Technical Bonnet lid cable

[ratty99]

Typical, just sorted the thermostat, all fantastic, popped the lid to check fluid level after a day, topped up, had a old man moment and couldn't be sure I'd put the lid back on the expansion tank, went to open the bonnet again and the cable just pulled free on the handle now I've got inner cable hanging free and no way to open the bonnet.

So, does anyone have any good tips how to open the bonnet without the cable?

Btw, the cable was new only 6 months old! Bah

 

[StevePD]

Hi, Ifound this on a search :


Yes, trying to remember now, I think you get a metal hanger from your wardrobe, strighten it out and with a tourch look under the front Fiat badge, you should be able to unclip it that way.

If not get a pair of mole grips onto the end of the cable in the cabin and pull.

Also not sure if you remove the front bumper gives access to the catch. The bumper removes fairly easily. Hopefully someone else wil pitch in.
Good luck
SteveD

 

[s130]

Never had a broken cable on the bonnet or boot lids but the bonnet should not be a problem to get open.

The reason why the bonnet cable can be tough to pull is that Fiat neatly secured the cable to the engine bay inner wing where it bands around behind the headlight to continue on to the front catch. When installing a new cable you should not use that forward cable retaining clip.

If you have not already done so then for the boot you really need to install a secondary "emergency" cable/cord release because if the boot lid cable ever breaks you are really stuffed as there is (as far as I know) no way in without major surgery.

 

[Richpea]

I fitted an emergency cable for the boot lid years ago and periodically check it is okay: it still works.

Easy job using strong fishing line, you will find the posting on here.

Good to see some car related topics coming through instead of the boring and endless thread about Covid: what has that got to do with Fiats?

 

[jimboy]

Teflon bike brake cable sprayed with silicon can be used for the inner, if you can get the old one out if needed. Make sure the catch and mechanism is free and working as it should, making sure the cable is attached properly and secure. The Coupe cables are notorious for breaking and sticking. I’ve been there a few times.

 

[Noideadave]

I borrowed a nifty little tool from my next door neighbour. It’s a metal plunger that you clamp onto the end of the cable sheath , fill it with oil then slowly wind in the plunger forcing the oil inside to lubricate the cable. It worked a treat so I did both bonnet and boot. Cannot remember what it was called though.

 

[jimboy]

Never had a broken cable on the bonnet or boot lids but the bonnet should not be a problem to get open.

The reason why the bonnet cable can be tough to pull is that Fiat neatly secured the cable to the engine bay inner wing where it bands around behind the headlight to continue on to the front catch. When installing a new cable you should not use that forward cable retaining clip.

If you have not already done so then for the boot you really need to install a secondary "emergency" cable/cord release because if the boot lid cable ever breaks you are really stuffed as there is (as far as I know) no way in without major surgery.

Pressed the wrong thumb

 

[Davefridge]

Hydraulic cable oilers were common in my motorcycling days. Venhill engineering supply nylon coated cables for motorbikes, they are very smooth in operation. Have just checked and they still do cables. They also supply components to make your own. They may even make custom cables. Hope this helps.

 

[Phil R]

I borrowed a nifty little tool from my next door neighbour. It’s a metal plunger that you clamp onto the end of the cable sheath , fill it with oil then slowly wind in the plunger forcing the oil inside to lubricate the cable. It worked a treat so I did both bonnet and boot. Cannot remember what it was called though.

The tool may well be the Doherty hydraulic cable oiler
Similar is also supplied but Frost Auto restoration of Warrington
Hope this helps

 

[ratty99]

Managed to get it open with a ery long screwdriver by lying underneath the front bumper and pusing the catch.

Ive ordered a new one now, but will keep the old one attached as a temp fix if it ever break again.

Thanks for everyones comments. Mark