Sorry to bring this topic up again guys but I have read the How To on this and still can't open the bonnet. I had the bonnet open to work on lights I was fitting to front grill and forgot all about the lock issue. Never noticed until today when I tried to open it. All I have managed to do is break the top of the white collet. And take the skin off 4 knuckles!!!! Anyone got any other ideas other than wreck the grill and other parts?

Just keep trying to nudge it back in with a long bladed screw driver I have done it on numerous occasions without any problems try turning the key at the same time you should get it .

It will be tomorrow before I get another shot at it. My patience has been burst.lol. And the rain ain't far away!

I have the exact same problem with my bonnet catch.

I took the grill off and pushed at the white mechanism behind the rubber washer with a long handled screw driver, but the only thing I achieved was to scuff the paint on the front side when removing the grill, to take off a large portion of skin from one of my fingers and to severely loose my patience

I'm guessing it's a man's job, but I will give it another go when I'm not at the end of my tether with the !Removed! thing.

I don't know a great deal about cars but isn't that a crap design for a bonnet catch in the first place?

Here's to hoping I don't need to top anything up any time soon...

K

Well I still can't get mine to open. Between myself, my brother in law ,my son and my mate we can't budge it. I've given up for the day. All we have managed to do is break the top part of the white collet bit.

Hi

I take it when you turn the key in the lock nothing happens,

Try this put key in the lock,

push grill in about 5-10mm then push key in a bit further & turn the key,

This works on my Mondeo every time,

I had this issue on my focus last week and couldnt get the bonnet opne, went out and bought a nice long flathead screwdriver and followed some info tht I read on here.

This is a 2 person job!

Put the key in and turn it to position 1 while the other person has got the long screwdriver in between the grill and up against the white collor (rubber gromet removed) The head of the screwdriver MUST be centre ontop of the actualy cable (so in the middle), person with the screwdriver must push as hard as they can while the other person turns the key to position 1 (left)

You should hear a click (or a crunch in my case) and the bonnet should pop up, keep pressure on the screwdriver and lift the bonnet with a free hand while turning to position 2.

Basically inside the lock is a white locking mechanism in the shape of a "+" sign with both male and female parts, thats how the connect, they have come undone and need to be reconnected.

Success!!!! Went into work today and explained the problem to a few work mates. So at finishing time, one of the larger type guys came over and had a go. He put the pressure on as I turned the key. Seconds later the bonnet popped open. Seems I don't have the weight or the technique. LOL. Thanks for all the replies folks!