MK4 TDI Stuck bonnet

[TigerChris]

Bought an X plate 1.9 TDI a few weeks ago for my son.. all seemed fine then.
The service light came on (wasn't a complete surprise ) but... when I went to open the bonnet the level just rotated off the spindle & the bonnet won't open.
When I bought the car the previous owner showed me under the bonnet, so I know it was working recently.
So simple (!) question... is there an easy way from either inside or outside of the car to release the catch ??

Thanks folks

[estate130]

i had same problem on my bora. i took it to a vw dealer and they couldn't open it - quoted silly money to smash to grill out...

i took it to an independant who got it open by reaching up between the engine and the radiator (engine's got to be cold - there isn't much room).

in my case the bonnet lock was damaged, it wasn't a cable or interior handle problem...

it would be helpful for you to take a look at another golf bonnet latch to see what you need to move and in what direction.

good luck.

[TigerChris]

Thanks for the info... I've had a look at a couple of YouTube videos and have a rough idea where to aim for ! Just kinda frustrating that it seemed to open fine a couple of weeks ago :(

Any other suggestions would be most welcome...

[TigerChris]

Gave up trying to be subtle... took trim panel off inside drivers door area & unscrewed bonnet release level assembly.
Gently (not!) eased cable with pliers to open safety latch... the rest was easy.
Lubed release cable as best I could and made sure it moved reasonably freely. Reasembled panel twice (dropped lever retaining clip inside the panel first time... doh !) and worked out the chinese puzzle that is the lever retaining clip - stupid design !

Sorted.

Not sure I could have got in from under the engine as there's very little space, so I'm kinda glad this worked !