Bonnet catch problem solved - MG-Rover.org Forums

Wrenchitandsee · 22-05-2007, 07:52

Thought that I'd post this in case it helps anyone else.

My wife has a Rover 416 . Ever since she's had it, she's had trouble with the bonnet catch not engaging. So yesterday, I thought I'd get to the bottom of it.

Took off the whole catch, sprayed it with degreaser, and stiff brushed it, did it again till it was lovely and new looking, and then regreased it and replaced it on the car.

Gently lowered the bonnet, and it STILL wouldn't lock into place.

I was sure that the mechanism itself was OK, and it was really baffling me.
Then I happened to notice that the whole strut holding the bonnet lock was
bent inwards and as a result, the catch was not sitting vertically. This surely explained why it could not engage. Obviously not sure whether it should be like that or not, I nevertheless decided to pull it straight, as I was running out of other ideas.

Cut about a yard of rope, and got it round the strut, and with a couple of good pulls it was vertical again, and GREAT, the bonnet now opens and closes, just like new.

Be careful if you do this, that you don't lever anything against the front of the radiator whilst straightening the strut. That's why I decided to use rope.

Hope it helps someone anyway.

Xorro · 22-05-2007, 15:08

Mmm, I might have a look at that. My ZS is a PITA to shut, I normally have to drop it (eek!) from a great height to get it to latch properly.

Wrenchitandsee · 22-05-2007, 19:33

Yes. I'm almost certain that it was the constant slamming that had caused the problem in the first place.

Having said that, until I worked out the reason, it was the only way to shut it.

Anyway. If it sorts your problem too, that's great. Good luck.

patpending · 22-05-2007, 21:00

On both the Mk1 and Mk2 ZS, the bonnet catch could have been designed for the Audi A2 - the car whose engine says "there's nothing to see here. Now move along."

When I bought my brand new Mk1, I broke my 2-hour journey home by stopping at a motorway service station. "I'll just have a look under the bonnet" I thought.

I didn't feel quite so cool when I had been struggling for 5 minutes to open it!

22-05-2007, 07:52	#1
Wrenchitandsee Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Car: Rover 400 (-95) Posts: 13	Bonnet catch problem solved Thought that I'd post this in case it helps anyone else. My wife has a Rover 416 . Ever since she's had it, she's had trouble with the bonnet catch not engaging. So yesterday, I thought I'd get to the bottom of it. Took off the whole catch, sprayed it with degreaser, and stiff brushed it, did it again till it was lovely and new looking, and then regreased it and replaced it on the car. Gently lowered the bonnet, and it STILL wouldn't lock into place. I was sure that the mechanism itself was OK, and it was really baffling me. Then I happened to notice that the whole strut holding the bonnet lock was bent inwards and as a result, the catch was not sitting vertically. This surely explained why it could not engage. Obviously not sure whether it should be like that or not, I nevertheless decided to pull it straight, as I was running out of other ideas. Cut about a yard of rope, and got it round the strut, and with a couple of good pulls it was vertical again, and GREAT, the bonnet now opens and closes, just like new. Be careful if you do this, that you don't lever anything against the front of the radiator whilst straightening the strut. That's why I decided to use rope. Hope it helps someone anyway. Last edited by Wrenchitandsee; 22-05-2007 at 19:36. Reason: To clarify the post.

22-05-2007, 19:33	#3
Wrenchitandsee Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Car: Rover 400 (-95) Posts: 13	bonnet catch problem Yes. I'm almost certain that it was the constant slamming that had caused the problem in the first place. Having said that, until I worked out the reason, it was the only way to shut it. Anyway. If it sorts your problem too, that's great. Good luck.

22-05-2007, 21:00	#4
patpending MG3 in ? weeks! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Surrey Car: ZS 180 Mk2 FireFrost Hatch Posts: 34,912	On both the Mk1 and Mk2 ZS, the bonnet catch could have been designed for the Audi A2 - the car whose engine says "there's nothing to see here. Now move along." When I bought my brand new Mk1, I broke my 2-hour journey home by stopping at a motorway service station. "I'll just have a look under the bonnet" I thought. I didn't feel quite so cool when I had been struggling for 5 minutes to open it! __________________ MG. A well fly set of wheels, bro.

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22-05-2007, 15:08	#2
Xorro Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Northants Car: Mazda3 MPS Posts: 364	Mmm, I might have a look at that. My ZS is a PITA to shut, I normally have to drop it (eek!) from a great height to get it to latch properly.

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