Popular Post Brigante Posted August 7, 2012 Popular Post Share Posted August 7, 2012 Ok so this is my first attempt at a guide so if it is deemed not a guide or not detailed enough please feel free to move it to the relevant section or remove it completely. As you may or may not be aware there is a big design flaw in the design of the Ford Focus bonnet lock mechanism. If you remove the slam plate: And this rubber boot: You will see there is a cable connecting the key barrel: To this white collet: The idea is on the right turn of the key, this catch opens: Like so: Which releases the bonnet allowing you to lift it open. Now this is not so much a flaw but actually a tamper proof measure designed in by ford. This lies with the white collet pictured above. Basically the back of this collet is part of a + shaped male and female key, these two parts need to be clicked in together for you to be able to open the bonnet. The idea is if a would-be thief tries to break into your bonnet, the connection behind the collet will separate rendering the lock mechanism useless and they will not be able to open the bonnet. However, this is actually flawed as it was generally new technology to ford and it was poorly designed as well as the actual connection being very fragile. Meaning instead of thieves, the actual owners of the car was getting locked out of they're own bonnets, because the slightest knock or bump, sometimes even taking a big speed bump too quick, or as I'll mention shortly changing the grill can dislodge the connection. Then as the owner was none the wiser to this 'security feature', when it came to opening the bonnet with the key, only to find nothing happened, they was truly in the shtuck. I unfortunately discovered this design flaw first hand when I received some front end damage resulting in needing the bumper replacing, which meant removing the key barrel from the grill. The 'mechanic' slid the barrel out of the grill and let it hang freely, removed the grill, removed the old bumper, fitted the new bumper, replaced the grill, replaced the barrel and finally closed the bonnet. He then tried to open the bonnet, only to discover that when turning the key left and right, nothing happened and the bonnet was jammed shut tight. Now I must inform you that the lock mechanism is also very fragile and can easily snap or break, If this is the case then unfortunately you will have to smash your grill in, snap off the lock mechanism and buy a new grill and lock mechanism from ford or eBay and have the barrel built up to your original key by a locksmith, this will end up costing you around a £100. You can also jack the car up, get on your back under the car and reach up between the radiator and engine block where you will have to go by feel and take a ratchet spanner to the 2 10mm bolts either side of the lock mechanism. By loosening these 2 bolts you will be able to prise the bonnet up with enough force. I did try this, but unless I just have really big hands, I do not see how anyone can reach up high enough to get to the bolts without getting they’re arm trapped. However you will most likely find you are in the same situation as I was and the connection had just become loose and not actually broken, in which case it is very easy to fix this yourself when you know how. I actually joined this forum looking for an answer myself, a quick Google search will throw up loads of results with people in the same situation and some may mention using a long screw driver through the grill, but not in much detail so if you are not doing it right or hard enough you can waste all day with no result and end up thinking the grill needs to be smashed in when it doesn't at all. The common cause of this problem is actually replacing the grill and not knowing about the problem until it is too late and you are faced with not being able to open your bonnet. After managing to fix this problem myself with no mechanical experience, a fellow member of this forum fitted a nice new ST grill to his focus found himself in the exact same situation I was in only days before. He tried the screwdriver trick himself with no avail and thought he would be faced with smashing in his nice new grill quicker than he had actually fitted it. I managed to guide him through what he had to do so he was able to fix it himself too. So as this is a common problem I am writing this guide for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation or anyone thinking of swapping they’re grill and doesn't already know about this problem. Now after a load of waffle, very simply here is how to open your bonnet if you find yourself in this situation. First off, brute force and position is key here, if you don’t push hard enough it won’t happen, if you have the screwdriver in the wrong position it won’t happen. First things first If you peer through the grill you will see the black rubber boot which you will need to pull off with some needle nose pliers (you may need a torch for this) Once this is off you will be able to see the cable and the white collet: Then what you need to do is thread a long enough screwdriver (about 300mm should do) through the grill directly above the ford swivel badge: As I just said it is all about position. You need to position the head of your screwdriver on the face of the white collet, directly above where the cable meets the collet like so: This had immediate results for me as soon as I had the screwdriver in this position and I opened the bonnet within minutes. However to find this position I worked the screwdriver right the way around the cable with no avail, If you position the screwdriver to the sides or underneath the cable you won’t have much luck: It needs to be like this: Once you have the head of the screwdriver in this position, you now need to put all of your bodyweight on the end of the screwdriver and push the white collet back in place, while in turn turning the key left and right as normal. A tip is to get someone to turn the key left and right for you while you push on the screwdriver. I found it also helps to have whoever is turning the key to push it in in a straight in position while turning the key. By pushing the white collet in with the screwdriver you are pushing the male and female connection back together and much to your joy the bonnet will suddenly pop. When pushing the screwdriver you