5 replies to this topic

[whittlebot]

Help!!!

I have a 1996 Mini Mayfair. Trying to get the bonnet to lay flat, I fiddled with the 4 nuts and bolts which hold the bonnet in place. Loosening and tightening, opening and closing, finally closing the bonnet except that just now, wanting to check oil & water levels. To my horror when I pulled the under-dash board lever. The bonnet wouldn't open. It 'pops' but stubbornly refuses to spring up. It seems to be jammed into the centre catch just behind the mini badge. Without damaging the bonnet, is there a way to persuade it to let go of the catch. Help!!

Jonathan

 

[email protected]

 

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

It's a common occurrence when adjusting the bonnet.  You need to move the pin that goes into the centre catch one way or the other to un-catch it.  You might be able to get in there with some sort of tool to do that.  Probably a lot easier on my van as I haven't got any bonnet trim in the way.  You could also try pushing down on the bonnet above the catch and try to push it forward, back or sideways while someone is pulling the release - that can make them pop sometimes.  Can you get to the top screws for the grille?  If so you could take that off to gain access.  If not you may be able to release the grille at the sides so it hinges up and you can get a hand up behind it to try something there.  I haven't had a Mini with a removable grille for a long time so don't know if this will work.  

[Designer]

Hi,

 

This happened to me last weekend. Admittingly my daughter's Mini is a 1988 car and does not have the under dash release just the front bonnet lever. I could just get a screwdriver between the bonnet and the top of the front panel and released it by gently pushing the Bonnet Lock Pin towards the engine. I was adjusting the bonnet position after refitting it so the bonnet was to far forward hence pushing the Lock Pin towards the engine. If I had put the bonnet on to far back the pulling the lock pin forward would have released it.

Hope this helps.

 

Paddy

[slidehammer]

what about removing the grill and trying to get to the bottom of the bonnet pin from there

[bpirie1000]

I usually strategically place my wifes butt on the bonnet.......


( no animals were hurt in this post)

[Designer]

I usually strategically place my wifes butt on the bonnet.......


( no animals were hurt in this post)

I believe he is trying to un jam it to open the bonnet not jam it shut  

 

(Glad to hear no animals were hurt)

Edited by Designer, 21 February 2023 - 05:24 PM.