of me getting to the white box is going to now 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! 

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. 

On 11/23/2025 at 3:48 PM, 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. 

Sadly, though this workaround does open your bonnet, it's an MOT failure, and you'll end up getting a replacement lock with key...