should hear a click, this is the connection clicking back together, if you don’t hear the click don’t worry, as long as you maintain the pressure you will get the bonnet open and you can deal with getting the connection to click together after. I must stress, when you find the correct position of the screwdriver and the right amount of pressure, the bonnet will suddenly pop on the left turn of the key, it is important to not get too overjoyed at this point and stop applying the pressure. If you do, you will lose the connection and you will have to start all over again. So remember, when the bonnet suddenly pops on the left turn, make sure you quickly turn the key to the right and lift the bonnet before you lose the connection. By doing this instead of a £100 eBay spend for a new grill and lock kit, all it cost me was 5quid for a long enough screwdriver which is one of the best purchases I've made and now lives in my boot should this problem happen again. A final and critical tip, If you are planning on swapping your grill, very carefully slide the barrel out of the existing grill, and whatever you do, DO NOT let the barrel hang freely on the cable, this will almost definitely lose the connection causing you to find the bonnet won’t open after closing it. To avoid this problem in the first place all you have to do is balance the barrel on some sort of object, a can of pop would do for instance, this keeps the cable in position and prevents the weight of the barrel dislodging the connection when hanging. If you do let the barrel hang however, it still isn't a problem, just make sure the key still does what it is supposed to do before closing the bonnet, if it doesn't, click the connection back together before you do. If you've closed the bonnet and can't open it, follow the guide. So there you go, my first guide. I hope it was as informative as it could be and not too boring. If it helps other people who find themselves in the same situation it will have been worth the read. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 So there you go, my first guide. I hope it was as informative as it could be and not too boring. If it helps other people who find themselves in the same situation it will have been worth the read. Excellent guide mate, i may need this myself if i dont take due care and attention when changing my front upper grill. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Preee Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 Great guide and very help full to a lot of people who have been in this position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 Good drills Sir. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigante Posted August 7, 2012 Author Share Posted August 7, 2012 Cheers lads. Had a spare 5 minutes earlier lol so i darted outside and removed the slam panel to take a few quick snaps then come inside to type it up trying to be as detailed as I could. My reasoning for doing this is when it happened to me I ended up driving the car around for close to a month without being able to open the bonnet so if I'd of broke down driving back from a night shift I'd have been screwed cause the AA wouldn't have even been able to get the bonnet open to jump start it or do anything to get it going again. Searched all over google and couldn't find much detail on the matter, a few people mentioned a screwdriver through the grill, I tried it but it didn't work and again there wasn't much detail on what to do with it apart from stick it on the grill and push on the collet. Found myself here seeking help, I got some great advice on the matter from the likes of yourselves but unless you experienced the problem yourself you wouldn't be able to advise on somthing you don't know much about. I was determined not to smash my grill so I set about it again and kept at it till the bonnet popped and I found the bonafied angle to open it within seconds when you know how. I found it strange how such a common problem (cause unless you know not to, anyone who has removed the grill for what ever reason, would have naturally let the barrel hang freely then found themselves in this situation when the key wouldn't open the catch to release the bonnet) wasn't discussed in more detail so that people would be able to find the answer easier. Now if anyone comes to this forum looking for an answer they will find a guide telling them exactly what they have to do, so that they do not think they have to pay an extortionate fee to ford for a new grill and lock kit and having to smash they're perfectly good grill in when they didn't need to. Read stories of people on google who took the problem to ford and the first thing they did is smash the grill in without even trying a screwdriver cause it's money straight in their pockets. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Ryan Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Good work buddy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UltraSBM Posted August 11, 2012 Share Posted August 11, 2012 Thanks for this greatly! A well known Scottish garage, whilst replacing my intercooler pipe, managed to dislodge the locking mechanism. This guide has saved me so much arguing with them, and now it's all good! PS - On mine, I had to remove the rubber gromit in front of the white thing which others may have to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigante Posted August 11, 2012 Author Share Posted August 11, 2012 Thanks for this greatly! A well known Scottish garage, whilst replacing my intercooler pipe, managed to dislodge the locking mechanism. This guide has saved me so much arguing with them, and now it's all good! PS - On mine, I had to remove the rubber gromit in front of the white thing which others may have to do. Oops sorry mate I forgot about that, I never put the rubber gromit back on after fixing the first time so I forgot to take pictures of it when writing the guide. I'll take a snap tomorrow and add it, nice one for reminding me lol ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoney871 Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 I'm pretty sure that the lock mechanism disconnecting is designed in as a tamper proofing measure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigante Posted August 12, 2012 Author Share Posted August 12, 2012 I'm pretty sure that the lock mechanism disconnecting