Bonnet keeps coming open

[Daves4c]

Every time I take the S for a run I have to keep stopping to push the bonnet back down to lock it, the release handle is pushed all the way back and if you try to pull the bonnet open it seems to be locked in place, but sure enough within a couple of minutes it pops open again. It does this on any kind of road surface even on the motorway has anyone else had this and how did you stop it?
Cheers
Dave

[Barkychoc]

Try lubricating the catches in the body with some grease. Check they are moving back sufficiently with the bonnet open - it sounds like they are sticking and only just holding the catches, then bumps make it open.

[Harry1972M]

Mine did this a little while ago - its really just a matter of fine adjustment to the spring loaded bonnet catches - a case of trial and error however be careful not to adjust them too far as the bonnet may lock shut and its a bugger to free open if this happens.

[V8ish]

As above, fine adjustment is the key. Get a spanner in the fiberglass hole on the back of the catch and a spanner on the front and loosen it ever so slightly and try and drag it forward (towards the spring loaded sliding catch) Literally a few mill.

this should give the sliding catch more to grip onto. Carefull though as the bonnet catch can not only move back/forward but also sideways so try and keep the side to side movement steady when moving it back. I moved it too far at first and my bonnet locked up!!!

Worked for me in the end though.
Grant

[ketvrin]

Also check that there is no movement at the front pivot bolts through being either loose or worn... ensure your bonnet is lined up properly before adjusting the spring catches...

K

[Longers]

Harry1972M said:

Mine did this a little while ago - its really just a matter of fine adjustment to the spring loaded bonnet catches - a case of trial and error however be careful not to adjust them too far as the bonnet may lock shut and its a bugger to free open if this happens.

I had that problem with the one on my bootlid. After adjustment it clicked shut nicely but then I couldn't get it open again so don't tighten too much in one go!

[Daves4c]

Thanks for the replies, The bonnet looks like it is aligned OK and the gap between the bonnet/wing is the same each side so it looks like I'll have to be careful with the adjustments

[V8ish]

Daves4c said:

Thanks for the replies, The bonnet looks like it is aligned OK and the gap between the bonnet/wing is the same each side so it looks like I'll have to be careful with the adjustments

Only the up and down adjustment will affect the bonnet gaps, forwards and backwards should only affect where catch itself. What a B**tard of a job if you get it worng though.

Have fun

[hurststeve]

I too struggled with this for about 2 years. Then I had cause to remove the bonnet completely, and when I put it back I aligned it with the catches before tightening up the hinges. Magic. So maybe if you slacken off the hinges with the bonnet shut (front wheels off for access), give it a bit of a wiggle and tighten them up again it might be OK.