Bonnet catch problem!!

**ronnie63** · 28th November 2011, 18:35

Hi guys as far as I can find the only way to open a non opening bonnet is to damage the grill?

Tried all the easy things like push the bonnet while pulling the lever no luck

the car is pre face 2004 cdti

Any help appreciated

thanks Ronnie

**paulhb** · 28th November 2011, 18:40

The grills the only way I know mate sorry

**sb1uk** · 28th November 2011, 18:42

The grill is the only way had same problem on mt pre-faclift. Got a griill from breakers.

**ronnie63** · 28th November 2011, 18:46

cheers guys any specific area on the grill to try and limit the damage? or am I being silly

cheers Ronnie

**markmac21** · 28th November 2011, 19:15

The same problem has just caught me out but mines facelift and i have no clue how to get back in , i would'nt mind but i only tightened the slack up about a week ago obviously not tight enough now i am screwed , tried taking bonnet release handle off and pulling at the wire but there is no chance so will have to go in underneath or through grill , i am just so annoyed cos its one of the things i actually keep an eye on . dont suppose anyone has come up with a way of getting in without to much damage

**madman** · 28th November 2011, 19:21

Get the car up. And poke a long stick/bar up from under neath and flick the mechanism. It can be done.

**DaveG** · 28th November 2011, 19:35

I think it is possible without breaking the grill - although I had to because I didn't understand what what was needed.
The following thread includes a couple of pictures showing what is needed and I think with a bit of patience and jiggery-pokery it can be done.
http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showth...=123700&page=3
good luck,
Dave

**markmac21** · 28th November 2011, 19:54

yeah think i will have a good bang around underneath before i start smashing my grill

**vectra ste** · 28th November 2011, 20:07

got a piece of wire, poked it through the grill and managed to hook it on, where the cable attaches to the spring. (The cable had come off the spring)

Tightened it all up and put it all back together. Job done.

VX's answer on the phone, was smash the grill through and do it that way. Pretty glad I never

this is what someone posted on here said