is designed in as a tamper proofing measure. It is mate tried to explain that by this 'The idea is if a would-be thief tries to break into your bonnet, the connection behind the collet will separate rendering the lock mechanism useless and they will not be able to open the bonnet' But no one seems to know about it, even some mechanics. So every time anyone has work done on they're car or changes the grill, or even sometime a little bump to the front will dis-lodge it so then when people go to open the bonnet they ain't got a clue why it's not opening, then they take it to a mechanic and even they don't know and end up smashing the grill. There is obviously method in ford doing this but at the time it was a pretty poor work around and they did make it rather fragile and is flawed, I believe they came up with a new way for later models but don't take my word on that. I can go into more detail on this after I did some research a while ago but right now I'm absolutely shattered lol and I my head don't wanna work :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigante Posted August 13, 2012 Author Share Posted August 13, 2012 Thanks for this greatly! A well known Scottish garage, whilst replacing my intercooler pipe, managed to dislodge the locking mechanism. This guide has saved me so much arguing with them, and now it's all good! PS - On mine, I had to remove the rubber gromit in front of the white thing which others may have to do. Guide now been updated with pictures mate, thanks for reminding me ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveandMichelleFocus Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 Great guide! Saved us a lot worry of woundering how we could get open the bonnet! After reading this guide we were in within5-10min! Well explained and easy to follow! THANK YOU :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emlynkide Posted September 29, 2012 Share Posted September 29, 2012 thanks brigante for a very informative reply, i am shore that it will be very helpfull for focus users, but it looks like the mondeo is differant, after all the hard work you put into the reply, i find it very hard to have to to have to say it,but thanks a million anyhow, a very gratefull emlynkide Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigante Posted September 29, 2012 Author Share Posted September 29, 2012 thanks brigante for a very informative reply, i am shore that it will be very helpfull for focus users, but it looks like the mondeo is differant, after all the hard work you put into the reply, i find it very hard to have to to have to say it,but thanks a million anyhow, a very gratefull emlynkide Thoughtso mate, so sorry I can't help. Just when I read about you trying to open the bonnet with the key I thought it might be worth a shot in case the mechanism is similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aimeeV Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 hi I have followed the guides posted here, but ... without results. All i managed was to take the grill lol Still I am at the same point Q: How to open that bonnet? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigante Posted October 13, 2012 Author Share Posted October 13, 2012 hi I have followed the guides posted here, but ... without results. All i managed was to take the grill lol Still I am at the same point Q: How to open that bonnet? Hi You didn't need to remove the grill. Have you removed this rubber boot? So you can see this white circle? If yes, Now physically push the white circle in above where it meets the cable (where the screwdriver is) Because you have removed the grill, you should be able to push the white circle in with your thumb or something, but you will now also need to hold the cable level by hand n not let it hang. While you are pushing the circle back in as hard as you can, and keeping the cable straight, turn your key to the left, the bonnet should pop, then turn the key to the right n quickly lift the bonnet. You need to do all this at the same time and keep pushing the circle in n not let go till the bonnets open. This should work. If it doesn't, then it appears to be more serious n your connection has actually broken and will need to be replaced. There is another way to get the bonnet open but is harder. If you wait a while I will run out and take a photo to show what you have to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigante Posted October 13, 2012 Author Share Posted October 13, 2012 If you've removed the grill, you'll be able to see the slam panel above. Either side of the panel there's a tab like this: From underneath the panel you should be able to knock it up to dislodge the tabs: If you can get the slam panel high enough to make enough room to stick your arm through like this: You should be able to stick your arm through n go by feel around the back of the lock mechanism for these 2 10mm bolts: If you can manage to get to the bolts, take a 10mm spanner to them n loosen them, if you can get around these then you will be able to prize the lock mechanism away from the car, n with enough force you can lift n wiggle the bonnet free. This will obviously be more tricky to do though as you will have to undo the bolts blind as you can't see them from where you are. You should really be able to just do the method in my guide though, if this isn't working then some how you've physically broken the bonnet lock n will be around 100pounds to fix. Do you have any idea what may have caused the bonnet to not open? Have you recently had any bump to the front of the car? Have you recently removed the grill before the problem occurred? