General: 850: - bonnet release problem - Page 2

tdidave · Mar 3rd, 2020, 18:15

I've had this problem in the past, and it does boil down to unequal tension/cable length on the bonnet catches.

However there is also something else to consider, which if my memory serves me correctly was the adjustment height of the bonnet itself. As I say, if I remember correctly I did adjust the closing height on one side, and it cured the problem.. to this day in fact.

These sort of jobs can have you cursing I must admit, but usually with a little patience it can be sorted satisfactorily..

Dave..

Cookeh · Mar 4th, 2020, 08:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by turboboy

Thought I should update this to say that my cunning plan did not work, or at least did work initially but does no longer!

Is yours an 850 or a V70? The 850 rubber blocks are taller and have been reported to solve the problem you have by replacing the V70 ones with them.

turboboy · Mar 4th, 2020, 09:13

Thanks for the messages guys. It is a bit frustrating thinking you have solved a problem and then you have it come back.

I have to work outside and therefore have to look at the weather forecast and try to plan ahead.

Will look at adjusting the catch but I think I looked at that before and could not see any obvious adjustment.

It is a V70 so maybe I could try an 850 rubber or perhaps remove the sponge I added and replace it with a piece of solid rubber.

Will try to keep this updated but you have given me some good ideas.

Cheers

SteveSarre · Mar 5th, 2020, 18:20

Hi

(On a 1998/1999 V70) ...

The cable from the passenger compartment (near the drivers right knee) goes to the right hand latch.

A different cable (part no 9152942) goes across from the right hand latch to the left hand latch.

You can adjust the right hand cable, but if the 9152942 cable is stretched, the left hand latch eventually wont release.

You can see what is going on if you stand near the latches and get someone inside to pull the release.

The 9152942 cable stretches and when it is too much longer than its sheath, the lost movement means that the left hand latch will not release.

I would look first, then get a new 9152942, not very difficult to fit, then adjust the inside handle.

I would only get into moving latches etc as a last resort.

If you can't get a new cable, you could try a temporary fix by packing the sheath to take up the slack, but it is tricky.

Or you could try a local bike shop and see if they will make something up.
It would be really nice to able to build a new cable, and to include an inline adjuster. (But I haven't done it myself yet).

HTH
Steve

DaveNP · Mar 5th, 2020, 19:12

If my memory serves me correctly someone on the forum did manage to 'adjust' for the slack by getting a small washer and cutting a slot in one side to make a 'c' shape that would slip over the inner wire and using it to shim the end of the outer, not tried it myself although I do sometimes think I ought to. I do find that sometimes how easy it is to open the bonnet depends on where I've parked as the small amount of twist in the body from parking on uneven ground can have an effect.

Bigfella666 · Mar 19th, 2020, 16:53

I had precisely the same issue with my V70 spent several hours removing latches, adjusting to perfection - made not a jot of difference - so the advice re not removing the latches getting them spotless and refitting is spot on !

I did read somewhere that a bike brake cable adjuster would do the trick, bought some and never found the time to fit

Ultimately resorted to resolving as per the OP - pull the lever go back to bonnet and lift the side which has not released then return to lever and pull again - works every time !

turboboy · Mar 20th, 2020, 13:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigfella666

I had precisely the same issue with my V70 spent several hours removing latches, adjusting to perfection - made not a jot of difference - so the advice re not removing the latches getting them spotless and refitting is spot on !

I did read somewhere that a bike brake cable adjuster would do the trick, bought some and never found the time to fit

Ultimately resorted to resolving as per the OP - pull the lever go back to bonnet and lift the side which has not released then return to lever and pull again - works every time !

After MOT last year I found the plastic (centre) safety catch handle broken so had to replace it. Now realise that it must have been the tester who had pulled too hard on it to open the bonnet and didn't know about the above trick.

