Broken In-Car Bonnet Pull Handle.

[bob12]

Just a quick question!

If the plastic handle/lever for the bonnet pull/opening wire inside the car has snapped off from the wire and there is no reasonable way to open a secure bonnet catch I have to assume if the car is presented for its MOT that because the Tester is unable to open the bonnet to inspect the engine etc, etc, that he will abandon or refuse to carry out the test.

The problem is related to a friend's cars and but would like your opinions especially knowing there are some with 'experience' here.

The primary/secondary bonnet catch is dealt with under the Visibility Section of the MOT Test but, there is nothing really about the inability to open a secure bonnet. Consequently, it seems logical for the MOT Tester to abandon or refuse the test.

Thanks and, all the best one and all for the New Year.

Bob :)

[Steve 940]

Hi Bob,

Think I've seen similar posts about broken cables etc. and think someone mentioned possibly getting access from underneath the car to release the bonnet catches.

If its just the operation, or lack of ability for the MOT test, then perhaps just replace with new lever, not sure of your model, but found this on ebay

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225050952814?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338723872&toolid=20006&customid=iOrtYiYUAAAAbySh76-sxI8LsgImAAAAAA

If the lever has just snapped, don't know if you can in any way get access to get some pliers/grips on the cable to 'pull' and release the bonnet??

Cheers
Steve

[SnineT]

Undo the lever or what's remaining of it and get a pair of pliers on the cable and pull, once open fit a new cable and lever, hth.

[GingerMagic]

There are ways to open the bonnet from underneath or from outside of the car - however the technique is not something readily available on the internet for obvious reasons.
An experienced mechanics that knows the car in question ( even resorting to driving it to a main dealer ) should be able to get to the cable and pull it to release the bonnet.

[bob12]

Thanks guys.

I am not worried about fixing the problem as that should cause no real problem.

What I was trying to get a view on is what would be the reaction of an MOT Tester if you turned up for the MOT Test and he was unable to pop the bonnet easily because the in-car pull handle was broken/missing.

All he was faced with is a difficult to attack stub of the pull wire end in a recess of the lower plastic kick panel where once the release lever was attached to the wire. Further there was no easy/quick way of attacking the primary release mechanism at the bonnet catch.

My opinion is he/she would want to examine things under the bonnet. Would be unlikely to waste time mucking about trying to open the bonnet and would abandon or refuse to test the vehicle.

Bob :)

[Laird Scooby]

Just a quick question!

If the plastic handle/lever for the bonnet pull/opening wire inside the car has snapped off from the wire and there is no reasonable way to open a secure bonnet catch I have to assume if the car is presented for its MOT that because the Tester is unable to open the bonnet to inspect the engine etc, etc, that he will abandon or refuse to carry out the test.

The problem is related to a friend's cars and but would like your opinions especially knowing there are some with 'experience' here.

The primary/secondary bonnet catch is dealt with under the Visibility Section of the MOT Test but, there is nothing really about the inability to open a secure bonnet. Consequently, it seems logical for the MOT Tester to abandon or refuse the test.

Thanks and, all the best one and all for the New Year.

Bob :)

Thanks guys.

I am not worried about fixing the problem as that should cause no real problem.

What I was trying to get a view on is what would be the reaction of an MOT Tester if you turned up for the MOT Test and he was unable to pop the bonnet easily because the in-car pull handle was broken/missing.

All he was faced with is a difficult to attack stub of the pull wire end in a recess of the lower plastic kick panel where once the release lever was attached to the wire. Further there was no easy/quick way of attacking the primary release mechanism at the bonnet catch.

My opinion is he/she would want to examine things under the bonnet. Would be unlikely to waste time mucking about trying to open the bonnet and would abandon or refuse to test the vehicle.

Bob :)

I think you've answered your own question there Bob, the bonnet comes up and the VIN is copied from the VIN plate (or the VIN number visible in the windscreen if late enough, many 740s weren't if memory serves) and then the inner wings etc are inspected plus there are some fluid condition checks now part of the test such as brake fluid and PAS fluid.
Many testers will understand if it's only just gone and a pair of pliers is conveniently placed in the map pocket or similar to pull the cable as a temporary measure and will usually work with you to do the test, however i don't believe they are obligated to do that so could (in theory at least) justifiably refuse the test.

Think it was Kelv further up that linked to the replacement handle, probably the easiest solution then there isn't the problem to start with. :thumbs_up:

[Paulk]

Aren't MOT testers supposed to check oil temperature before doing the emissions check?

If so the could they refuse to test as they can't check the temperature?

[GingerMagic]

I messaged my mate that does MOTs and he says the bonnet has to open....
Maybe find a way to open it then just find a temporary fix with a set of mole grips on the cable in the meantime?

[bob12]

I think you've answered your own question there Bob, .......
and then the inner wings etc are inspected plus there are some fluid condition checks now part of the test such as brake fluid and PAS fluid.
Many testers will understand if it's only just gone and a pair of pliers is conveniently placed in the map pocket or similar to pull the cable as a temporary measure and will usually work with you to do the test, however i don't believe they are obligated to do that so could (in theory at least) justifiably refuse the test.

Think it was Kelv further up that linked to the replacement handle, probably the easiest solution then there isn't the problem to start with. :thumbs_up:

Thanks Dave ... it's a 2002 1.6 Honda Civic SE It would seem the lever was snapped at the annual MOT/Service but not discovered by the elderly owner until sometime after and therein lies her problem.

Currently this is the subject of 'discussion' with the garage who are twisting and turning hence my question!! To be rid of the matter she has offered 50% of the part cost (to be approved) with the garage paying their labour cost. Seems very reasonable to me!

Yes, if I had to fix it there is a neat replacement handle fix available from Amazon (and other good sites) for a mere £5.43 plus my free labour!!

Bob :)

[Laird Scooby]

Thanks Dave ... it's a 2002 1.6 Honda Civic SE It would seem the lever was snapped at the annual MOT/Service but not discovered by the elderly owner until sometime after and therein lies her problem.

Currently this is the subject of 'discussion' with the garage who are twisting and turning hence my question!! To be rid of the matter she has offered 50% of the part cost (to be approved) with the garage paying their labour cost. Seems very reasonable to me!

Yes, if I had to fix it there is a neat replacement handle fix available from Amazon (and other good sites) for a mere £5.43 plus my free labour!!

Bob :)

Ah, i see Bob, one of the problems with cars that don't have their bonnets opened regularly! Was it a Honda garage doing the servicing/MoT? More to the point, why weren't they lubing the bonnet catch and cable long before it broke anyway?
If she's that good a customer of theirs, it would surely be in their interests to fix it as a gesture of goodwill seeing as they are the only ones to routinely open the bonnet and should have noticed it was getting stiff and at least advised but preferably lubed it to prevent disaster, not to mention making their life easier each time it came in for service!

Check out Cox Motor Group Honda parts and (when they finish fixing their website) Lings Honda Parts, you may be able to get a genuine release lever for a similar price to Amazon and you'll know it will fit and be less likely to break again so easily.