Released me stuck bonnet

[markmac21]

2 weeks ago the dreaded bonnet cable slipped and i was unable to get my bonnet up , tried everything i read off previous posts on here but nothing worked but just want to let everyone who has the 1.8vvt facelift know that i got mine from underneath without smashing the grill out , got it up on normal ramps on the drive and if you reach up between the cat and the radiator you can feel the large black pipe that comes off the air box it runs under the slam panel there is about an inch or so gap between that pipe and the slam panel i used an average sized screw driver and slid it over the top of the air pipe and under the slam panel and was able to feel the mechanism , after a while you start to get a feel for were it is (dont bother with a torch) its not that high up but it is fiddly but eventually you will feel the loop and pop its up , god i was so releaved , not sure about diesel models but it can be done on the 1.8's , dont smash your grill out

[alan485671]

Never posted before so hope this is okay. My son (mechanic) opened the bonnet with no damage in under 1 hour. 1.8 sri Vectra C.
1. Removed 4 poppers connecting belly plate to bumper.
2. Remove bottom grill by pulling down belly plate and reaching in to pull grill off.
3. From front of car reach up through grill cavity to locate the cylindrical lock spring.
4. Locate 3mm bar on spring (windscreen side of spring) and push this bar with screwdriver towards passenger door and POP bonnet open.
Sorry, no pics but plenty on this site showing the spring.
No need to smash grill.