My dad has worked on cars for the past 30+ years.

The problem with the lock mechanism and barrel fitted to the Ford Focus (i.e 2001) is a very bad design problem. Many who bought these cars should take them back and get Ford to sort the problem of openning the bonnet, NOT the people who bought them in good faith and are unable to open the bonnet! The trouble is everyone strugghling and having to pay out money to get the problem resolved and Ford doing JACK SHIT about the problem.
They should have fitted a bonnet release inside the car or a device overrides the lock itself and releases the bonnet.

Most thieves would have no porblem, they would just steal the car and be away in minutes, NOT fannying about opening bonnets!!
These so called designers who are earning thousands a year and come up with the stupid idea as this should have their balls kicked in!!
My dad doesn't mix his words when it comes to the truth!

What have Ford done about helping the many people in this situation?!?!
Try taking it to Ford to fix and they will give you a bloody big bill after it!
That's their customer service for you.

 

if its opened regularly and greased regularly like any bonnet lock mechanism then they will give zero problems its when they are left for a year at a time that they play up

 

Welcome to pf.

Is the lock siezed.I have always made sure the locking mechanism is well lubricated.

 

Yes, of course, it has always been well greased and opened every weekend to check water/oil levels as I do a lot of milage. Besides this, Thousands of people have this problem, nothing to do with the locks lubrication...

 

pull the grill off (watch your hands)

pair of mole grips, twist the link between the lock and the latch

if it breaks off at the latch, excelent! Use a flat screwdriver to turn it left, then right

replace with new one, dealers keep them in stock.

they dont just break though, its due to lack of use where they sieze up or the cable link breaks, it is a cable after all.

 

Thousands of people? Err... Thousands of people who don't maintain their cars properly.

 

You, my friend, are a complete idiot!!

 

I'm not the one with a bonnet which won't open.

 

I've worked on Fords since 1988 on and off, and tbh, yes it's a shit idea when it doesn't open, but considering the amount of Focus/Mondeo/C-Max/Transits on the road with that type of bonnet lock, it isn't that much of a widespread problem in my experience.

Sounds like you need to be calling Watchdog.

 

Fpmsl.......