Bonnet release not working on outside - 2012 Passat B7

**Strath44** · 03-12-2017,04:32 PM

Hi folks, I desperately need to top up screen wash and coolant!

i can release the bonnet from inside and it jumps up but the plastic lever on the inner edge of the bonnet lip although moving does not release the bonnet!

does anyone know how to release it manually I've had a good rummage and can't shift it!

just to note this is nut like the older pull lever type release you used to get where a plastic rod pops out the grill.

**stig414** · 03-12-2017,04:55 PM

Originally Posted by Strath44

Hi folks, I desperately need to top up screen wash and coolant!

i can release the bonnet from inside and it jumps up but the plastic lever inside although moving does not release the bonnet!

does anyone know how to release it manually I've had a good rummage and can't shift it!

just to note this is nut like the older pull lever type release you used to get where a plastic rod pops out the grill.

Get an assistant to press the bonnet down while you pull lever. Lubricate and work catch before closing again

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

**Strath44** · 03-12-2017,04:58 PM

Sorry adjusted my wording slightly, the bonnet does pop open so I don't think this will work, it's the next stage that doesn't release from the bonnet catch by hand on the bonnet

**UMEL** · 03-12-2017,07:59 PM

Slid a shimmy in and move that C lever to the left.

Locked, me pointing at plastic lever

DSCN1079.jpg

Unlocked, me pressing the plastic lever.

DSCN1081.jpg

**Strath44** · 03-12-2017,09:36 PM

Thank you, you are a scholar and a gent!! Even more so if you took those photos on my behalf?

**UMEL** · 03-12-2017,10:13 PM

Originally Posted by Strath44

Thank you, you are a scholar and a gent!! Even more so if you took those photos on my behalf?

Well yes I did because otherwise it's not easy to appreciate what's going on under there.

Have you opened it now.

**Strath44** · 03-12-2017,10:15 PM

Thank you that is very kind!

Yes thanks got it open now, need to find out why the car dropped a load of coolant out the blue but no signs of leaks!

**Strath44** · 03-12-2017,10:32 PM

In case anyone else has to try this I had to rotate the hook to the left of the car (looking at it) I didn't need to hold the plastic lever at the same time it moved with the hook. Mine was sold with crud will need to remove, clean and degrease!

**miket1** · 07-03-2018,12:08 PM

Used the solution in your posting. Excellent results. Thanks for answering the original post, saved me a trip to the garage.

**dieselreaper** · 29-01-2020,08:20 PM

Originally Posted by UMEL

Slid a shimmy in and move that C lever to the left.

Locked, me pointing at plastic lever

DSCN1079.jpg

Unlocked, me pressing the plastic lever.

DSCN1081.jpg

Registered to say thanks very much for this. Mine was so seized up it took considerable force to shift it, at least with your help I was confident I was going in the right direction.

A bit of cleaning and a lot of WD40/rocking that catch left and right and it's working as it should now.