Have used a plastic cable tie behind the left hand nipple to take up some slack. This has made some improvement but not 100% yet so will have to make sure to let the tester know next MOT about the double pull trick unless I replace the cable in the mean time.

miccurr · Apr 6th, 2020, 23:30

I had this problem for years, intermittently from new. Took the locks off, greased them, adjusted them, resorted to keeping a rubber block in the boot so that it would put pressure the bonnet while pulling the cable. On my car the solution was incredibly simple. The metal ball that connects the passenger side lock cable to the drivers side was preventing the lock from fully opening. By adjusting the angle the cable was entering the drivers side lock, the problem disappeared completely. The mechanic had tucked the cable behind the plastic at the front for neatness but if left to come straight out at the end of the radiator, ball no longer causing an issue. It’s been a year and a half now and bonnet opens first time every time, 98 v70.

happy diver · Apr 7th, 2020, 09:48

Five years an still feelin it!

turboboy · Mar 16th, 2021, 12:24

Thought I should follow this up with the latest attempt to get the bonnet to open on first pull of the handle.

Someone suggested moving the catch up, which was my initial feeling, but was concerned that moving the catch too far would result in it not releasing at all so had several attempts with a small step each time, but this didn't change anything, even with the catch at the limit of adjustment.

Decided to try something different (as sponge bumpers and plastic ties were not working) and moved the left catch DOWN to around one third of the available adjustment and SUCCESS!

Hopefully this will be a permanent solution, but so far it has worked every time during the past week. Every time I used the car I have opened the bonnet to check and it works no matter what direction it is parked in relation to the heavy road camber.

This may not be the solution every time but it may be useful to someone who is struggling with this problem in the future.

Mar 3rd, 2020, 18:15	#11
tdidave V70 TDi CD Last Online: Sep 28th, 2023 23:47 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: FALMOUTH..CORNWALL	I've had this problem in the past, and it does boil down to unequal tension/cable length on the bonnet catches. However there is also something else to consider, which if my memory serves me correctly was the adjustment height of the bonnet itself. As I say, if I remember correctly I did adjust the closing height on one side, and it cured the problem.. to this day in fact. These sort of jobs can have you cursing I must admit, but usually with a little patience it can be sorted satisfactorily.. Dave.. __________________ My old Turquoise 850 TDi GLT & my present Garnet Red V70 TDi CD My 1998 V70 TDi CD : http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/album.php?albumid=654

Mar 4th, 2020, 09:13	#13
turboboy Master Member Last Online: Dec 15th, 2023 08:44 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Twickenham	V70 Bonnet Release Adjustment Thanks for the messages guys. It is a bit frustrating thinking you have solved a problem and then you have it come back. I have to work outside and therefore have to look at the weather forecast and try to plan ahead. Will look at adjusting the catch but I think I looked at that before and could not see any obvious adjustment. It is a V70 so maybe I could try an 850 rubber or perhaps remove the sponge I added and replace it with a piece of solid rubber. Will try to keep this updated but you have given me some good ideas. Cheers __________________ Turboboy Current: 1998 Volvo V70 2.3 T5 Auto. Previous: 2000 Volvo V40 T4; 1981/2 265 (x2); 1988 740 Turbo Estate.

Mar 5th, 2020, 18:20	#14
SteveSarre Premier Member Last Online: Today 10:17 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: London/West Country	Hi (On a 1998/1999 V70) ... The cable from the passenger compartment (near the drivers right knee) goes to the right hand latch. A different cable (part no 9152942) goes across from the right hand latch to the left hand latch. You can adjust the right hand cable, but if the 9152942 cable is stretched, the left hand latch eventually wont release. You can see what is going on if you stand near the latches and get someone inside to pull the release. The 9152942 cable stretches and when it is too much longer than its sheath, the lost movement means that the left hand latch will not release. I would look first, then get a new 9152942, not very difficult to fit, then adjust the inside handle. I would only get into moving latches etc as a last resort. If you can't get a new cable, you could try a temporary fix by packing the sheath to take up the slack, but it is tricky. Or you could try a local bike shop and see if they will make something up. It would be really nice to able to build a new cable, and to include an inline adjuster. (But I haven't done it myself yet). HTH Steve __________________ V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Man. 1999 Red V70 2.5 10V Auto 1998 Green C70 T 20V Auto Conv. 2001 Blue, C70 T5 Auto Conv. 2000 Blue V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Auto 1998 Green, V70 2.5 10V Auto BiFuel 1999 Red (scrapped) V70 20v Auto 1999 Green (scrapped) Last edited by SteveSarre; Mar 5th, 2020 at 18:25.

