bonnet stuck!

[gazza341]

hi,

first post so go easy!

i've got a flat battery and find that the bonnet will not release on my 52 plate transit connect t200.
the vehicle has been stood for about 6 months apart from a drive in it every couple of weeks due to an operation on my leg - but thats another story.

anyway, i've been keeping the battery topped up through a trickle charge through the 12v power point in the back of the van, but just tried recharging it via this method and the battery appears to have died. i went to open the bonnet and the key would not release it. i've drowned the lock in wd40, but it won't budge.

any ideas?

thanks in advance

gazza

[BigNeil]

this problem has been highlighted before i believe. can you not go under neath and look up, or are you a member of a breakdown coy. then use your homestart.

[gazza341]

thanks for the reply BigNeil.

ended up managing to get enough charge into the battery and taking it to a national tyre/exhaust place called 'equip'.

told them i needed a new battery fitting, but - ' your mission should you choose to accept it is to free the bonnet'

a guy there said he used to work at ford and these locks were temperamental, but he'd have a go.

later today got a phonecall from them saying they'd fitted new battery, i asked how much - £95 - cos it's a calcium battery.

'cheese and rice!' - i said i wanted a new battery, not to become 'a majority share holder in their company'

anyway, it's done now, they managed to get the bonnet open, but lock is still a bit iffy. lock can only open by using severe force to push the fecker into the lock and then turn anti clockwise to unlock then clockwise to release, but isn't successful every time.

thanks again,

gazza

[frogsuk]

...turn anti clockwise to unlock then clockwise to release

I thought that was how you opened the bonnet Why, is that not right Is it only suppose to turn the one way then

...by using severe force to push the fecker into the lock

I know I'm probably teaching you to suck eggs but if the key part of the lock is stiff, is it worth soaking it in Plus Gas or WD40

[gazza341]

...turn anti clockwise to unlock then clockwise to release

I thought that was how you opened the bonnet Why, is that not right Is it only suppose to turn the one way then

no mate you are right about the anti clockwise/ clockwise bit.

...by using severe force to push the fecker into the lock
I know I'm probably teaching you to suck eggs but if the key part of the lock is stiff, is it worth soaking it in Plus Gas or WD40

yeh, did soak it with wd40 and the key seemed to go ALL the way in, but it needs you to get your shoulder behind it with mine and it goes just a fraction more into the lock, then it is possible to unlock the bonnet - the lock is a bit temperamental though even with the extra force