S3 bonnet catches

[Garytooms]

Hi there does anyone know where i can buy new catches and springs the springs are available but can not get the catches my bonnet keeps on opening no matter what i do to line them up. also is there a topic on here i don't seem to be able to find any. May thanks Gary

[frontfloater]

Are you able to check whether the little coil springs which push the sliding catch back are still in place ? From the illustration on Racing Green / TVR Parts, the bonnet catch looks similar or identical to the boot catch - where the coil spring only stays in place by pressure, not soldered or welded. Mine dropped out recently for no apparent reason.

[phillpot]

There was a lengthy thread on this back in the days before everyone went over to FaceBook but while Jaguar was suggested as the source no one could confirm it.

There is very little to go wrong with them but owners have had issues with them being clogged up with old dried up grease or the silicone sealant used to install them?

If your bonnet hinges which are a poor design to start with are bent and tired you will have closing (and staying closed) issues.

[greymrj]

Mike is right. The usual problem is these getting clogged underneath. If people have kept putting grease in then eventually the slide cannot move properly and they do not work. The spring pressure isnt enough if they are clogged.They need to be clean and only lightly greased. You may also find the drain hole into the engine bay has clogged up and water cannot escape so they fill with water and that doesn't help.
They can be removed (bolts from underneath within footwell) carefully and then simply disconnect the cable. Thoroughly clean out and check the slide travels fully and the spring is in place. There may also be a burr on the slide caused by the catch pin hitting the edge, that might need carefully removing to ensure the catch operates smoothly.
Check the pin in the bonnet is properly secured and isn't moving sideways or unscrewing. Not unusual for them to come loose!! You will never set the bonnet correctly if they are loose.