JCB59 Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 The bonnet is stuck on my 1991 Defender 90 200 TDI. Its happened before and i managed to get it open but not this time. The bonnet release cable seems to be the issue as the catch under the bonnet is moving fine. Any suggestions. Cheers James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crclifford Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 When mine stuck, I found that the striker was bent and wouldn't pop up until some one pushed down on the bonnet as I pulled on the lever. Or a bungee cord on the Releas lever and me on the bonnet. Once open you could check your spring on the catch and ensure that is still ok? Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandyManLuke Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 The usual quick fix to get the bonnet open is to get someone to push down, or sit on, the bonnet to take the strain off the latch, whilst you pull the release. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCB59 Posted August 14, 2010 Author Share Posted August 14, 2010 cheers guys will get the missus off the sofa right now!! James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCB59 Posted August 14, 2010 Author Share Posted August 14, 2010 Just tried it stuck fast!! Any other options? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retroanaconda Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I once had to remove the front grille, and then remove the release catch return spring, then knock the catch from the right with a hammer to free it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oakesy Posted August 15, 2010 Share Posted August 15, 2010 Simple method is to use a door wedge or a thick pen to act as a wedge. Then try to jam under the front of the bonnet and pull the release lever. This has helped on more occasions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snagger Posted August 15, 2010 Share Posted August 15, 2010 I had similar problems with the release bar seizing. I ended up fitting MoD/Camel Trophy style bonnet clasps and removed the spring from the bonnet pin, winding the pin in a bit further so that it acts a a bonnet locator on the latch but doesn't engage the locking mechanism. No more trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted August 15, 2010 Share Posted August 15, 2010 if the pin & catch is kept well greased, it should work fine,maqke sure the Z clip for the bonnet cable outer is in place attached to the slam panel & the outer hasn't pulled from the release handle end in the cab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
errol209 Posted August 15, 2010 Share Posted August 15, 2010 if the pin & catch is kept well greased, it should work fine,maqke sure the Z clip for the bonnet cable outer is in place attached to the slam panel & the outer hasn't pulled from the release handle end in the cab. My tip, after needing both hands to pull the release: When you do eventually get it open, strip the cable (including the outer, leaving the inner in the outer) out of the vehicle, part fill a small balloon or condom with any kind of thickish oil (EP90 or engine oil) cable tie it over the open end of the cable and hang it up overnight to allow the oil to work its way down. Take the oil sac of the top and leave it again to allow the excess to run out, then refit. Works wonders with speedo cables, bike brake cables and handbrake cables too. (Condom suggestion courtesy of a former GPO mechanic neighbour of mine - ta Reg) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCB59 Posted August 15, 2010 Author Share Posted August 15, 2010 thanks for the suggestions / advice guys. will have another crack at it tomorrow. James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beaker Posted August 15, 2010 Share Posted August 15, 2010 It might also help if you remove the grille, and loosen the two bolts that hold the catch (they also go throught the two diagonal stays). Worked for me when my bonnet release cable snapped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted August 15, 2010 Share Posted August 15, 2010 you can't loosen them with the bonnet closed, the bolt heas are on the top face of the slam/catch panel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beaker Posted August 16, 2010 Share Posted August 16, 2010 you can't loosen them with the bonnet closed, the bolt heas are on the top face of the slam/catch panel Well thats odd because i've just checked mine and they definately go in from the bottom upwards, into captive nuts in to a bonnet pin locating plate on top of the slam panel. Maybe it's non original then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted August 16, 2010 Share Posted August 16, 2010 Well thats odd because i've just checked mine and they definately go in from the bottom upwards, into captive nuts in to a bonnet pin locating plate on top of the slam panel. Maybe it's non original then. OOPS, your correct, I should have at page 773, item 9 before posting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beaker Posted August 17, 2010 Share Posted August 17, 2010 OOPS, your correct, I should have at page 773, item 9 before posting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCB59 Posted August 23, 2010 Author Share Posted August 23, 2010 Problem solved. I took the grill off in the end as it ws stuck fast. Greased everything up and its fine now. Thanks for all the help. James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RKB Posted July 15, 2020 Share Posted July 15, 2020 I am new here and helping a friends mom out who’s son died unexpectedly. On a 90 defender can some please tell me where the bonet release lever is located inside the cab? thi defender was an Israeli military vehicles used in the first gulf war or so i was told, if that makes any difference Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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