Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: atann on 19 November 2019, 22:28:37

Title: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: atann on 19 November 2019, 22:28:37
The bonnet release doesn’t seem to be pulling the cable far enough. Is there anything else Ican try to open the bonnet? Battery is flat, need to get it out to charge!
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: Andy B on 19 November 2019, 22:31:14
Providing the cable is in one piece, it usually helps to get someone else to push down on the front edge of the bonnet as the bonnet release lever is pulled
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 19 November 2019, 22:43:16
Push down or give it more of a 'thump' even. Then adjust it before shutting the bonnet again, or else!  :y
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: cam.in.head on 19 November 2019, 22:45:08
that suggestion would be the first to try .to at least get it open but it does sound like either the cable outer has slipped ( i assume its clamped near the catch in the conventional manner) or the lever has popped out of its pivot point.
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: grifter on 20 November 2019, 08:26:10
If you've no one to help, lift corner of bonnet above headlight then jam something in like a small screwdriver just to hold pressure upwards, then it should pop.
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: terry paget on 20 November 2019, 09:23:47
Providing the cable is in one piece, it usually helps to get someone else to push down on the front edge of the bonnet as the bonnet release lever is pulled
More precisely, having my substantial wife 'sitting' on the centre front of the bonnet, above the catch, while I pull the cabin release, usually works. Once open, check the release mechanism. If cable is pulling the sprung catch all right, wear may have notched the mechanism, requiring attention/replacement.
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: Rangie on 20 November 2019, 11:38:55
I had exactly the same problem with my Omega a few years back used the advice given on here about pressure on the bonnet got it open okay, adjusted the cable & got all new retaining clips from my local VX dealer & fitted them as well worked perfectly after that.
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: Nick W on 20 November 2019, 12:18:40
I find lifting a bonnet up whilst pulling the release more effective than pushing down. Plastic wedges each side mean you can do this without help.


Removing the latch(the spring on the bonnet can be done in place) to clean, inspect and lubricate it would be a good idea. Giving it, all the other latches and the cable a squirt of spray grease is already part of an informed service schedule......
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: atann on 20 November 2019, 18:26:54
Thanks for the advice. A neighbour helped by bouncing on the bonnet, then it opened. Got the battery on charge now, fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 20 November 2019, 21:39:39
Have you adjusted the cable?
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: atann on 20 November 2019, 22:25:13
No. Battery is charging in car. So bonnet left open. I think it is just the freezing weather causing the issue. There is plenty of grease on bonnet locker.
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: Nick W on 21 November 2019, 13:59:16
No. Battery is charging in car. So bonnet left open. I think it is just the freezing weather causing the issue. There is plenty of grease on bonnet locker.


clean off the grease and all the dirt it's holding, and apply fresh. Fresh grease not dirt! Check that the latch snaps open when the cable is pulled. That's what makes the spring pop the bonnet up.


Adjusting the cable probably isn't necessary, as you're more likely to break the plastic fittings than stretch it
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: aaronjb on 21 November 2019, 14:41:05
Fresh grease not dirt!

Damn, I knew I did something wrong when servicing the Mini the other week.. I added fresh dirt! ;D (Scraped out of the wheel arch behind the arch liner as I only use the freshest dirt)
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: Nick W on 21 November 2019, 14:52:15
Fresh grease not dirt!

Damn, I knew I did something wrong when servicing the Mini the other week.. I added fresh dirt! ;D (Scraped out of the wheel arch behind the arch liner as I only use the freshest dirt)


not indulging in single-use dirt is better for the planet too :)
Title: Re: Cannot open bonnet
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 21 November 2019, 15:00:10
The retaining clip is actually a single sprung steel rod that is tensioned against the slam panel.

Pulling the release lever simply pulls the end of the spring way from the lock pin there by allowing it to pop up.

Any adjustments are made on the spring/rod on the bonnet, not on the cable ;)