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomtuckr Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Lots of smash bang wallop solutions on these forums but I've yet to find anyone explaining WHY this problem occurs. This post applies to pre-2004 models; it's probably not relevant to newer wheels. A short steel rotating shaft connects the lock to the bonnet release latch. At the latch end shaft diameter reduces. A circlip is inserted here to ensure correct pressure is maintained at the lock end. If this clip is missing or worn too thin the inserted key will not engage. With luck and perseverence putting upward pressure on the key and trying to pull the lock towards you will bring sudden clicking joy. If not, forget all thoughts of grill smashing or lock drilling. Underneath the car is a thin access hatch between bumper and radiator. This is secured by four plastic pop rivets which can be unscrewed. Very little of the latch mechanism can be seen from underneath but poke a stick or long screwdriver up through the gap you've created by opening the hatch. Again with luck and perseverence, by tapping or scraping your implement close to the lock/latch while another person keeps working the key you will hear that happy release sound. Once the bonnet is open you will see exactly what the problem is. By gripping the connecting shaft with long-nose pliers and putting pressure towards the lock the key will work exactly as designed. If you're familiar with circlips pop a new one on and that's it. If not, wrap any piece of strong wire around the latch end and nip it tight with pliers. Garage cost: at least £100. Your cost: 30 mins of sweat rewarded by elation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 I'll be following this guide in great detail in the coming weeks due to my slam plate being sent for colour codeing the grill is likely to shift. Also changing grill in coming weeks too so I don't wana mess up the latch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigante Posted October 27, 2012 Author Share Posted October 27, 2012 I'll be following this guide in great detail in the coming weeks due to my slam plate being sent for colour codeing the grill is likely to shift. Also changing grill in coming weeks too so I don't wana mess up the latch Its easily avoided mate n easily fixed. Before closing the bonnet after removing the slam panel, simply turn the key n make sure the latch still does what it's supposed to. If it don't open, simply get a long screwdriver or similar item out n push the connection back together.. Actually scratch that, with the bonnet open n the slam panel removed you can push it back in by hand with your thumb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil child Posted December 1, 2012 Share Posted December 1, 2012 Ford focus bonnet locks, don’t pay out, If your turning the key and the bonnet will not open, In side there is a plastic male and female cross that needs to fit into each other for them to turn, on the male there are two tags that spread and prevent this from happening 1, get a long screwdriver, place it through the grill so its pressing in to the black rubber garter where the lock rod enters the lock, press the screwdriver in as you turn the key. The bonnet should open, 2, Remove the plastic top cowling and the grill front, key barrel there are two little tags that need pressing to release barrel 3, remove the lock by undoing the two bolts that secure it, don’t need to remove any alarm wires, on the back of the lock you will see the male plastic cross, 4 cut of the two tags from the male plastic cross. 5, reassemble iv done two where bonnet was locked and two I did before the bonnet failed time 15min, cost £0 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simond** Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 thanks for posting this worked great on my 2005 MkII Focus :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAB2000 Posted March 31, 2013 Share Posted March 31, 2013 Hi I had a bonnet lock problem with my Focus Mk2 and thought it might be useful for people to know that pick up on this handy thread. I also have a couple of queries that someone may be able to help with! Anyway, I have a 2005 Focus Mk2 2.0 TCDi Ghia Estate and it doesn't have the bonnet mechanism shown in this thread but has the one shown in this thread (so I'm not the only one - perhaps it's Euro spec or early Mk2?): http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/37142-bonnet-lock-ff-mk2/?p=248147 I've had my car for 4 years now and seems to suffer from a battery drain so rather than fix the drain, I disconnect the battery each time. I have bought a multimeter and came to the conclusion that yes there is a drain but yet to do anything about it. It has an old Nokia phone kit which is still fitted so might remove that. I only use the car at weekends so actually it's not that much hassle to do what I'm doing, hence lazy to repair. The bad news is the overuse of the bonnet I suppose. Not great when your battery is disconnected and you can't get in! Anyway, I assumed I had the same issue as discussed here and got myself armed with a long rod to try and do the click tecnique but with a torch I noticed that mine didn't look like that. In end I went for the grill removal technique and managed to break the rivets (mostly!) and with a bit of brute force it came out in one piece although I think I broke a few bits of plastic on the 'slam panel' but it's re-usable. Once inside I could then turn the rod (pictures to follow with a bit of luck) connected to the car end by hand as it had broken off the back of the lock. The car was back in action. So, what I need is a new plastic rod connecting the lock end to the car end. It clips on each end so easy to replace. I suspect it's not available as a single item but perhaps as a whole system. However, the only one available seems to be the one discussed on this thread. Any one any ideas? Also, where's the best place to get the plastic rivet/plugs/screws that hold the grill in place (particularly the ones at each end that can't be seen. Many thanks. Will no try and add a pic or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAB2000 Posted March 31, 2013 Share Posted March 31, 2013 Here's a picture of my lock mechanism. The lock end of the plastic rod has broken. If you hold the whole rod you can turn it left and right to unlock the bonnet. So no security system here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAB2000 Posted March 31, 2013 Share Posted March 31, 2013 A few more pics. This shows the plastic rod connected at the 'car' end. It simply clips on and off: At the other end the rod has broken with one of the plastic clip arms broken off: At the moment I've botched a repair by putting the grill back in place (no clips!) and then taping an allen key to the plastic rod long enough to go through the grill and I can open the bonnet again with the grill in place. A very temporary repair! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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