Bonnet Release

[js3985]

Hi. Battery disconnected so used the emergancy Pull to open the front bonnet.
How do I get the wire to return to allow the bonnet to lock

All sorted , took the cover of the release catch housing , a bit of push pull, long nosed pliers and large screw driver. Cleaned and oiled the catch.
May even get out tomorrow in my pride and joy, in Devon as there is no rain or snow , Jim

[Rob175]

IF the "emergency" cable isn't used very often, or never at all, it's possible that it might be a little "frozen"....suggest to liberally lubricate (what you can see of...) the locking mechanism and as much of the cable you can get to. I would use a thin oil like WD-40 initially or a penetrating oil to free it up. Probably a spring there too that needs a good lubricating bath.

I'd try that first.

[canine]

Got tired of each winter on my 1999 986 having to face the issue on not being able to access the bonnet and having to jack the car, remove the inner wheel arch to find the emergency pull. Wasn't able to move the cam with a screwdriver as some readers suggest so was forced to find a plan C which turned out to be a permanent but reversible easy fix. Worked so well I wanted to share it.

I removed the 3 plastic hole covers on the inner side of the assembly that houses the release handles by the driver's seat, then inserted a 5mm Allen key:



to loosen the three bolts - no need to completely undo them, Then lift the assembly upwards off the three loosened bolts - there are also two press studs, one at each end.

This gives excellent access to the locking mechanism:



You can see the solenoid that moves a white plastic loop that pulls on a wire to move the locking cam. It is easy to lift the end of the wire out of the plastic look and place it by the side, making the solenoid ineffective (as shown in the photo).

To be sure the cam cannot vibrate back to the lock position I put some resin into the slot where the cam rotates.

Should a future owner want to revert the mechanism to the original it would be easy to do - but would they?

Downside is a slight reduction in car security I guess as an intruder could open the door, now get to the bonnet to turn of the alarm noise.