Mar 5th, 2020, 19:12	#15
DaveNP Non VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 22:21 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Milton Keynes	If my memory serves me correctly someone on the forum did manage to 'adjust' for the slack by getting a small washer and cutting a slot in one side to make a 'c' shape that would slip over the inner wire and using it to shim the end of the outer, not tried it myself although I do sometimes think I ought to. I do find that sometimes how easy it is to open the bonnet depends on where I've parked as the small amount of twist in the body from parking on uneven ground can have an effect. __________________ David V70 2.5 10v Torslanda Manual 98 Sreg

Apr 7th, 2020, 09:48	#19
happy diver Active Member Moment Last Online: Apr 29th, 2023 05:58 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Brisbane: perfect for one day, asleep the rest	Five years an still feelin it! __________________ 20,000 leagues under the sea diving to adventure in a silent world with my ceiling the waves...Emile

Mar 19th, 2020, 16:53	#16
Bigfella666 Premier Member Last Online: Apr 1st, 2024 13:31 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: London	I had precisely the same issue with my V70 spent several hours removing latches, adjusting to perfection - made not a jot of difference - so the advice re not removing the latches getting them spotless and refitting is spot on ! I did read somewhere that a bike brake cable adjuster would do the trick, bought some and never found the time to fit Ultimately resorted to resolving as per the OP - pull the lever go back to bonnet and lift the side which has not released then return to lever and pull again - works every time !

Apr 6th, 2020, 23:30	#18
miccurr Junior Member Last Online: Feb 22nd, 2024 19:27 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Strabane	I had this problem for years, intermittently from new. Took the locks off, greased them, adjusted them, resorted to keeping a rubber block in the boot so that it would put pressure the bonnet while pulling the cable. On my car the solution was incredibly simple. The metal ball that connects the passenger side lock cable to the drivers side was preventing the lock from fully opening. By adjusting the angle the cable was entering the drivers side lock, the problem disappeared completely. The mechanic had tucked the cable behind the plastic at the front for neatness but if left to come straight out at the end of the radiator, ball no longer causing an issue. It’s been a year and a half now and bonnet opens first time every time, 98 v70.

Mar 16th, 2021, 12:24	#20
turboboy Master Member Last Online: Dec 15th, 2023 08:44 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Twickenham	Bonnet Release Thought I should follow this up with the latest attempt to get the bonnet to open on first pull of the handle. Someone suggested moving the catch up, which was my initial feeling, but was concerned that moving the catch too far would result in it not releasing at all so had several attempts with a small step each time, but this didn't change anything, even with the catch at the limit of adjustment. Decided to try something different (as sponge bumpers and plastic ties were not working) and moved the left catch DOWN to around one third of the available adjustment and SUCCESS! Hopefully this will be a permanent solution, but so far it has worked every time during the past week. Every time I used the car I have opened the bonnet to check and it works no matter what direction it is parked in relation to the heavy road camber. This may not be the solution every time but it may be useful to someone who is struggling with this problem in the future. __________________ Turboboy Current: 1998 Volvo V70 2.3 T5 Auto. Previous: 2000 Volvo V40 T4; 1981/2 265 (x2); 1988 740 Turbo Estate.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)