Bonnet release cable

Tiny
EMMAHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 FORD ECOSPORT
  • 1.0L
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 14,000 MILES
I had some work done on my bumper last month and have just come to open the bonnet and it is stuck. I took it to a mechanic and he said it looks like they have put the bumper back on and not reattached the bonnet release cable and now the bonnet wont open. It looks like a tricky job as the cable appears to have fallen down by the radiator. I know nothing about the internals of the engine but I read you can try and coax it up with a wire coat hanger through the grill. Is this possible or should I just grit my teeth and pay? Bit upsetting as it is at no fault of my own and the garages fault but they will not accept responsibility.
Tuesday, June 12th, 2018 AT 9:15 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
HELLOIT'SME
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Suggest talking to garage owner/manager right away and advise them of the problem. Suggest asking them to fix it at no cost. Otherwise, contact the county Consumer Affairs Office to intervene.
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Tuesday, June 12th, 2018 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,100 POSTS
In this case I agree with the above. Go to the garage owner and talk to them, if they left it disconnected or did connect it but it fell off it should be up to them to repair it. I would ask them politely about any warranty or if they will repair it as they apparently did not do the job fully. If they decline then talk to the affairs department and place a few comments on social media as well. You could also talk to your mechanic about repairing it and billing the other shop for the repair. As they have barely started selling them in the US as 2018 models there is little information on them here yet.

Most of the cables simply pull a lever in the latch. It should be possible to use a wire with a hook on the end to reach in and trip the latch, or possibly from under it if you can see the release.
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Tuesday, June 12th, 2018 AT 4:39 PM
Tiny
EMMAHILL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you both for your reply. I did not know the right way to approach this but now I will follow your advice!
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Wednesday, June 13th, 2018 AT 12:30 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,100 POSTS
A possible idea would be to go to a dealer and tell them you cannot open the hood. They might know a simpler way if the original place refuses. Plus they might help you with the recalcitrant shop.
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Wednesday, June 13th, 2018 AT 12:03 PM

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