Ducato Bonnet Release

[Jimjo]

Hi - we have a 2020 Globecar PVC. Having a problem with the bonnet release. We can now only get the bonnet open if one of us pulls the release lever on the front passenger side whilst at the same time the other person fiddles with the bonnet to lift it open. There is no real tension in the release handle but it clearly is still connected to the mechanism. Just wondered if anyone else has had a similar problem. Can try and get it fixed under warranty but it’s over a month to get it booked in. Is there an easy fix to tighten the cable? Thanks in advance for any suggestions

 

[TheBig1]

The cable needs adjusting, as the mechanism is too tight. The trick is to have somebody push down on the front of the bonnet as you pull and hold the release. Then your accomplice lifts the bonnet. Best get it adjusted before the cable stretches too much

 

[pappajohn]

It's been a long time so I could be wrong
Lift the bonnet and look along the bonnet rail for the cable.
The end of the outer cable sleeve may have a spring clip holding it to the underneath of the bonnet panel
Use a flat screwdriver to ease the clip from its fixing hole.
Move the cable outer sleeve until there's no slack in the inner cable but don't pull too tight.
Holding the outer in position refit the spring clip.
Before closing get someone to pull the cable and ensure the release mechanism fully opens.
If it does close the bonnet and retry.

 

[L' Hobo]

The cable needs adjusting, as the mechanism is too tight. The trick is to have somebody push down on the front of the bonnet as you pull and hold the release. Then your accomplice lifts the bonnet. Best get it adjusted before the cable stretches too much

The way I read it is the direct opposite to that, 'there is no tension on the release handle' could the cable have slipped out or along it's end stop under the bonnet?
Go to the dealers and have a chat, it could, perhaps, only a few minutes work and a drink to one of the fitters?

EDIT, Just read the above, if you do that, make sure you tie a second cord to the release mechanism in case something goes wrong and the bonnet will not open at all.
Its hell to open the bonnet if the release is not operating!

 

[TheBig1]

The way I read it is the direct opposite to that, 'there is no tension on the release handle' could the cable have slipped out or along it's end stop under the bonnet?
Go to the dealers and have a chat, it could, perhaps, only a few minutes work and a drink to one of the fitters?

EDIT, Just read the above, if you do that, make sure you tie a second cord to the release mechanism in case something goes wrong and the bonnet will not open at all.
Its hell to open the bonnet if the release is not operating!

The advice is based on first hand knowledge. Catch is too tight, so cable stretched. Pressing down on the catch releases the tension and the cable easily opens the catch and holds it open as bonnet is lifted. If badly stretched, then a replacement cable is the best idea going forward, along with adjustment

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Jimjo]

The advice is based on first hand knowledge. Catch is too tight, so cable stretched. Pressing down on the catch releases the tension and the cable easily opens the catch and holds it open as bonnet is lifted. If badly stretched, then a replacement cable is the best idea going forward, along with adjustment

That’s great. Many thanks

 

[Googlebot]

Just be really careful the cable doesn’t snap.

They can be a nightmare to get open once the cable has gone.

Fords were notorious for it and thankfully when I had a Mondeo the catch was easily accessed from below. If you can’t access it once snapped then get it sorted ASAP.

The Smax were so notorious for it the forums recommended drilling a hole in the front panel behind the grill so when, not if it snapped you could release it with a screwdriver.

 

[Spanner]

It’s often extremely difficult to open a bonnet when the lock or cable fails and I’ve done few, that’s why our van has a secondary method of opening the bonnet.

 

[Jimjo]

Thanks

 

[airwave]

It's p

Thanks

It's possible to open the bonnet , so long as the cable is still attached , but you will need to dismantle the release inside the cab . Then just simply pull the inner cable . If the cable has detached i dunno , never had that problem . I can't advise any more , because my van is much older , and never being a problem , my experience is from a totally different car , think it was a Ford .

Yeah i know , Fix Or Repair Daily .

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Jimjo]

Cheers

 

[airwave]

Cheers

Another little snippet . If the cable has a nipple on the end (i would expect such) , you can use a pair of piers for extra purchase . Use the semi circle cut out , between the gripper end and the cutter , and try to grip the nipple , leaving the cable to run free though the grippers . Try not to snag the cable , unless you really have too .

 

[Jimjo]

Ok. Thanks. Will have a go today