Have just changed a headlights bulb on a mk3 focus i un screwed the grill and headlight sorted the bulb refitted everything shut the bonnet and went to re open it and the key don't do anything the bonnet won't open!

anyone know anything?


Brian

 

Sounds like the plastic clip joining the lock to the bonet catch has come apart. The only way you can open.the bonnet is.to either use the key and push it.in harder and wiggle hoping.it will grip and unlock or try and get up behind the catch and undo.the two 10mm bolts that hold it in place. It can be done that way but is a little hard.

Why did you take the grill out to remove.the headlights?

 

Have you counted how many screwdrivers you now have ?

 

I had the same problem with mine the plastic clip had broken it was a pain in the arse to get it open

 

Cheer's Rob will have a look, I was told i had to take the grill out


Brian

 

Do you mean facelift mk2 or the new mk3? If it's the facelift mk2 then it's a very common problem. If you haven't yet sorted it I'll copy and paste you some info from another site I use.

 

TBH mate i have no idea lol, its my brother in laws car think its a 07 plate, if you could post the info that would be great


Brian

 

Common problem. The small white plastic clip that connects the latch to the cable on the back of the lock comes adrift. You can sometimes get it back in bu hitting the lock or putting a long thin screwdriver thru the grille and onto the white plastic block on the end of the cable and giving it a smack. 50/50 if this works but its an easy enough thing to try. I do loads of these at work and im pretty good at sorting them without having to replace or remove anything. Shame your not closer or id be happy to help out.

 

Here you go...


When I went to open the bonnet to check my oil I found that it didn't open. I used the search function on the forum and found what had happened. I had accidently knocked the bonnet cable when I was relocating the horn after I had fitted my intercooler. I found A description on how to do the job but no pictures. As a picture paints a thousand words I decided to take some photos when I was doing the job and post them to help others. It,s my first attempt So here goes....

The tools you will need are

• Long pointed noise pliers
• Long thin Philips screwdriver
• 10mm spanner
• A torch

1. Insert the pliers through the grill above and to the left of the Ford badge. (Fig 1)
2. Grab hold of the rubber boot at the end of the cable at the locking mechanism and pull it towards you. Fig 2
3. It will not need a lot of force to dislodge it. (Fig 3)

Fig 1 Fig 2 Fig 3



4. When the rubber boot is out of the way look through the grill and you will see the white plastic collet that connects to the bonnet release drive pin. (Fig 4) Using the long thin screwdriver or pliers if they will fit apply a force against this plastic collet and using the key try to open the lock. You will possibly feel the drive pin rengage as you turn the key. The bonnet will open when you do this. Remove the plastic airduct cover that sits over the bonnet mechanism to allow access (6 screws Fig 5)

5. Push the white plastic collet back into place and try to engage it with the release mechanism drive pin. If you can't get it then use the 10mm spanner and remove the two bolts that hold the bonnet catch onto the car (Fig 6). There is also a wire at the bottom of this catch disconnect this as well. When this is removed you will see the drive pin. It's a white cross shaped piece of plastic with 2 locating lugs on it. using the pliers pinch the plastic lugs to compress them a bit and try it again. It should engage without to much trouble.

Fig 4 Fig 5 Fig 6




6. Before you close the bonnet test that your repair has worked by closing the bonnet catch with your screwdriver and then operating it with your key. (Fig 7&8) Once you are happy that it works refit your plastic cover.

Fig 7 Fig 8





Hope this has helped and try not to notice the dirt under the bonnet of my car.

 

Thanks Rich will give it a go


Brian

 

Hi there

I currently have this problem and I have followed the guide but no joy. I was wondering if anyone could explain to me how this lock works please? I am guessing that the cable attached to the front lock contains a cable within it? Also what actually does holding the little while disk in place actually do? when I hold the while disk in place and turn it does nothing the same as when just turning the key I Notice it not moving at all.

Ive searched the net and I'm not coming up with much luck, this guide is the best thing I've found so far.

Cheers

 

This post applies to pre-2004 models; it's probably not relevant to newer wheels.

A short steel shaft connects the lock mechanism to the bonnet release latch.
Shaft diameter reduces at each end. A circlip is inserted at the latch end to keep correct pressure on the lock end. If this ring is missing or worn too thin the inserted key will not engage.

With luck and perseverence putting upward pressure on the key and trying to pull the lock towards you may bring sudden clicking joy.

If not, underneath the car is a thin access hatch between bumper and radiator.
This is secured by four plastic pop rivets which can be unscrewed.
Very little of the latch mechanism can be seen from underneath but poke a stick or long screwdriver up through the gap you've created by opening the hatch. Again with a little perseverence, by tapping or scraping your implement close to the lock/latch while another person keeps working the key you will hear that happy release sound.

Once the bonnet is open you will see exactly what the problem is. By gripping the shaft with long-nose pliers and putting pressure towards the lock the key will work OK.
If you're familiar with circlips pop a new one on and that's it. If not, wrap any piece of strong wire around the latch end where the ring should be and nip it tight with pliers.

As in the earlier post, do not close the bonnet without using a screwdriver to simulate
closure and ensuring the latch releases freely with several key turns.

 

Hi

Just thought I'd let you know what I did. It is actually a 2006 Mark 2 and I basically got my arm up there from the bottom and with pliers ripped the cable out with sheer brute force. I then from the front through the grill with a long sharp screwdriver and hammer chipped away at the white plastic socket. I then once having smashed away most of the plastic managed to get the driver into the groove and turned it and opened it.
After cleaning this up I have attached my own system which is basically a metal rod attached to original key barrel it works perfect every time.

I found simply pushing a screw driver into the white plastic and turning the key did not work no matter how hard I pushed or where abouts I pushed. Its a bad design simple as. It took me ages to resolve my issue and Ive got a system now which works fine.