Hello!

I am unable to release the bonnet on my 87 sovereign. When I pull the release handle the divers side just pops up a little but not enough to push back the safety catch. The passengers side doesn't release at all. Now about a month ago I was having a problem with closing the bonnet, it wouldn't close on the passenger's side, after some assistance and a little force (perhaps too much) we got it too close. I know there is a little plug in the drivers side wheel well that you can take out and release it that way, but I can't seem to get it too release. I may have broke a cable or something? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Blaine

 

If you can get at least one side to release partially, enough to get your fingers under the bonnet edge, trying gripping that edge plus the headlight rim area with the other hand then wiggle it vigorously to release it fully. It's often enough to release the catch. Then try same on the other side. I did this when mine was stuck on one side and it worked.

I have to realign my bonnet due to uneven gapping, so I'm fully expecting this jamming to occur when I disturb things! If all else fails I'll keep slackening the hinge bolts to get more leverage on the bonnet (see my post placed earlier today and the advice I received).

Hope this works for you, but others may have better solutions.

 

I'm no expert, but I beleive there is a plug (rubber or plastic) in the wheel well in the same vicinity of the catches (left and right) that will manually actuate the catch with some sort of screw driver blade or other implement of your choice. This is in place in the event that THIS happens and you can still get your bonnet open. Not sure if they can be accessed without taking the wheels off, or simply by turning the steering wheel hard left or hard right. Perhaps someone else will weigh in?

Good luck!

 

Yeah, I went through that a bit back. I tried the poke through the hole in the wing wall thing with no luck.


Mine was caused by a misaligned bonnet that was cocked oin such a way as to not allow the catches to release fully.


I used my little tommy bar and shop cloth. Wedged it in the rear of the bonnet, just slightly was enough. A bit of a tug and it popped free. I adjusted the posts to lessen the spring pressure? or was it to increase it ? More likely the latter, as mine pops open very strongly!!!.


Getting them right is an art. Mine isn't quite right. A bit out on alignment and can pop open at times on it's own???


Carl


Carl

 

Takes patience and as one guy said. "You ain't a Jag mechanic til you get the hood to close on it's own weight"!!!


Carl

 

What Tom said, remove the wheel, pull the rubber plug and stick an awl or similar device and either push towards the windscreen or pull towards the front of the car (I forgot which way it was)

 

Thank you all!

I will try your suggestions and let you know when I get it open!

Blaine

 

Dont butcher the boot lid yet. Try pushing down while turning the key. The chance of the linkage separating is almost impossible, there is a locking clip on the top and bottom of the rod.