Bonnet Release

[TASR12]

Hi Guys,

Apologies if this has been covered but have been frustrated by my bonnet release catch and didn't know where else to look! Opened the bonnet this morning on my '04 MK5 but now can't close it. Catches are all greased and working so it is a cable issue. The cable handle now appears to have some slack in it, has anyone had a similar problem and is there a quick fix or atleast one that doesn't involve a dealer when I'm pushed for time?
Thanks in advance,
T.

[towcestervag]

the catch is usually at fault
check to see if it has retuned to stop on cable operating lever
lubricate with a freeing agent and operate manually to free

[TASR12]

For anyone else who has had an issue this may help.
I took my bonnet catch to pieces the other day after VW quoted me £170 to check fix and replace the issue...I don't think so!
Took the locking mechanism out and it was severely corroded/rusted (a good idea to use corrosive metals on a part at the front of the car that gets hammered by water/salt etc!!) spent 20mins working WD40 and grease into the parts and that seemed to get everything working normally again. Replaced all but still it wouldn't lock shut. More playing and frustration but eventually worked out that the locking mechanism had 'dropped' so it wasn't engaging. A quick fiddle and now all sorted...a relief.
Just a note to all that it may be worth removing and spraying/cleaning so as not to put undue stress on a relatively weak point on the car.
Cheers all,
T.

[Damos6avant]

Similar problem just experienced on my mark5 - bonnet open to fill up screen wash and subsequently will not close- typical at night, in the dark and needed for a drive around the M25 tomorrow! release lever returns to normal, so suspect might be the same problem as yours - any advise on how to get in and fix this - i suspect that it may also have dropped... any help appreciated - thanks

[TASR12]

Mine's started to play up again much the same as you when filling the water bottle. A bit of fiddling (no tools at hand) got it closed. I'm going to have a look this weekend and see if it has dropped again. Sorry not to be of more help.

[Mini Mark]

Glad it's not just mine that hads had this problem I've had it happen a few times luckily always when at hoe with access to tools

[naz5]

Hi, guys, i have a mk5, nothing wrong with the release, its just the bonnet is open warning light remains on at all time, and dosent iluminate, even when the bonnet is shut properly, the light is still there, sometimes it goes off and flickers, but generally stays on. if anyone knows any solutions?
Alternatively can you tel me how to take the switch off, i opened the vw grill, reletivly easy, i can undo the screws on the switch mecanism but cant reach the actual switch, its really far to the left, so iv put everything back on again, can someone tel me how to undo the switch wire as i cant reach it at all or am i going wrong somewhere? cheers guys