C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

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broomie
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C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by broomie »

Hi folks

TODAY POPPED THE BONNET and although it releases once i lifted the bonnet a small way to pull the plastic lever to release the latch - NOTHING - the cable is very slack and may have come away from latch mechanism?

So

1. How do I fully release latch - coat hangar?

2. Any tips on re attaching cable very welcome

many thanks in advance

Broomie
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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by GiveMeABreak »

I had mine go 8 mths ago - the freezing weather at the time caused the plastic lever to snap (it's too brittle) and nearly failed the MOT as we couldn't open the bonnet. Had to do it with a screwdriver. Got the replacement - comes as a complete cable and plastic handle. What you need to hope is that it is the one at the bonnet end and not in the passenger compartment as that is a bu**er to do apparently.

Part 7937R0 for item 9:
X7 Bonnet cable.PNG
£24.56 inc. VAT from Citroen - called a Hook Plate.

I think we tried to use the screwdriver to lever the remaining part of the plastic tab containing the wire and manoeuvre it about to try and release it. You need to then remove the plastic shroud.

I'll pop a little video up of mine as soon as I've uploaded it.
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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by broomie »

Marc

many thanks for your fast response - pretty sure it the front cable with the issue as the bonnet opens a tad (like normal) and then I think the plastic lever is supposed to open the hook plate at that point?

Paul
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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Not sure that this will help any, but the black lever holds one end of the wire in (which you can't see as it's underneath), and then with the black shroud removed (easy), the wire is routed through several clips, comes round in a U-turn and attaches into the spring release mechanism.

All that porridge in the mechanism is me having put copious amounts of Zinc marine-grade grease into the area and silicone oil onto and through the wires to protect them a little better. Any additional strain on the spring release mechanism doesn't bode well for the plastic lever as it is too flimsy to take any real strain - hence the need to keep it really well lubricated.

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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by broomie »

Marc

Brilliant will let you know how I get on - really helpful

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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by broomie »

OK latest update using piece of garden wire and the very helpful video above I got the bonnet open!! HURRAH!

The cable had come away at the catch end seems like the horrible plastic clip had worn and was just drawn through. Greased cable, pushed clip back into position and have applied a dollop Araldite to hold in place, willgive it overnight to see if it will hold! Picture attached of the piece that came away!
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catchc5.png
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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Well done Paul.

I've just seen one here for £14.99 delivered:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/7937r0-Bonnet- ... 1816361364

I really wouldn't rely on the glue as there is a lot of strain on that plastic clip to be honest, but may do as a temp. fix. :wink:
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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by broomie »

Marc

I have taken your sage advice and bought one - thanks again very very much!!!

happy new year

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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by sparksie »

Hi Marc
Yes, I had actually already seen this, but it doesn't look the same.
After looking at it several more times, I think perhaps it might be a mirror image, so I'll go down there and have a look at the car again in the next couple of days.
No internet down there, so I'll have to try and save the video somehow.
Still have the wiper issue to deal with, too...
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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Depends which cable it is - the easiest one is the actual bonnet release catch and cable which is attached and comes together. However the other cable (number 7 on the diagram I posted a few posts above) is the one from the inside passenger release lever to mechanism and that is a bit of a sod to do apparently.
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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by broomie »

Hi there yes it is a mirror image as my cable comes in from the left (as you look at the car -front on)
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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by sparksie »

Yup, mirror image.
Finally got to look at it with the video paused today.
Still couldn't find where the plastic lever should be, but given everything else this car's thrown at me, I think I might just forget that...
Just want to get it away from here and never set eyes on it again, now.
This only came to me for a quick look at the inoperative tail lights, back in October.
For one reason or another, it's been here ever since, doing a fine job of negative advertising!
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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by GiveMeABreak »

That'll learn you!
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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by BER_Baggus »

My lever broke a few days ago, so now I can only life the bonnet a few inches. Any tips as to access the latch to operate it manually? I see the video above is handed, but otherwise very useful!
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Re: C5 m3 bonnet catch wont release fully

Post by GiveMeABreak »

handed
? Not sure what you mean...

As long as you can release the lock from the inside first, you should be able to carefully get a long screwdriver in and lever the catch / wire. That's what my mechanic and I had to do when I had to drive it to pick up the new part and for the MOT, until I got it home again and replaced it.
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