So, went to install my new CAI yesterday and when I pulled the bonnet release inside the cab, it popped and now it and the cable are loose and the bonnet won't open! I really would prefer not to have to pay MAG big bucks to fix this... Help!
Crow bar? I had an S-10 that did a similar thing and we got it to pop by having one person wiggle the cable and the other person push down on the hood right where the latch is. My latch got stuck about half popped and after we got it to re-engage it was able to pop open. If you don't get it to open I would be very careful driving it as if the latch does let go and you hood opens it is scarrrrryyyyyyy.
If the cable snapped at the pull lever inside the MINI, it should be easy to unlock. Grab the broken end with some pliers and give it a tug. If the cable snapped under the hood, you probably won't be able to open it yourself. It's just not accessible. Being its a 2009, isn't your warranty still intact?
We talked to Sam and his response was to bring it in to MAG. He said it would be about $200 to fix. I myself am not a huge fan of that number. I would much rather there be a non MAG fix for this!
Hmmm. Shouldn't be that bigga deal to get it open: Jack up both sides of front, put on jack stands Remove front wheels Remove screws and plastic expanding clips that hold wheel well liners. Remove liners. Both bonnet latches should be easily accessible to release by hand - just push the lever where the cable sheath ends forward. Then release the safety latch from the front normally. Sounds like a lot - but I could have mine open in 10 minutes or less if someone had a stopwatch on me. Should be that hard to replace the cables, either, but I haven't done it.
R56 MINI's are harder to get to. R53's are much easier..... He has a R56 I believe.... Justa guess on my part....
Do you know where the bowden cable broke? Inside the engine compartment or inside the passenger compartment?
True. maybe it simply popped off the interior handle! Worst case maybe see if it is reachable with pliers through the grille... might even be a way to stick a screwdriver there to release it?
Thanks all.... Yep: it's an r56 And way past warranty (yet another reason the r50/53 is a better car!)... Not sure if it just popped off on the interior, need to get a closer look, but it was dark when I looked the other day. It (cable) doesn't appear to have broken on the inside, and I can't pulled it thru... So hoping that means no broken cable. Gonna have someone push down while I pull and pray and maybe that'll do it. Fingers crossed.
Could someone post a pic of what the backside of the hood release inside the cab should look like? As in where/how the cable attaches to the pull handle? Only other car in the driveway now is the countrygal... And I would bet they are different (at least a little). If I have to take it to mag, I'll try to explain how it's always been a tough release... But I'm doubtful. Btw, anyone know what happen to Amber Wood? Was told by the operator that she was no longer with Mag?
Amber quit and went to the Lexus dealer as a service advisor....we'll miss her! Talk to Jacob if you call there. The Bozo that stands next to Ambers old station is clueless.
Still no luck. No way in from the grill and the cable is slack. Tried pulling the release and banging on the bonnet, but still no give. Ugh. Other suggestions?
I took a good look at Babs clubster yesterday as I cleaned the engine. Sorry to say it looks like a real pain in the arse for you Robb. I can not fathom how you get it done??? I think Sam is your man. MAG to the rescue.
I looked at mine yesterday with the bonnet open. The radiator and support brace is in the way preventing you from coming in through the grill. Even with the bonnet open, it's difficult to even see where the cable attaches to the arm that releases the lock mechanism..... Passenger side lock mechanism Close-up of the cable with the ball end. Force the lever arm to the left and the lock releases. Access to the lock on the driver's side is hindered by the overflow tank. The dealer might be the best option. The Bentley was not helpful.....