Your help with a car problem would be appreciated

[T.C.]

The battery on the Wife's C-Max has gone flat and I need to jump start it. It is an 04 2 litre diesel.

The bonnet is opened by inserting the ignition key into the locking mechanism behind the badge on the grill.

When inserted, you normally turn the key to the left once to release the lock and then to the right to open.

However, whilst the bonnet will unlock when the key is turned to the left, when turned to the right it will not complete the unlocking procedure. B@stard!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mad:

Anyway, I have tried everything I can think of, I have had a neighbour who works in the motor trade have a look and he cannot figure it out, so I thought it may be worth asking the collective knowledge on here whether they have ever experienced similar problems and can advise how they overcame the problem.

Any advice or ideas greatly appreciated.

[Aladinsaneuk]

Same as my ford mundane...

Push the bonnet down a tad - by the lock mechanism - then turn left then right - worked when mine did the same

[blinkey501]

What pete said

[Kwackerz]

Same for the Transit..

Another in agreement.

Try using the spare key as it will be less worn..

And spray in the lock with WD40

[T.C.]

Same as my ford mundane...

Push the bonnet down a tad - by the lock mechanism - then turn left then right - worked when mine did the same

Tried that and it is still not working.

Also tried the spare key and same problem.

Someone has suggested that it looks like it will be a case of having to break the grille so that better access can be gained to the mechanism because it is such a short bonnet you cannot fit fingers or a tool under the bonnet to try and release.

The other option may be to get it on a ramp and maybe get access that way once various panels have been removed (apparently this is the common way if getting in) but I would rather that be a last resort.

[struv]

your in for a headache the key lock part pushes into the lock mechanism and is a plastic part the hole it fits into wears and the bit your turning doesent turn it sort of slips you need a new lock mechanism there not too expensive and fitting is easy once you have the bonnet open but getting it opens a twat I come across this a lot good luck try ringing your local ford dealer they might have advice they will certainly know what your on about . the easiest way of getting at it to open the bonnet is you need to get the grille off and pull the lock mech out of the lock housing then use a long bladed flat screwdriver to turn the opening mech good luck

[BikerGran]

I take it you don't have RAC or similar?

[T.C.]

I take it you don't have RAC or similar?

Not on the wifes car. Don't consider it is worth it given that she did under 1000 miles between MOT's, and most problems I can usually fix myself. This is just one I have never come across before because all my cars have had conventional bonnet releases from inside the car on a cable which can usually be overcome.

But thanks for the advice guys, given me a few ideas.

[D-Rider]

RAC cover tends to be for the driver - mine certainly is. Therefore you are covered whichever vehicle you travel in (except buses taxis etc). Check the details of your cover.

[Falcopops]

Found this on the interweb that might be of use

I’ve managed to do it by lifting up the bottom of the grill using a pair of side cutters and cut the bottom off the small plastic screws level with the underneath of the small grill and separate the grill and the other part that finishes just in front of the lock. Remove the small grill and the other bit that was fixed to it take off the air filter intake then I could get at the two 10mm bolts either side of the bonnet lock and lift the bonnet. I’ve just got to buy some of those silly plastic screws and clips that hold the top of the two parts of the grill together and the small white plastic cross piece that go between the two parts of the lock assembly.

and here's a link to another method

http://www.fordwiki.co.uk/index.php?tit ... _Stuck_Fix

bit of a crappy design, I would have thought that a recall would be inorder for something that seems to cause no end of failures

[Dusty]

That sounds dire. I've avoided Fords since the late 80s because I have an impression that they cut costs to the detriment of design. However, I accept that that may be an unfair and out of date perception; they're probably no worse than any of the others. I hope you get it resolved relatively easily and cheaply.

My understanding is that vehicle manufacturers will only issue a recall if there is a serious safety concern and the resulting lawsuits could be more costly than the recall. That's not the case with these niggling problems that blight the owner after a few years and/or miles.

[Falcopops]

My understanding is that vehicle manufacturers will only issue a recall if there is a serious safety concern and the resulting lawsuits could be more costly than the recall. That's not the case with these niggling problems that blight the owner after a few years and/or miles.

I can understand the safety aspect and the manufacturer would be negligent not to recall once a problem became evident.

When I had a quick google on the problem at hand there was no end of different sites commenting on it, so to me it seems to be a not fit for purpose designed part. I'd be bloody hopping mad if I had to pay a shit load to get something fixed that was due to poor manufacture.

[Kwackerz]

A lot is down to maintenance.. you'll find reference in the manuals (somewhere) to lubricating the locks.. many dont. Including the garages themselves

[T.C.]

Well, the problem is now sorted.

Managed to bump start the car using a tow, fired up first time which was a blessing

Mate of mine who has his own repair shop told me to get it over to him and he would have a look.

Long story short, with it on a ramp at eye level, managed with a long screw driver and some messing around to flick the catch and open the bonnet. Then removed the guts of the lock (now discarded) and with said long screw driver, just means that is what is used to open the bonnet rather than the key.

Badge is still in place so no damage to the grill, and no one will be any the wiser unless we tell them and now it opens just as quickly but a lot easier.

Total cost? £20 Ford gave an estimate of around £300+ although to be fair that did include new locking mechanism. Had it been my car which is a lot newer then maybe it would have been worth it, but to be honest, on an 04 plated car we were not that bothered.

So great result, car runs fine now, bonnet can be opened with ease and a very small bill.

So big up to my pals Geoff and Dave at JP Motors in Caversham

[Dalemac]

Good News TC.


Also, there is a plentiful supply of used and new locking mechanisms on eBay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html;jsessi ... ock&_rdc=1